Craft in America

Craft in America Craft in America is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing original handcrafted work
(6)

06/19/2026

Join this interactive online discussion with distinguished Professor Ezra Shales on his new book, “Pitchers of American Life: Art Within Reach.”�

This presentation asks if a history of art extracted from our common cupboards might be liberating as it departs from the usual hierarchies of civilization, and digitized images of artifacts far away. How can we make the experience of art/craft/design more accessible and relevant?

Shales’ vision of the intersection of design/craft/art provides a deliberately provocative strategy to move beyond inherited limitations and prejudices by exploring tactile pleasures and tacit knowledge, as well as the agency of artifacts.

To participate in the Zoom discussion, please register through the event page: https://www.craftinamerica.org/event/reading-craft-pitchers-of-american-life-art-within-reach-with-ezra-shales

Thursday, June 25, 12:00pm PST online.

06/12/2026

Marques Hanalei Marzan is in the house! We have the pleasure of having him visit from Hawaii to install his solo exhibition at the Center. He has two large suitcases worth of stunningly crafted textile works. Twining, knotting, plaiting—all these techniques and more are used in clever combination in his practice.

He'll be giving a talk on Saturday, 3:00-4:00pm before the reception. Email [email protected] to join in person or register on the event page to join online. https://craftinamerica.org/event/artist-talk-marques-hanalei-marzan

06/10/2026

Sonny Rollins, the visionary musician who revolutionized the saxophone through his music and his unique approach to jazz, was a childhood friend of artist Faith Ringgold. Rollins, who inspired Ringgold to take her art seriously, practiced on the Williamsburg Bridge, where he was free to express himself and develop his unique style without worrying about the big sound he made with his saxophone.

Faith Ringgold created “Sonny’s Quilt” quilt to honor this musical genius who made the world a more beautiful place. Excerpt from the THREADS episode, now streaming on the PBS app.

06/06/2026

We’re sad to see the skateboards leave, but we’re delighted to receive the next batch of objects for “Cowboy Craft” opening Saturday, June 13. Join us for the reception that day, 4:00-6:00pm, if you are in the area, and see this exquisite bit made by Wilson Capron and works by other members of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association, including finely tooled leather saddles, the finest rawhide braiding you’ve ever seen and more.

“Marques Hanalei Marzan: Entwine” an exhibition of Hawaiian fiber work by the island’s recognized culture bearer opens the same day.

Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026

06/03/2026

Artist Bisa Butler is drawn to black and white photographs for inspiration in her quilted portraits, incorporating color to communicate demeanor. Butler uses blues and greens to communicate calmness and fire tones to speak to power. Excerpt from the EAST episode, now streaming on the PBS app. Thirteen WNET New York NJ PBS

05/29/2026

This is the last weekend to see “Vehicles of Expression” in person! Many viewers have delighted, reminisced, and marveled at the trajectory of the humble skateboard. See for yourself, its crude yet resourceful beginnings morphing into a both playful and elegant platform for art and performance. All bear traces of the maker's hand in some way; constructing, mending, refining, embellishing.

“Vehicles of Expression” is part of Handwork 2026 and runs through May 30, 2026 at the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles, CA.

05/26/2026

Today we honor and remember Cheyenne artist Harvey Phillip Pratt (1941–2025) — the visionary behind the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Excerpt from the DEMOCRACY episode, now streaming on the PBS app. WETA Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026

05/22/2026

“Vehicles of Expression” ends soon! If you are in the LA area, cruise over and see this fun, mind-expanding exhibition. Be inspired by the do-or-die resourcefulness of homemade skateboards from the sport’s early days as well as the contemporary innovations, both industrial and conceptual. Some of the artists get downright philosophical, but then skateboarding and skateboard building entail that kind of open and persistent inquiry.

“Vehicles of Expression” is part of Handwork 2026 and runs through May 30, 2026 at the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles, CA.


Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026 Skateboarding Hall of Fame

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