Smithsonian Craft Show on a “Quest for the Best”

The Smithsonian Craft Show, the most prestigious juried show and sale of fine contemporary American sculptural objects and design, presents its annual event April 10-13 at the National Building Museum. 

One hundred twenty-two exhibitors were selected for the 2014 event from a pool of 1,200. The theme of the event—Quest for the Best—highlights the creativity, vision and technical mastery of these artists.

Avid collectors and people who enjoy art and design can view and purchase one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings made from materials such as wood, ceramics, metal and paper. Visitors can also purchase wearable art and jewelry. The artists are on site throughout the event to discuss their techniques and inspirations.

This year’s Craft Show will feature the first presentation of the Visionary Award. The award celebrates artists who have risen to the pinnacle of sculptural arts and design, who have works in major museums and who have demonstrated distinction, creativity, artistry and vision in their respective mediums. The 2014 award will be presented to Wendell Castle and Albert Paley.

Produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, the weekend-long event includes a special preview party and a Visionary Award dinner honoring Castle and Paley. The weekend also features a discussion panel with the two artists, a discussion panel with interior designer David Mitchell and a luncheon with Washington Post reporter Roxanne Roberts.

Proceeds from the Craft Show fund projects at the Smithsonian selected by the Women’s Committee. In the past 47 years, the Women’s Committee has donated more than $10 million to a list of critical and diverse projects at the Institution.

For more information about these events and general information about the Craft Show—including hours, ticket prices and directions—visit the event’s website, call (888) 832-9554 or email austrpr@si.edu.       

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SI-49-2014