Artful Attire: Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show, 2024

WHEN

First Night First Dibs Fri. Sept. 27 5pm-8pm
Show Days Sat. Sept. 28 – Sun. Sept. 29
Show Hours Sat. 10am-5pm Sun. 10am-4pm

WHERE

National Building Museum 
Washington, DC

The Show

Mark your calendar now, and check back soon for event details and the ticket link.
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The Smithsonian Craft Show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. All proceeds from the show benefit programs and museums of the Smithsonian.

43rd Annual Smithsonian Craft Show: Call for Entries

SHOW:

The 2025 Smithsonian Craft Show will feature America’s finest artisans and celebrate their vision of what mightbe. It is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary craft and design held annually in Washington DC. Three expert jurors, newly selected each year, choose 120 artists from a large pool of applicants. 

Previous exhibitors must re-apply each year.  No one is grandfathered into the show.  There is no quota for any category of Craft Art.  Artists are selected based on the originality, artistic conception, beauty, and quality of their work. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee. Proceeds from the show fund grants that benefit the Smithsonian’s education, outreach, conservation, and research programs.

The Smithsonian Craft Show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC) as a fund-raising event for the Smithsonian Institution. Since its inception, SWC has awarded more than 14 MILLION dollars in grants to Smithsonian organizations throughout the world.

The Craft Show does not charge sales commissions. However, accepted artists are encouraged to donate an item for the Show’s Online Auction or other fund-raising initiatives, the proceeds of which benefit the Smithsonian.

APPLICATION DEADLINES AND FEES:

Electronic applications are due by September 3, 2024.

The fee for applying is $50.  NOTICE:  The application fee is non-refundable and due at the time you fill out the online application and accept its terms and conditions.

LATE APPLICATIONS will be accepted until September 17, 2024 (midnight PT).  The fee for late applications is $75.  The late application fee includes the basic application fee of $50 and a late penalty of $25.  The $75 fee must be included with all electronic applications submitted after September 3, 2024.  Late electronic applications will not be accepted after September 17, 2024. 

More information and application here.

Smithsonian Craft Show May 1-5, 2024

THE SHOW

National Building Museum
May 2-4, 10:30 am-5:30 pm
May 5, 11 am-5:00 pm

TICKETS

Daily general admission: $20
Groups (10 or more) & students: $15

Preview Night Party: $250
Early Entry & Visionary Reception, Preview Night Party: $500

For tickets and more information, visit smithsoniancraftshow.org

PREVIEW NIGHT, May 1
From 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
First Look and Visionary Reception
Meet Smithsonian Visionary and SWC Delphi Award winners as you enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

From 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Preview Night Party
Meet the artists. See and shop their work. Enjoy joyful cuisine from around the world.

EVENTS
May 2, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Trio in Glass

Moderated by Stephanie Stebich, director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this talk will feature Visionary and Delphi award winners Dan Dailey, Judith Schaechter and Norwood Viviano. Registration required.

May 4, 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Saving Culture and Art in Crisis
Light Lunch and Presentation by Dr. Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-at-large and founder of the Smithsonian Cultural Rescue Initiative, discusses their vital efforts to preserve cultural heritage under threat in our country and around the world. Cost: $50 includes Admission to the Show.