A Festive First Look and Honoring Celebrated Artists!
Enjoy a great opportunity to talk with artists and see their artwork before general show hours, while also supporting the Smithsonian. See a few photos below.
Proceeds from Preview Night are the single biggest contributor to the Smithsonian Women’s Committee’s ability to award grants to the Smithsonian for research, education, and exhibition projects.
Meet the Award Honoree
The evening begins with the Visionary Artist Reception and Award Presentations, 4:45-6:00 PM. Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine while mingling with the award-winning artist, then gather for the award ceremony and remarks from the artist. The awardee for 2027 will be announced soon.
The Smithsonian Visionary Award is presented annually by the Secretary of the Smithsonian at the Smithsonian Craft Show to American artists who are deemed by experts in the field to have risen to the pinnacle of sculptural arts and design, who have works in major museums, and who have demonstrated distinction, creativity, exceptional artistry and, of course, vision in their respective medium.
Preview Night Party
Starting at 6:00pm, enjoy drinks, live music, and cocktail buffet as you chat with this year’s exhibiting artists and special guests.
Following welcoming remarks by the Smithsonian Institution host, the award-winners among the exhibitors at the show will be announced. The rest of the evening is for enjoying the music and refreshments, talking with the artists and other guests, and making your selections from the amazing collections of fine craft that will be on display.
