Bruce Guttin is a sculptor whose inventive work explores the relationship between everyday objects, functional design and artistic expression. He received his M.F.A. in studio art from the University of California, Davis, in 1972, during a period when the university's art department was internationally recognized for its experimental approaches to sculpture. Working initially in wood, Guttin developed a longstanding interest in headwear that eventually became an important focus of his artistic practice. In 2012, the Richard L. Nelson Gallery at UC Davis presented Bruce Guttin: Headwear Improvisations by a Sculptor, an exhibition featuring a commissioned selection of his imaginative, inexpensive hats, accompanied by drawings and sculpture. By transforming ordinary materials into unexpected wearable forms, Guttin blurred distinctions between sculpture, design and daily life. His work reflects a playful, resourceful approach to artmaking, finding creative possibilities in familiar objects and practical activities.