Telling the American Story through the Art of Craft

Widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious juried exhibition and sale of fine American craft, the 28th annual show takes place April 22–April 25, 2010 in the historic National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

Exemplifying innovation, creativity and technical merit, each of the 120 exhibitors reflects the story of contemporary American craft in one of 12 categories: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood.

Ticket Information

Tickets ordered by April 11 will be mailed to you via First Class USPS. There are no ticket fees or shipping & handling charges for online orders. Tickets ordered after April 11, but prior to the 2 p.m., April 20th online order deadline will be held for pick-up at the Will Call desk. Tickets may be purchased at the door, except for Preview Night.

Craft Show Daily Admission

Save 20% per ticket and avoid long lines by ordering in advance!

Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, April 23, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday April 24, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday April 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission tickets purchased in advance can be used for one-time entry to any one of the four show days.

Children 12 and under free (no strollers).

Preview Night Benefit

Wednesday, April 21, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cocktail Buffet, Music by the Smithsonian Jazz Trio, First Choice Shopping.

Connect and Collect: A Reception for Young Professionals

Thursday, April 22, 5:30-8 p.m.
A special evening to see friends, learn about Fine Craft, tour the Craft Show, and meet the artists; includes re-admittance, Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Afternoon lectures: Telling America’s Story through the Art of Craft

Making Conversations: Exhibitors on Inspiration, Process and Lessons Learned
Friday, April 23, 1 - 2:45 p.m.
Dr. Diana N'Diaye, Curator, Smithsonian Folklife Festival talks with Smithsonian Craft Show exhibitors; includes admission to the Smithsonian Craft Show and light refreshments

Contemporary Craft Considered
Saturday, April 24, 1 - 5 p.m.

Lectures by:

Elisabeth Agro, the Nancy M. McNeil Associate Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Oscar Fitzgerald, Professor, Smithsonian-Corcoran Master of Arts in the Decorative Arts and author of the new book New Masters of the Wooden Box: Expanding the Boundaries of Box-Making.
Ana M. Lopez, Assistant Professor, Jewelry & Metalsmithing, History of Crafts, University of North Texas and author of Metalworking Through History: An Encyclopedia.

Free On-going Programs: Thursday-Sunday

In collaboration with the Corcoran College of Art + Design (CCA+D), a series of demonstrations and talks focused on jewelry and light metal work will be given by Craft Show exhibitors and CCA+D artists. CCA+D will also present a juried exhibit of mixed media works by its students.

Location: The National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW. Washington, DC 20001, Metro - Red Line - Judiciary Square Station.

More information can be found at www.SmithsonianCraftShow.org or by phone at 888-832-9554 or 202-633-5006.

A Related Program presented by The Smithsonian Associates

Living the Crafted Life: Beyond Stuff

Tuesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone sits on a chair, eats off a plate, and drinks out of a glass. Join Smithsonian curator Jane Milosch and 2010 Craft Show artists for a discussion on extraordinary beauty of ordinary objects and the qualities to look for in selecting crafts.