CraftNOW’s 2023 programming will center on the theme Craft Works. Through this theme, scholars, artists, and other speakers will explore diverse and changing ideas around work that permeate every aspect of the craft landscape. Made objects capture the work of bringing an idea into reality, so much so that we call them artworks. We’ll explore the work of making things, craft practice as labor, craft’s relationship to the needs of working people, and the power of craft to enact transformative work through communities. Craft Works will also pay tribute to the important contributions of gallerists Ruth and Rick Snyderman to Philadelphia’s craft community through their gallery, Snyderman Works.
* Check gallery website for current exhibition.
Museum for Art in Wood
FLOE: A Climate of Risk
Wayne Art Center
CraftForms2023 28th International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft
Da Vinci Art Alliance
Sacred Discernment
Da Vinci Art Alliance
Resurrection of a Victim
Wharton Esherick Museum
Martha McDonald: The Wood is Singing in Color
The Galleries at Moore
Conventional Departures
Allens Lane Art Center
Second Look
Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Kate VanVliet: Heirloom Machine
InLiquid
Material Time
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
Jessica Campbell: Heterodoxy
Gravers Lane Gallery
Fiber Reimagined
Gravers Lane Gallery
Plan B Art Project
The Museum for Art in Wood
The Galleries at Moore
The Galleries at Moore support Moore College of Art & Design’s educational mission and role as a cultural leader by providing a forum for exploring contemporary art and ideas, and enriching the artistic and intellectual climate of the college, the Greater Philadelphia community, and beyond. As a gateway between the College and the city of Philadelphia, The Galleries are a catalyst for creative exploration, experimentation and scholarship and function as a gathering place to meet, reflect, learn, challenge, and create—our commitment to academic, artistic, and curatorial freedoms is evidenced through our inclusive and innovative programming, all of which is free and open to the public. The Galleries build community through dialogue and participation, and inspire an appreciation for the visual arts as a vital force in shaping contemporary culture.
The Clay Studio
Wayne Art Center
Da Vinci Art Alliance
Moderne Gallery
Wharton Esherick Museum
Paradigm Gallery + Studio
National Liberty Museum
Pentimenti
Wexler Gallery
Fabric Workshop and Museum
Gravers Lane Gallery
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
InLiquid
American Swedish Historical Museum
Exhibition History
2022 Public | Private Exhibition
Exhibition spaces throughout Philadelphia present the most honored and innovative artists working today in wood, clay, fiber, metal, and glass. Each November, CraftNOW highlights exhibits in museums, galleries, and other spaces to correspond with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show showcasing Philadelphia as an urban destination for craft and making.
2021 Environmental Effects
In 2021, CraftNOW explores the theme of Environmental Effects, examining how communities and interiors shape our experiences, sustainability issues expressed through craft, and the greater impact of our contemporary material culture.
2020 Cultures of Making
In 2020, the exhibition venues listed here had been in varying stages of scheduling due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Click to discover how CraftNOW partners continued to adapt and remain dedicated to their programming.
2019 Craft Capital
In 2019, CraftNOW adopted the theme Craft Capital for its fifth year of programming with the definition of “capital” interpreted broadly for its relation to place, economics, resources, and prominence. This theme synchronized with CraftNOW’s programming for the American Craft Council conference Present Tense hosted in Philadelphia and the debut of our second publication Craft Capital: Philadelphia’s Cultures of Making edited by Glenn Adamson.
2018 Making a Difference
In 2018, CraftNOW presented Making a Difference, a series of thematic programming for visitors to use as a lens for exploring how craft promotes positive change, social cohesion and meaningful dialogue.
2017 Fluid Boundaries
From November 1 to 12, CraftNOW invited participants to explore the art of the handmade and the Fluid Boundaries of contemporary craft practices with a two-week event series offering public exhibitions, lectures, interactive activities and special events throughout Philadelhia, most free to the general public.
2016 Analog/Digital
“Analog-Digital” was a multi-venue, concurrent series of exhibitions branded as part of CraftNOW. The thematic approach to the series encouraged visitors to explore intersections between craft and technology and to discover how craft continues to evolve in the twenty-first century. These exhibitions were open in the days and weeks surrounding the PMA Craft Show and were promoted by CraftNOW as complementing opportunities for residents and visitors to see high quality craft exhibitions throughout the City.
2015 Masters of Craft
During CraftNOW’s inaugural year in 2015, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Center for Art in Wood and The Clay Studio honored 14 American Craft Council Fellows from Philadelphia who have had an enduring national impact through their works in wood, clay, fiber, metal, and glass.
Masters of Craft: American Craft Council Fellows in Philadelphia is documented, in its entirety, with a 160-page publication, including essays, artist profiles, and a full-color catalog of the included works. To purchase your hard copy today, email your request to info@centerforartinwood.org. You can also view the catalog free of charge online at the link below.