Prospectus
Preview Night Benefit: April 20, 2022
Live Show April 21 - 24, 2022
The 40th year of the Smithsonian Craft Show - our first live show since 2019 - is coming April 20-24, 2022! Craft lovers are eager to come, experience American craft excellence, meet and reconnect with outstanding artists, and buy their latest work. Apply now to join this 5-day celebration of the best of present and new directions in craft. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, and supports education, outreach, and research programs of the Smithsonian Institution.
CRITERIA
The show will celebrate the extraordinary work of current masters as well as showcase new directions in craft highlighting innovations in design and production, new ways to encourage environmental sustainability, use of new materials and technologies and more. We encourage applications by artists who have been in previous shows as well as outstanding artists new to the show.
- The show is open to craft artists residing and working in the United States of America (USA).
- Work shown and work samples submitted must be of limited-edition objects created and produced by the artists’ own USA based studios.
- Previous artists need to reapply each year.
APPROVED MEDIA CATEGORIES
- Categories include basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, paper, wearable art, wood and new or mixed media. Leather objects will be considered under fiber, wearables or mixed media.
- Artists should apply in the category that best describes their objects’ use. For instance, a jewelry artist using metal should apply in the jewelry category.
- Computer assisted design and production (CAD/CAM and other industrial techniques such as 3-D printing) may be used in the creative process.
- There is no quota system for each category, but the Smithsonian Women’s Committee reserves the right to create balance for the show.
NON-APPROVED MEDIA CATEGORIES
- Work not created and produced in the USA.
- Paintings, prints, graphics, photography, soap, or objects made from commercial kits.
- Mass-produced work.
- Work that incorporates materials and parts acquired from the killing of endangered species (e.g., feathers, tusks) or elephant or mammoth ivory.
- Arrangements of dried or silk flowers, bonsai, or embellished commercially made objects (e.g., t-shirts, note cards).
- The Smithsonian Women’s Committee reserves the right to examine any available documentation to ensure that an artist is in compliance with the terms of our application and to rescind the participation of any artist found by the Committee to be out of compliance with the application criteria, before or after acceptance.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND FEES
- Applications are to be submitted online and are due by October 2, 2021 (midnight ET). The fee for applying is $50. The application fee is non-refundable and due with the application.
HOW TO ENTER
Submit the Juried Art Services application, the application fee and five (5) electronic images of your work. The images must be representative of the work that you will sell. You are also encouraged to submit one image of your booths, if available.
- Images: Minimum image resolution should be 300 dpi and 1400-2000 pixels on the longer dimension. Artists who have applied previously are encouraged to update their portfolio with new images. High-resolution images from artists juried into the show may be selected for use in promotion of the show.
- Media category: If you wish to enter in more than one medium, you must submit separate applications, fees and slides for each category for which you wish to be considered. If only one application is accepted, you may only exhibit work in that medium. You may not enter the same piece of work in more than one category.
- Statement: Submit an artist statement, 1000 characters or less, that includes information about you and your work. Include information about your vision, techniques, materials, and designs and use of traditional or innovative methods. If your work takes craft in new directions, please explain. If you wish to be considered for our “Honoring the Future Sustainability Award”, include information about the use or application of environmentally friendly materials and techniques in your work.
SHOW VENUE, DATES AND FEATURED EVENTS
The National Building Museum is located at 401 F Street, NW. The venue is easily accessible by bus, surface transportation and Metrorail, and is near hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Preview Night Benefit: April 20, 2022, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
- Show open to the public April 20 – 24, 2022
- Possible additional early evening event
The Smithsonian Women's Committee recognizes outstanding work exhibited at the Craft Show by presenting awards for excellence at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels as well as several other awards. Cash awards range from $500 to $1,500. Additionally, an "Honoring the Future Sustainability Award" of $1,000 is usually offered. The purpose of this award is to educate the public about climate change and to inspire and model sustainable responses to this problem.
COSTS
Artists at the live show will pay a booth fee based on booth size and placement, plus a fee for pipe-and-drape. Booth fees typically range from $1350-$1500 for a 10x10’ booth to $2200 for corner or fountain placement. No commission will be taken on sales of items in the live show.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.smithsoniancraftshow.org
Office phone: 202-633-5006
Address written correspondence to:
2022 Show Co-Chairs:
Wynne Teel and Kamer Davis
swcsmithsoniancraftshow@gmail.com
Show Coordinator:
Heidi Austreng swc@si.edu
The Committee reserves the right to make any changes with regard to an in-person or online show in 2022. Complying with any CDC, state, and local guidelines will be our first priority. Direct all questions to the Show Chairs or Show Coordinator.