Gere Kavanaugh

Geraldine (Gere) Kavanaugh (born 1929) is an American textile, industrial, and interior designer known for a multidisciplinary approach that spans fabrics, furniture, interiors, exhibitions, and public art. A pioneer in postwar American design, Kavanaugh’s work is characterized by its bold use of color, playful forms, and integration of various craft traditions.

Early life and education Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she began formal art education at eight and later earned a BFA from the Memphis Academy of Arts. In 1952, she became the third woman to receive an MFA in design from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, joining the ranks of notable women alumni like Ray Eames and Florence Knoll.

Career General Motors and the “Damsels of Design” After graduating from Cranbrook, Kavanaugh joined General Motors’ Styling Division, becoming part of the all-female design team known as the “Damsels of Design.” There, she worked on exhibition designs, model kitchens, and promotional materials, contributing to projects like the 1958 “Feminine Auto Show.” There, she designed interiors of retail stores and shopping centers across the country. The firm later moved to Los Angeles where she became friends with Frank Gehry.

Geraldine Fabrics In 1970, Kavanaugh launched Geraldine Fabrics, producing a line of textiles that showcased her signature use of color and pattern. Although the venture was short-lived, it reflected her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to design innovation.

Design philosophy Kavanaugh’s work is noted for its exuberant use of color, often drawing inspiration from nature and folk art. She has stated, “I love color; I could eat color,”

Exhibitions and collections Kavanaugh’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including:

“Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945–1980” at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. “California’s Designing Women: 1896–1986” at The Autry Museum.

Her designs are part of permanent collections at institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the American Textile Museum.

Awards and recognition

AIGA Medal (2016): Honored for her contributions to American design. NEA Grants: Received multiple National Endowment for the Arts grants for product development and exhibition design. She was the first interior designer to win a COLA grant from the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. She was awarded the Julia Morgan Icon Award at the Los Angeles Design Festival in 2014. She also received the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Medal in 2016.

Legacy Over the years, Kavanaugh has designed ceramics, light fixtures, homes, store interiors, textiles, town clocks, and furniture.