The 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show is a premier event that celebrates the visionary artistry and skill of artisans from all corners of the country.

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Opening Night Benefit Preview Events

Visionary Artist Reception and Presentation to Nick Cave

WHEN: Wednesday, 4:45 p.m. — 6:00 p.m.

WHAT: The Smithsonian Visionary Award will be presented to multi-media artist Nick Cave, following a sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.

 

Opening Night Benefit Party

WHEN: Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHAT: Enjoy drinks, live music, and cocktail buffet as you chat with this year’s exhibiting artists and special guest Nick Cave. Opening night events are the single biggest contributor to the Smithsonian Women’s Committee’s ability to award grants to the Smithsonian.

WHERE: National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

 

COST: Opening Night Benefit Party: $300. A Patron level ticket includes the Visionary reception and award presentation to Nick Cave: $550.

Valet parking on opening night is available for $25 per car.

Craft Show Days

WHEN: April 24 - 26: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m, April 27: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

WHERE: National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 

WHAT: The Smithsonian Craft Show is the country's premier showcase for the finest in hand-crafted, American artisanal works. This year's theme celebrates our artists' vision of what might be as they give raw materials new life. A highlight fo the 2025 Craft Show will be the presentation of the Smithsonian Visionary Award to multi-media artist Nick Cave.

COST: $25. per person.  $20. per person for groups of 10 or more and students.

 

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Special Event: A Visionary Comversation with Award Winner Nick Cave

On Memory and Making

WHEN: Thursday, April 24, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

WHERE: National Building Museum, 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 

WHAT: Enjoy a lively conversation featuring artist and fiber sculptor Nick Cave, the 2025 Smithsonian Visionary Award recipient, with Sarah Newman, the James Dicke Curator of Contemporary Art and Deputy Head Curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM). The discussion will explore Cave's inspirations and process while previewing his exhibition of new work at SAAM this November, entitled Nick Cave: Mammoth.

COST: $50. per person. Craft Show general admission not included.

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