Holiday Gift Guide 2022
Are you ready for the holiday season? Looking for something special for the loved ones in your life? Check out our curated list of gifts created by artists, scholars, makers, and entrepreneurs from across the arts community at UCLA.
Acclaimed chef, writer, and cookbook author David Tanis launched LULU at the Hammer Museum last fall with Alice Waters. Now he has published David Tanis Market Cooking. It’s about seeking out the best ingredients, learning the qualities of each, and the methods and recipes that showcase what makes them special. You can buy the cookbook and experience this philosophy of delicious, seasonal inspired meals by dining at Lulu at the Hammer. Make a reservation via Resy or buy a gift card.
Verlena Johnson is an academic advisor and student affairs officer in the Department of Architecture and Urban Design, as well as a visual artist. Johnson received the 2022 Bridge Builder Award from the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center for her work in bringing visibility to and honoring historic Black, Brown, LGBTQ and non-gender conforming people, such as Audre Lorde, Marsha P. Johnson, and Bayard Rustin. Her online store features shirts, mugs, pillows and other objects featuring images of her paintings.
Carolyn Strauss ‘78 (B.A., design) studied photography with Robert Heineken as an undergraduate art student at UCLA. Since then she’s worked in a variety of roles, from motion picture post-production to managing a contemporary art gallery to running a color consulting firm for interior design and architecture clients. Recently she pivoted to transforming her digital photographs into decorative pillows that measure 16” x 16” and are printed with different imagery on each side.
a to zee press is a tiny risograph studio based in the San Gabriel Valley run by Amanda Fung ‘14 (B.A., design media arts) and born from their obsession with both risograph and zines. The first major publication for a to zee press is a collaboration between six different artists, many of them former DMA alumni, to create a beautiful risograph printed collection of art that doubles as a wall calendar for 2023. The pages are perforated so each artwork can be displayed independently once the dates are no longer relevant. Calendars are $45 each and available to purchase on their website and on their Instagram page. Other gifts in the shop include zines, prints, and various stationery. Custom print services are also available upon request with a minimum two-week turnaround.
Love animals and coffee? Lena Wolek ‘12 (B.A., art) is a sculptor working in ceramics and the creator of functional pottery objects like the mugs pictured above. Each piece is unique and features one of Lena’s drawings of animals like cats, horses, and dogs to reflect on the imperfection of human nature. The mugs are beautiful, humorous, and available on her website. Prices range from $45 to $55.
Lisa Hanawalt '06 (B.A., Art), production designer/producer on the hit TV series BoJack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie, has a plethora of cool original art and prints that appeal to both comedy and art lovers.
Discover an intergalactic, supernatural land with apparel featuring the art of Yumi Sakugawa ‘07 (B.A., Art) at Sunshine Spiritual & Existential running from sweaters, hoodies, shirts, hats, and much more!
Matt Sarafa '20 (B.A., Design Media Arts) is an LA-based celebrity fashion designer that founded the Matt Sarafa brand, which has been published in prestigious fashion media outlets such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Check out his faux fur collection line.
Looking to tap into your creativity, connect to nature, and bring good vibes into your home? Look no further than Jungalow, founded by Justina Blakeney '01 (B.A., World Arts and Cultures), which brings bold colors, patterns, and plants aplenty to your home. Jungalow is now available at Target's home brand Opalhouse containing a 300 piece collection of furniture pieces, pillow, wallpaper, décor, and much more!
Looking to grab a sweet bite this winter? Coolhaus, co-founded by Natasha Case '08 (M.A., Architecture), is an ice cream company that strives to bring people together through smiles, joy, laughter, and of course endless possibilities of ice cream. For this holiday season, Coolhaus is selling digital gift cards (starting at a $10 denomination) to bring loved ones together through the power of ice cream.
Love jewelry and supporting small businesses? Desirae Barrigan is the co-chair of UCLA's American Indian Student Association and owns a jewelry business, called Coastal Desires, inspired by her cultural roots—the Gabrielino Tribe. She seeks to raise awareness of the issues impacting Native Americans, uplift their cultural contributions, and pursue medical school via her jewelry sales to serve her community. Each piece is unique and features themes ranging from UCLA spirit to sea shore materials.
Give the gift of membership to UCLA Arts’ renowned museums and performing arts programs
A membership to UCLA's Center for the Art of Performance (CAP UCLA) supports the performing arts and provides access to all CAP UCLA programming for free. Become a partner in the creative process and help support the vitality of contemporary performing arts.
A Fowler Museum membership comes with perks, including curator-led tours of contemporary art exhibitions at the Fowler and other museums; special “behind the scenes” opportunities; and invitations to exclusive events that explore related art, food, theater, film, and dance.
A Hammer Museum membership gives you access to unique online and in-person experiences designed exclusively for members, including priority access to exhibitions and programs.
HEADER IMAGE: Verlena Johnson. Self-Portrait With Feathers, self-portrait watercolor painting depicts the artist's divinity.
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