Exhibition of over sixty craft and art works used in fishing or illuminating the relationship between people and fish, exploring the interdependence between humans and marine life.
To Catch a Fish is running at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park through November 1, 2026. It's curated by Dr. Emily Hanna and brings together more than 130 works—most from the museum's own permanent collection, with a few contemporary pieces added in. The show is built around the museum's spring theme, Tend, which looks at the gentle, intentional act of caring for objects, stories, and young learners, and it asks you to think about the interdependence between people and marine life.
The exhibition is split into four sections. The first gathers historical fishing equipment from more than 20 countries, including South American fish descalers dating back to 300 BC and Japanese glass floats from the late 1800s. The second is an installation by First Nations artist Marianne Nicolson, The Halibut Hooks, which looks at the impact of commercial fisheries on Indigenous communities in British Columbia. The third moves into the mythical and spiritual side of the relationship, with amulets, talismans, and images of saints. The fourth covers everyday objects inspired by fish, from Caribbean clothing to West African puppets.
Alongside the permanent collection pieces, there are new works by Marianne Nicolson, Robert Lang (Vertical Pond III: From the Ashes), and Aidelen Montoya (Study: Lake Trout, Sea Lamprey and The Great Lakes). The museum also runs lectures and classes around the show, including the Japanese art of gyotaku, the practice of making prints from fish.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in San Diego and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The Mingei was established in 1978 and celebrates folk art, craft, and the handmade objects of daily use, and this show draws on a collection of more than 30,000 objects. General admission is $15, with discounts for students, seniors, and military; admission is free for everyone on the third Tuesday of every month. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 8 PM.
