Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery
Jan Yager, Tiara of Useful Knowledge, from the series City Flora: The Philadelphia Series, 2006, 18- and 14-karat gold, oxidized sterling silver, and quartz pebble, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Linda L. Brownrigg, Cynthia Lovelace Sears, and Todd Wingate and Steven Cason in honor of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, 2025.8A-M, © 2006, Jan Yager
This installation of objects from SAAM’s collection showcases the practice of making things by hand. Its presentation is part of a program at the Renwick Gallery to explore the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture.
Description
Since the Renwick Gallery opened its doors in 1972, it has explored the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture. This exhibition features 53 works from the museum’s collection, including several new acquisitions made possible through Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, an initiative organized by Craft in America. New acquisitions include significant works by Roberto Benavidez, Angela Ellsworth, Bill Harris (Catawba Nation), Aya Oki, Ato Ribeiro, Diego Romero, and Jan Yager.
These artworks spark connections among other artworks on view to further explore the possibilities of craft in our shared contemporary world.
Visiting Information
Credit
Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This exhibition is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America. Generous support is provided by Rebecca Ravenal and The Ravenal Foundation, and Todd Wingate and Steven Cason.
