The Smithsonian Craft Show brings the best of the best arts and crafts to DC, the juried show and auction is the most highly regarded in the country.
The 35th annual Smithsonian Craft Show kicks off April 27 and will feature the works of 120 artists in all facets of crafts and modern design. From decorative fiber, ceramics, basketry and furniture to jewelry, glass, metal and wood to wearable art, paper and mixed media, the Smithsonian Craft Show has something for casual visitors and serious collectors alike.
The unique and one-of-a-kind works will be on display and also for sale in all price ranges. The price of admission also gives visitors access to special events on this year’s show theme, “Looking Back and Moving Forward.” The special events will feature recognized fine craft and design experts from all across the country.
Visitors of the Smithsonian Craft Show will have the chance to meet the 120 artists of 120 jury selected master works and also have the chance to see and purchase their work.
There are six special events in all during the three-day Smithsonian Craft Show. Thursday at 1:00 pm the “Textiles as Fine Art Collectables” features a discussion with The Consulting Curator of Contemporary Textiles at George Washington University’s Textile Museum Rebecca Stevens. Also on Thursday at 4:00 pm is “Faith Ringgold a Living Legend” in which Dorian Bergen, the President of ACA Galleries of New York, will engage the audience in a conversation about Ringgold’s work. Friday’s lone event is titled “Art as a Career” and will be an exploration of the careers using degrees in Decorative and Fine Art and Museum Studies by a panel of educators in the field. The Friday panel begins at 1:00 pm.
On Saturday at 1:00 pm Lloyd Herman, the founding director of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum will lead a conversation and discussion entitled “Renwick: A Craft Museum’s Past, Present, and Future.” Also participating will be Curator of Craft Nora Atkinson, Curator in charge Charles Bresler and Abraham Thomas, Renwick’s new Fluer.
At 3:00 pm on Saturday Matilda McQuaid of the Smithsonian’s design Museum discusses the current integration of science in craft making with some of this year’s artists in an event entitled “The Intersection of Craft and Science.” The final special event, “Trends in Materials and Design of Craft Jewlery,” takes place Sunday at 1:00 pm and will feature the National Endowment of the Humanities’ Stefanie Walker in a conversation with jewelry artists of the Craft Show. Each of these special events is free to show attendees.
Tickets are available on the Smithsonian’s website, one day passes are $17 in advance and two day passes are $30. One day passes purchased on the day of the show are $20.
The show hours are:
Thurs., April 27, 2017, 10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri., April 28, 2017, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat., April 29, 2016, 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sun., April 30, 2016, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: National Building Museum 401 F Street NW Washington, DC 20001 Closest Metro Station: Judiciary Square on the Red Line
