Handwork: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery
Ato Ribeiro, Asafo Flag #864, 2023, repurposed wood, wood glue, high-density polyethylene, and acrylic, 72 × 72 × 1 1/4 in. (182.9 × 182.9 × 3.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Lynn Pollard in honor of Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, 2024.8A-I, © 2023, Ato Ribeiro
This installation of more than 100 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 more than 100 works from the museum’s permanent 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, and Jan Yager.
These artworks spark connections among other artworks on view to further explore the possibilities of craft in our shared contemporary world.