In March, the American Craft Council was honored to host a visit by Mira Nakashima, daughter of ACC Fellow George Nakashima and accomplished furniture maker in her own right. In an interview with the Council, Mira shared insights into the legacy of the studio founded by her father, the challenge of continuing the family business after George’s death in 1990, and the evolving legacy for George Nakashima Woodworker studio.

Mira also joined a small group at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to share some of the stories and experiences of Nakashima furniture. MIA associate curator of decorative arts, textiles, and sculpture, Jennifer Komar Olivarez, shared a number of recently acquired Nakashima furniture pieces from the museum's collection with the audience, while Mira walked through the many details of their design, fabrication, and legacy on American craft and design.

Beyond being a link to one of the most acclaimed and accomplished American furniture makers, Mira Nakashima and the Nakashima Studio are examples of the enduring nature of furniture design and production rooted in the studio craft movement.