The Mandell Gallery exhibited contemporary art made from materials previously associated with a craft tradition, such as fiber, hand blown glass, and ceramic art. It was located in Los Angeles, California and established, owned, and operated by Elizabeth Mandell, running from 1979 through 1982. The collection contains the gallery's administrative financial documents, exhibition information, and artists' files for artists whose work was exhibited and sold by the gallery. Artists' files contain sales records and numerous slides and photographs of artwork.

The Mandell Gallery was a contemporary craft gallery in Los Angeles that operated from 1979 - 1982. The Gallery held its inaugural exhibition on November 30, 1979, displaying the work of eight artists. During an active life of two and one-half years, the Mandell Gallery primarily showed works by glass, fiber, and clay artists of international stature. Among its activities the gallery hosted exhibitions, including opening receptions; sent out invitations; arranged publicity; connected potential buyers to artists; and conducted and tracked sales of artists' work. The Mandell Gallery had a reputation for presenting quality exhibitions and maintaining good relationships with artists. The early 1980s was a significant period for many of these artists, who were beginning to command prices comparable to other established contemporary sculptors. The gallery's final exhibition closed on July 11, 1982. Some sales were made through the middle of November, but the latter exhibition was the gallery's last public event. In an interview in Fiberarts magazine, Elizabeth Mandell cited time demands and a need for larger quarters as factors that contributed to her decision to close the gallery. The gallery's library and archives were subsequently transferred to the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

12 document boxes (6 linear ft.)

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