Juried Fine Craft Show Celebrates American Artistry
The 44th annual Smithsonian Craft Show will take place April 22–26 featuring the work of recognized masters and outstanding innovators of American craft. A panel of expert jurors has selected 120 American artists representing all facets of contemporary craft and design, including 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 pieces at a wide range of prices.
The show will be held at the National Building Museum, located at 401 F St. N.W. in Washington, D.C. Admission is $25, and group sales of 10 or more are $20 each, both of which can be purchased in advance or online.
The show’s Preview Night Benefit April 22 offers an early opportunity to view and purchase crafts while enjoying cocktails and dinner. Tickets and more information are available on the craft show website.
The 2026 honorary chair is Carol Sauvion, the former executive director of Craft in America, and the guiding force behind Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide initiative to showcase 250 years of American craft.
A highlight of the Preview Night Benefit will be the presentation of the Smithsonian Visionary Award to Wayne Higby for his significant achievements in sculptural art and design. Ceramic artist Cristina Córdova will receive the Delphi Award from the Smithsonian Women’s Committee for her exceptional mid-career artistry and promise.
The Smithsonian Women’s Committee produces this show to celebrate the finest in American contemporary craft and design. All proceeds go back to the Smithsonian through grants to multiple museums, research centers and the Zoo. To date, the organization has awarded more than $15 million to the Institution for projects that support innovative education and enhance knowledge, research and outreach in areas of culture, arts, mysteries of the universe, biodiversity and the American experience.
About the Smithsonian Women’s Committee
The Smithsonian Women’s Committee is an all-volunteer organization of 180 members that raises funds through its annual Smithsonian Craft Show and Craft2Wear Show to fund its grants and endowment programs to support the initiatives of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo and numerous education, research and conservation centers in the Washington, D.C., area and around the world.