The Smithsonian Craft Show’s annual online auction—one of the event’s most popular features—gives both casual and serious collectors a chance to “Bid on the Best” of contemporary American sculptural objects and design. This year’s bidding begins Monday, April 7, and closes Tuesday, April 22, at 9 p.m.
This year, 24 “Supporting Artists,” whose works are found in top-tier galleries and museums across the country, have been invited to contribute to the auction, along with current and former Smithsonian Craft Show juried exhibitors. This category—a new addition to this year’s auction—is led by Visionary Award winners Wendell Castle and Albert Paley and will be of particular interest to the serious collector.
The auction catalog includes more than 125 items in a variety of media, ranging from basketry and ceramics to jewelry, wearable art and wood, in a broad range of styles and affordability. Each item reflects the quality and prestige of the Smithsonian Craft Show itself, and the artistry, creativity and vision of its creator.
Other items up for bid include private “Behind-the-Scenes at the Smithsonian” tours. Among the tours featured in the “Tickets and Tours” category is a visit to the National Zoo’s Panda House to see baby giant panda Bao Bao.
The 2014 Smithsonian Craft Show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee and takes place at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., April 10–13. The Preview Night Benefit and the Visionary Awards Dinner will be held April 9.
All proceeds from the Smithsonian Craft Show, including the auction, fund critically important projects at the Smithsonian. For the past 47 years, the Smithsonian Women’s Committee has contributed more than $10 million in grants and endowments to the Institution.
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