CraftWeek DC

April 22 to 26, 2009

The first annual CraftWeek DC takes place April 22 - 26, 2009. A citywide celebration of crafts in our Nation’s capital, each day offers activities focus ed on every craft medium from ceramics, fiber, glass, metal to wood, and includes exhibits, artist demonstrations, gallery receptions, lectures, plus other activities. Two nationally recognized studio craft events will also take place – the prestigious juried Smithsonian Craft Show and the James Renwick Alliance Spring Craft Weekend, including the Masters of the Medium symposium featuring the five master artists.

CraftWeek DC is a unique opportunity to see studio crafts at their best and meet the makers, from internationally recognized artists to up-and-coming artists exhibiting for the first time at the Smithsonian Craft Show. Events celebrate as well, the growing community of artists and galleries in the Washington, DC area involved in creating and showing sculptural and functional objects.

A first for this area is an exhibition by Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina opening at Habatat Galleries, Tysons Corner, VA. On Saturday morning, April 25, the James Renwick Alliance and the Smithsonian American Art Museum host a symposium at which artists honored by the Alliance’s Master of the Medium award will speak on their life in craft. Speaking at the Smithsonian Craft Show on a ceramic architectural installation is noted ceramist Wayne Higby, Professor and Robert C. Turner Chair of Ceramic Arts at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. An exhibit of Higby’s sculptural work is on display at the Cosmos Club in Washington, DC.

Many events are free and open to the public.

For event dates, times and locations, and events requiring admission fees, see http://craftweekdc.com