2020 Smithsonian Craft Show Set for April 22–26 at the National Building Museum

The 38th annual Smithsonian Craft Show, a juried show of fine American crafts, features works from 121 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 variety of price ranges.

The five-day show and sale will take place April 22–26, 2020, 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. There are special group rates for 10 or more people. General admission tickets are available at https://sicraftanddesign.eventbrite.com/; Preview Night Benefit Tickets are available at www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.

The Preview Night Benefit Wednesday, April 22, combines a buffet, wine, music and entertainment and offers the chance to shop the unique, one-of-a-kind crafts available and speak with the artists before the crowds arrive the next day. The $250 ticket price supports grants funded by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee to the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, nine research facilities, 21 libraries, traveling exhibitions and the National Zoo.

Friends Night Out, Thursday, April 23, is an evening of shopping with snacks and a cash bar; mixologists will craft signature cocktails for this event. Tickets are $40, sell out quickly and are good for the entire day.

This year’s Smithsonian Visionary Award honors celebrated ceramics artist Patti Warashina, whose skillful sculptural works are famed for their humor and spirit on subjects ranging from feminism to the nation’s car culture. Selected works will be on display. Warashina and the other award-winning show artists will be celebrated at the Visionary Reception Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m. before the Preview Night Benefit. Tickets for the Preview Night Benefit with Visionary Reception are $500.

Hours

Wednesday, April 22—Visionary Reception     5 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22—Preview Benefit           6:30 p.m.–9 p.m.

Thursday, April 23                                         10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Thursday, April 23—Friends Night Out           5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Friday, April 24                                              10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25                                          10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26                                            11 a.m.–5 p.m.

About the Smithsonian Craft Show

The Smithsonian Craft Show, produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, supports yearly grants to the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, nine research facilities, 21 libraries, traveling exhibitions and the National Zoo. Over $12 million has been awarded in grants and endowments since 1966. For more information, visit www.smithsoniancraftshow.org.

# # #

SI-479A-2019