Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show Marks 50 Years With 195 Artists
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show has brought 195 artists to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for its 50th anniversary. The show opened Friday, Nov. 6, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 8, with Sunday the final day.
This year’s show features 195 artists selected through a jury process. Works span 13 categories of craft and design, from ceramics, glass and wood to jewelry, furniture, leather, paper and wearable art, and everything on display is available for purchase. Artists receive 100 percent of the proceeds from their sales.
The show began in 1977 as the first retail craft show organized by a volunteer committee to benefit a nonprofit institution. It is presented each year by the Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Craft Show Committee. The Women’s Committee was founded in 1883 and is one of the oldest women’s organizations supporting a cultural institution in the country.
Over 50 years, the show has raised more than $15 million for the museum. The money has supported education programs and the Conservation Department, including the purchase of specialized equipment such as an X-ray source, a camera system and, most recently, a portable microscope.
For the 50th anniversary, three clay artists took the stage on Saturday. Syd Carpenter, Roberto Lugo and Adebunmi Gbadebo spoke about their work and the past and future of contemporary craft. A fashion event at noon, “Find Your Style,” showed one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, leather and other wearable pieces from participating artists.
“We really believe that the arts enrich our city, and so this is a way that we can take that forward and share it with more people,” Genvieve Shields, chair of the 50th PMA Craft Show, told 6abc.
“For half a century, we have championed the artists, makers, and visionaries who prove that handmade work is not only relevant but essential,” Nancy O’Meara, the Craft Show manager, said in the show’s press release. “This year’s show is a celebration of that legacy and a bold look at where contemporary craft is headed.”
The show is in Exhibit Hall F at the Convention Center. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $20 for one day and $25 for two days, and tickets for children younger than 12 are $5. Groups of 10 or more can receive a discounted rate.
