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Gina Choi, an up-and-coming scholar of Korean art, visited CSUSB’s Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) over the summer to conduct an in-depth scholarly review of the museum's Korean ceramics collection. Choi’s research is supported by a grant from the National Museum of Korea, aimed at further documenting and enhancing the understanding of the ceramics collection. RAFFMA is one of only five international institutions to receive funding from the National Museum of Korea for the purpose of providing support for the study of the Korean ceramics in RAFFMA’s collection.
Choi is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in East Asian art history at Princeton University, where she specializes in premodern Korean and Japanese painting. Her academic journey is distinguished by a bachelor’s degree in art history and philosophy from Boston College, followed by a master's degree from Tufts University. During her undergraduate studies, Choi developed a profound interest in Japanese art through her research on Japonisme in late 19th century France. This passion led her to further her studies and gain experience as a fellow at the Metropolitan Museum of Art under the mentorship of Eleanor Hyun, the museum's Korean art curator.
Choi's deep interest in Korean ceramics was sparked during a graduate seminar at Columbia University in 2017, taught by the renowned Korean ceramics specialist, Soyoung Lee. Since then, she has dedicated her research to exploring key moments in the history of Korean and Japanese ceramics, particularly focusing on cross-cultural exchanges in East Asia. Her expertise was further recognized when she delivered a guest lecture on Korean ceramics at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of an advanced Korean language course at Princeton University.
Choi will return to RAFFMA on Oct. 10 at 12 p.m. to present "Beginnings: Korean Ceramics at RAFFMA," a lecture which will be free and open to the public. This lecture will be part of RAFFMA’s Korean Ceramics Research project, supported by the National Museum of Korea. Visit the RAFFMA website for more information and updates.
About RAFFMA
The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) opened to the public in the fall of 1996 on the California State University, San Bernardino campus. Since that time, it has grown to be major cultural center in the Inland Empire of Southern California. In 2008 RAFFMA was the first American Alliance of Museums accredited art museum in San Bernardino County and one of only two museums in the California State University system of 23 campuses.
RAFFMA’s exhibitions and collections serve a dual purpose to exhibit and collection both ancient and contemporary artwork. Currently, the museum collection is just under 1500 objects and hosts a variety of exhibitions and public programs throughout the year in a 9,500-square-foot facility.
RAFFMA provides meaningful cultural experiences through exhibitions and educational programs to engage and inspire local, national, and international audiences. RAFFMA strives to be a vibrant resource for campus and community-at-large to stimulate curiosity and wonder. Through diligent efforts and partnerships, the museum will continue to contribute to the development of visual culture.
The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art is supported by generous donors and collaborators; the RAFFMA Board of Advocates; California State University, San Bernardino College of Arts and Letters; and the California State University, San Bernardino for ongoing support of the museum and its program.
RAFFMA’s public hours are Mondays-Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays-Thursdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The museum is closed on Fridays and Sundays.