“Tools of the Trades” at Craft in America Center spotlights contemporary American handmade tools and craft traditions
Art Daily December 15, 2025
Tools of the Trades: American Handmade Implements & Devices is the first exhibition of its kind to highlight beautifully designed, hand-crafted tools made by contemporary toolmakers in the United States. It will also be the first in a series of exhibitions for Handwork 2026, a nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.
Filming at Allied Woodshop for the Craft Video Dictionary
Mary here, Craft in America’s Getty Marrow Undergraduate Intern for Summer 2023. Earlier this week, I participated in another shoot day for the Craft Video Dictionary. We filmed several woodworking techniques at Allied Woodshop in East LA. At various points throughout the day, I was awestruck by the skill and speed each artist brought to the table. Woodworking is not my area of expertise, but everyone from Allied was extremely helpful and communicative. The shoot went smoothly and I’m proud to say we filmed the creation of some humble yet beautiful objects. Everyone has been putting so much work into this project, and it’s exciting to see it grow continuously.
Allied Woodshop frequently offers beginning to advanced workshops, many of which are specifically reserved for women, nonbinary, and trans students. For more information, visit alliedwoodshop.com.
The Craft Video Dictionary is supported by the Decorative Arts Trust’s Prize for Excellence and Innovation. To learn more about the Trust or to become a member, visit The Decorative Arts Trust.
Header image: Martin Alexander turning beads and coves on a lathe.
