To Catch a Fish | Mingei International Museum
Unidentified Makers, Fishing Floats, 20th century. blown glass and hemp rope (asa). Japan. various sizes. Museum Purchase, 2001-38-001 and 2001-38-002; Gift of Yoshi Hug, 2003-41-001.
Image: Unidentified Makers, Fishing Floats, 20th century. blown glass and hemp rope (asa). Japan. various sizes. Museum Purchase, 2001-38-001 and 2001-38-002; Gift of Yoshi Hug, 2003-41-001.
On View

May 2 - Nov 1, 2026

Location

Mingei International Museum

Curated By

Emily Hanna

To Catch a Fish presents over sixty works of craft and art that are either used in fishing or that illuminate the relationship between people and fish. Utilitarian fishing objects include hand-crafted basketry fish traps, scrapers, weights, and nets. Works with spiritual significance and symbolism include amulets, robes, images of saints, and even kites.

This exhibition includes the stunning work of contemporary artist Marianne Nicolson, addressing the impact of commercial fisheries on indigenous communities in British Columbia. 

Banner Image

Unidentified Makers, Fishing Floats, 20th century. blown glass and hemp rope (asa). Japan. various sizes. Museum Purchase, 2001-38-001 and 2001-38-002; Gift of Yoshi Hug, 2003-41-001.

Rosendo Rodriguez, Mermaid, 20th century, Mexico. Painted clay. 10 1⁄2 in. x 14 in. x 5 in. Gift of Mayde Meiers Herberg, 1999−02−002.
Crispin Manjarez, Comb — Man and Fish, 20th century, Mexico. Painted horn. 7 1⁄8 in. x 4 in. Gift of Mayde Meiers Herberg, 1999−02−089.
Unidentified Maker, Shrimp Trap, 20th century, Indonesia. Reed. 18 3⁄4 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. Museum Purchase, 2004−04−001.
Hazel Simeon (Queen Charlotte Islands 1941 – 2016 Vancouver) Haida culture, Button Blanket, 1997, Canada. wool, wool felt, copper, abalone, buttons, beads. 52 in. x 59 in. Gift of Harvey and Frances White, 1997−63−001.

Slideshow Images

1. Rosendo Rodriguez, Mermaid, 20th century, Mexico. Painted clay. 10 1/2 in. x 14 in. x 5 in. Gift of Mayde Meiers Herberg, 1999-02-002.

2. Crispin Manjarez, Comb - Man and Fish, 20th century, Mexico. Painted horn. 7 1/8 in. x 4 in. Gift of Mayde Meiers Herberg, 1999-02-089.

3. Unidentified Maker, Shrimp Trap, 20th century, Indonesia. Reed. 18 3/4 in. x 12 in. x 12 in. Museum Purchase, 2004-04-001.

4. Hazel Simeon (Queen Charlotte Islands 1941 – 2016 Vancouver) Haida culture, Button Blanket, 1997, Canada. wool, wool felt, copper, abalone, buttons, beads. 52 in. x 59 in. Gift of Harvey and Frances White, 1997-63-001.

To Catch a Fish is part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America's nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.