Smithsonian Craft Show at National Building

The Smithsonian Craft Show is back at the National Building Museum through Sunday, with 120 juried artists selling contemporary craft in Washington. (si.edu) The 44th annual show runs April 22–26 at 401 F St. N.W., with general admission set at $25 and a $40 multi-day pass available. Children 12 and under get in free, and groups, students and active military can buy $20 tickets. (smithsoniancraftshow.org) The exhibitor list spans basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood. Three jurors selected the 120 artists from a larger applicant pool for this year’s edition. (si.edu) (smithsoniancraftshow.org) This year’s theme is “American Artistry,” tied to the country’s 250th anniversary and to Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a nationwide initiative led by honorary chair Carol Sauvion. The show is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee as a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Institution. (nbcwashington.com) (si.edu) That fundraising piece is central to the event’s role in Washington. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee said proceeds from the show support grants for Smithsonian education, outreach, conservation and research programs, and the group has awarded more than $15 million since its inception. (smithsoniancraftshow.org) (si.edu) The public show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 23 through April 25, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26. A preview benefit on April 22 included a 4:45 p.m. reception and a 6 p.m. party, with tickets priced at $300 and $550. (smithsoniancraftshow.org) Special programming continues during the run. A curator talk on April 23 paired ceramic artists Wayne Higby and Cristina Córdova, and a Friday program, “A Portrait of America Through Craft,” features editor Emily Zaiden, writer Barry Bergey and furniture designer Mira Nakashima. (smithsoniancraftshow.org) The award slate also centers ceramics this year. Wayne Higby is receiving the Smithsonian Visionary Award, and Cristina Córdova is receiving the Smithsonian Women’s Committee Delphi Award. (si.edu) (smithsoniancraftshow.org) For visitors, the pitch is straightforward: one-of-a-kind work, on-site artists and a ticketed show that doubles as a Smithsonian fundraiser before it closes on Sunday, April 26. (si.edu)