The Smithsonian Craft Show is a four day show and sale of the finest in American Crafts and Design, held at the beautiful National Building Museum in Washington DC.
121 artists have been carefully selected by a panel of jurors who look for unrivaled quality and creativity. Every year, approximately one third of our exhibitors are new to our show. You will see well-known artists who are masters of their craft, as well as lesser-known emerging talent. Come and discover them all! Artists at the show work in all facets of contemporary craft and design – Basketry, Ceramics, Decorative Fiber, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry, Leather, Metal, Mixed Media, Paper, Wearables, and Wood. Serious collectors and casual visitors will find one-of-a kind works of art in all price ranges.
- For day time shopping, join us Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26.
- For after-hours fun, join us for Craft + Cocktails on Thursday, April 23, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This special evening includes signature cocktails from celebrity mixologists, music, snacks, entertainment, and all-day general admission! Buy your tickets now before they sell out!
- For an exclusive evening of shopping without the crowds – while enjoying a sumptuous buffet with wine and cocktails – join us for our Preview Night Benefit on Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
- For the most exclusive event, and the opportunity to mingle with our 2020 Visionary Artist Award recipient, Patti Warashina, and our show VIPs (jurors, curators, movers & shakers), choose the Preview Night Benefit with Visionary Artist Reception ticket option on Wednesday, April 22. This option allows you into an exclusive and intimate reception before the Preview Night Benefit. Tickets are limited, so buy yours now!
Date and Time:
Wed, April 22, 6:30 pm – Sun, April 26, 5:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Visionary Artist Reception
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Preview Night Benefit
THURSDAY, April 23, 2020
10:30 am – 5:00 pm – General Admission
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Craft + Cocktails
FRIDAY, April 24, 2020
10:30 am – 5:30 pm – General Admission
SATURDAY, April 25, 2020
10:30 am – 5:30 pm – General Admission
SUNDAY, April 26, 2020
11:00 am – 5:00 pm – General Admission
Location:
National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Metro Red Line – Judiciary Square Station, F Street Exit
2020 Visionary Artist: Patti Warashina, recipient of this year’s Smithsonian Visionary Award, is honored for her work in ceramic sculptures. University of Washington Professor Emerita, Patti Warashina at age 79 continues to craft smart, funny, and sometimes heartrending figurative sculptures with masterful proficiency, exploring such themes as the absurdity and foibles of human nature, feminism, and other timely political and social topics. Her many honors include two National Endowment for the Arts grants, fellowship in the American Craft Council, Lifetime Achievement Award/Woman of the Year from Seattle’s Artist Trust, and a distinguished alumnus award from the University of Washington. Numerous institutions hold her work in their permanent collections including the Los Angeles County Art Museum, American Craft Museum, Seattle and Tacoma Art Museum, and the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, among others.
Presentation of award will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at the Visionary Artist Reception immediately prior to the Preview Night Benefit.
The Visionary Artists Award is presented to artists who have reached the pinnacle in sculptural arts and design, who have works in major museums, and who have demonstrated distinction, creativity, artistry, and vision in their respective medium. Previous Visionary Artists include Wendell Castle, Albert Paley, Toots Zynsky, Dale Chihuly, Faith Ringgold, and Joyce J. Scott.