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.
119 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 daytime 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 entertainment and enlightenment, attend “Wit and Wisdom in the Work of Patti Warashina”, Thursday April 23 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. In lively conversation with Stephanie Stebich, the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Patti reveals how her life experience and sense of humor inform her art.
- 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!
Ticketing:
GENERAL ADMISSION
Includes commemorative program
Door Price — $20
Online by April 20 — $17
Click to purchase online through Eventbrite
Click to purchase online through the Smithsonian Associates
GROUP SALES –
Advance Purchase Only — $15 each
Groups of 10 or more
Click to purchase online through Eventbrite
Craft + Cocktails
Thursday, April 23 — $35
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Craft Cocktails, anyone? Bring your friends and come anytime on Thursday to shop and stay for after-hours fun with creative cocktails by celebrity mixologists, music, snacks, entertainment, and more shopping!
Click to purchase online through Eventbrite
Click to purchase online through the Smithsonian Associates
“Wit and Wisdom in the Work of Patti Warashina”
Thursday, April 23 — $45
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Stephanie Stebich, the Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, will engage with Patti to reveal how her life experience and sense of humor inform her art.
Click to purchase online through Eventbrite
Click to purchase online through the Smithsonian Associates
PREVIEW NIGHT BENEFIT
Wednesday, April 22 — $250
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Shop early, meet the artists without the crowds, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet with wine and cocktails.
Click to purchase online through Eventbrite
Click to purchase online through the Smithsonian Associates
Preview Night Benefit with Visionary Reception
Wednesday, April 22 — $500
Add the Visionary Reception (5:00 – 6:30 pm) to mingle with the honoree, award winners, VIPs and witness the awards ceremony. Hors d’oeuvres and libations will be served.
Click to purchase online through the Smithsonian Associates
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
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – “Wit and Wisdom in the Work of Patti Warashina”
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
Visionary Artist Award 2020: Patti Warashina, recipient of this year’s Smithsonian Visionary Award, is honored for her work in ceramic sculptures. University of Washington Professor Emerita, 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. Institutions holding her work include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Museum of Art and Design, New York, National Museum of Modern Art, Japan and the Los Angeles County Art Museum. Selected Warashina works will be on display during the show.
The Smithsonian Visionary Award is presented annually by the Secretary of the Smithsonian to artists who have reached the pinnacle of 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.