Smithsonian’s Craft Show Opens Oct. 27

The 2021 Smithsonian Craft Show will be held in-person for the first time since 2019. This juried show of fine American crafts features works from 120 artists representing all facets of contemporary craft and design—basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood. The works will be on display and for sale; serious collectors and casual shoppers will find one-of-a-kind works of art in a wide range of prices.

The show will take place Oct. 27 through Oct. 31 at the National Building Museum, located at 401 F St. N.W. in Washington, D.C. Admission is $20 at the door, but discounted tickets are available online. Sponsors and their guests are invited to attend the Preview Night Benefit Oct. 27, which is an early opportunity to view and purchase crafts from our extraordinary artists, while enjoying cocktails and dinner.

The Smithsonian Visionary Award will be presented to David Ellsworth and Michael Hurwitz and the SWC Delphi Award to Steven Young Lee and Roberto Lugo at the Preview Night Benefit. Also planned is a panel discussion “Transforming the Power of Craft” led by Michael W. Monroe Oct. 28. More information about general admission tickets and Preview Night Benefit tickets is available at www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.

Sponsored by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC), the Craft Show is a five-day show and sale of the finest in American contemporary craft and design, handcrafted in America. Artists are carefully selected from a competitive pool of applicants by a panel of esteemed jurors. Proceeds support grants to the Smithsonian for innovative education, outreach and research projects.

About the Smithsonian Women’s Committee

The Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC) is dedicated to advancing the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. Founded in 1966, SWC celebrates fine American craft through the Smithsonian Craft Show. The committee awards grants and endowments throughout the Smithsonian from the funds raised at the shows.

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