Our Mission
Mission: CraftNOW unites, celebrates, and supports the people, businesses, and institutions of the craft community of Philadelphia.
Vision: Through education, curation and economic development, we work to continue Philadelphia’s vibrant history as a capital of craft- a place where craft is learned, created, seen, purchased, collected, and shared.
CraftNOW Philadelphia unites the leading institutions and artists of Philadelphia’s community in a celebration of the city’s rich legacy in the field, its internationally-recognized contemporary scene, and its important role as an incubator for arts based in wood, clay, fiber, metal and glass. Through both creating and spotlighting events during the week of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, CraftNOW invites locals and visitors alike to explore Philadelphia’s innovations in the world of the handmade.
We believe craft is an important form of expression, which brings wholeness in people’s lives and enriches communities. Craft can be a convener in a divisive age. People from all walks of life, all ethnicities, all age groups, all neighborhoods and all political viewpoints can and do participate in making things.
It is our goal to be innovators and thought leaders when encouraging our peers to unite their “craft capital” in ways that generate a supportive network to the betterment of their local communities and the field at large.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CraftNOW Philadelphia?
CraftNOW Philadelphia is a network of individuals and institutions joining together to raise the profile of contemporary craft for the city. We want everyone to experience what makes Philadelphia the best place to see, learn, make and collect.
2. How do I become involved?
There are many ways to contribute to the programming of CraftNOW Philadelphia. You can host a program, volunteer, or donate goods and services. Please email emily@craftnowphila.org to learn more.
3. When are CraftNOW programs?
CraftNOW Philadelphia hosts the Tools of the Trades digital conference in March connecting makers to business support. Our youth education programming is organized in conjunction with Philadelphia’s Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual summer camps. Additionally, we curate an itinerary of events each November to coincide with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show. Follow us on social media to learn more about pop-up events and see what our partners are doing year-round.
4. How do I become a sponsor?
CraftNOW sponsors benefit from opportunities over the course of the year to gain exposure through our network and partner organizations. Contact Executive Director Emily Edelstein emily@craftnowphila.org to discuss inventive ways your brand can be featured during signature events.
Board of Directors
Elissa Topol, Chair – Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frances Hoover, Vice Chair – Executive Director, Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
David Seltzer, Co-Founder and Treasurer – Principal and Co-Founder of Mercator Advisors
Michelle Shuman, Secretary – Director of Design, City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild Initiative
Clara Hollander, Co-Founder – APAA
Doug Bucci – Assistant Professor and Head of the Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM Program Head at Tyler School of Art and Architecture
Josie Burri, Associate Vice President, Capital Giving & Campaigns, at Swarthmore
Patricia Fowler – Board President, The Museum for Art in Wood
Eric Hague – Attorney, Duane Morris LLP
Bill Salvatore – Director of Parks and Recreation, Cheltenham Township
Mollie McEnteer – Consultant, One + Strategies
Jennifer Martin – Executive Director, The Clay Studio
Jennifer-Navva Milliken – Artistic Director, The Museum for Art in Wood
Paul Stark – Retired Partner of Alexander, Wollman & Stark
Vanessa Stella – Director of Marketing, JLL
Emily Edelstein – Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia
Honorary Committee
Glenn Adamson, Craft Scholar formerly of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the Museum of Arts and Design, New York City
Elisabeth Agro, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Nancy M. McNeil Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts, Philadelphia
Patrick Benesh-Liu, Ornament Magazine, San Diego
Helen Drutt, Craft Scholar, Philadelphia
Elizabeth Essner, Windgate Foundation Associate Curator of Craft, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Monica Hampton, Executive Director, The Furniture Society
Michelle Millar Fisher, Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Jane Milosch, Craft Curator formerly of the Renwick Gallery, Washington DC
Bruce Pepich, Director and Curator of the Racine Art Museum, Wisconsin
Carol Sauvion, Producer of Craft in America, Los Angeles
Rick and Ruth Snyderman, Craft Gallerists, Philadelphia
Andrea Specht, Executive Director, American Craft Council, Minneapolis
Abraham Thomas, Daniel Brodsky Curator of Modern Architecture, Design, and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Programming Partners
