JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE FOR CRAFT

MOROCCO TRIP

9/1/2026

EXPLORING MoroccAN CRAFTS:
AN INSIDER'S TRIP TO MOROCCO
*postponed to fall 2026*
CAUCUS MEMBERS only
PRICING AND REGISTRATION COMING SOON
for questions, please contact [email protected]

Captivating craft, hidden histories, and stunning landscapes await you on this ten-day trip to Morocco! Located in North Africa, Morocco embraces the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast and is distinguished by its Berber, Arab and European influences. Moroccan medinas invite you to discover treasures hidden behind high ocher walls. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the cities of Rabat, Fez and Marrakech, among other sites. Our tour also takes you to the Tangiers homes of top interior decorators, collectors, and authors, which boast some of the best gardens of Morocco. Traveling with Moroccan expert Sofia Barroso, we will have an insider’s view of the country and access to lovely private homes.

trip highlights

three days in tangiers

Your time in Tangiers begins with a welcome dinner at Dar Quetzane, the private home of British collector Gordon Whatson. Enjoy exclusive visits to stunning private residences and gardens, including those of Umberto Pasti, Veere Greeney, and the iconic Villa Mabrouka, once home to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Explore the historic Kasbah Museum and its Andalusian Garden, the vibrant Medina and the ‘weaving Souk’ Fondouk Chejra, artisan showrooms like New Tangier and Made in Tangiers, and a curator-guided tour of the American Legation, the only American National Historical Landmark outside of the United States.

three days in fez

Stop over in Rabat on the way to Fez, and enjoy lunch and a visit to the Joana de Vasconcelos exhibition at the Museum Mohammed V, among other landmarks. In Fez, you’ll stay at the Palais Faraj Hotel & Spa for three nights. In Fez, expert Mr. Bouftila will guide you through the golden gates of the Royal Palace, the old Medina with its Medersa Bou Anania, the Nejjarine fountain, the Karaouyin Mosque. Excursions from Fez will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Site Volubilis, a Roman archaeological site, and the imperial city of Meknes with architectural gems and the fabulous Sultan Gardens.

Four days in marrakech

Begin your journey to Marrakech in Casablanca with a tour of its maritime Coast o Corniche and a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, before heading to your hotel, Les Jardins de la Koutoubiya, for your five-night stay in Marrakech. Here, you’ll witness the architectural wonders of the Saadian Tombs and Badi Palace. Discover Morocco’s rich artistic and cultural heritage through private visits to the Jewelry Museum (Le MAP), Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis, the Majorelle Gardens, and the MACAAL Museum of African Art. Stroll through the vibrant Jemaa el Fna square, shop at artisan souks including Trésors des Nomades and Beldi Country Club, and unwind in lush gardens and historic villas throughout your unforgettable four days in Marrakech.

optional add-on: two day 1-54 art fair

1-54 Marrakech brings in a sweeping selection of African art, live performances, and installations from all over the African continent, with an expected 15 galleries in the 2026 edition including galleries from Tunisia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, and Kenya, and an additional 10 galleries from Morocco.

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the fair on Thursday and Friday with invite-only VIP access as part of the JRACraft tour group!

PRICING AND REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Beldi Country Club, Marrakech

Fez

Royal Valkyrie, Joana de Vasconcelos, at the Musée Mohammed VI d'Art Moderne et Contemporain

Marrakech Medersa Ben Youssef by Heather Cowper, 2014

Morocco Jardin Majorelle by Yves Saint Laurent

1-54 Marrakech

5/30/26 COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS MALONE

5/30/2026

COFFEE & CONVERSATION
VIRTUAL STUDIO TOUR WITH CHRIS MALONE
SATURDAY MAY 30, 2026 | 11AM-12PM ET
HOSTED ON ZOOM
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join JRACraft for a behind-the-scenes virtual studio tour with DC-based doll artist, Chris Malone. Chris’s work is rooted in traditional African doll making but takes it a step further by utilizing it as a medium to explore spirituality and ancestry. In creating these sculptures, Chris strikes a balance between imaginative play and spiritual practice. Chris will introduce viewers to his work and discuss his influences, creative process, and techniques.

CHris malone

Chris Malone is a self taught visual artist who creates beautiful and imaginative dolls. His work is nationally recognized and has been featured in galleries in New York, New Orleans, and Washington DC, as well as in numerous books and doll magazines, such as “Doll Art Quarterly,” Lark Crafts’ “Masters Polymer Clay, Major Works By Leading Artist, and North Light Books’ “Creative Time and Space.” In addition, his soft sculptures were featured in the 2012 film, “Woman Thou Loosed: On the Seventh Day.” Chris has also become prolific in creating 3D mosaics.

Chris Malone in his studio

Babuka, Chris Malone. Awarded Best in Show, Creative Craft Council Exhibition at the Strathmore Mansion, Rockville

In his studio, Malone works on I Can Only Suggest, the Choices Are Yours. Photo by Steven M. Cummings

HILLARY WATERS FAYLE

3/31/2026

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES WITH HILLARY WATERS FAYLE
online ARTIST TALK AND in-person DEMONSTRATION
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 & SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026

Thank you to Diane Charnov for her generous support of this Distinguished Artist Series with Hillary Waters Fayle.

About Hillary Waters Fayle

With a background in fiber/textile design and a deep fascination and respect for nature & the environment, Hillary Waters Fayle brings together materials and processes that express the union of humanity and the physical world, through textile traditions in collaboration with botanical material.

In addition to being an artist, Hillary is an Assistant Professor, directing the fiber program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she also earned her MFA. She has lectured and taught workshops at Penland School of Craft (NC), Arrowmont School of Art and Craft, the Appalachian Center for Craft (TN), Oak Spring Garden Foundation (VA), Yasar University (Turkey), and Bazart Textiel (France). Her work has been exhibited in Italy, China, Belgium, Turkey, France and the US Embassies to Algeria and Bangladesh and is included in collections at the Burchfield Penney Art Center (NY), Grace Farms Foundation (CT), the Kalmthout Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (Belgium) and the US Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Recent exhibitions were on view at the Lewis Glinter Botanical Gardens, Virginia Quilt Museum, AKG Museum and Turchin Center for Visual Arts. Professional projects and publications include collaborations with Domestika, L'Occitane en Provence and the new York Botanical Garden. A public installation in collaboration with the AKG Museum can be seen year round in Buffalo, NY.

ARTIST TALK (ONLINE ONLY)

Tuesday March 31, 2026 | 2pm-3pm ET
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom

Learn about Hillary Waters Fayle's career and influences in this online program.

DEMONSTRATION (IN PERSON ONLY)

Saturday April 4, 2026 | 10am-12pm
Hosted at Compass Arts Center |10335 Kensington Parkway, Kensington, MD, 20895

Meet Hillary Waters Fayle and watch her demonstrate her techniques!

$25 Members of JRACraft | $35 Non-members

register now!

Hillary Waters Fayle

Penland Pop, Hillary Waters Fayle

Thank you to our partner:

new! program sponsorship

This year, we have lowered ticket prices with the introduction of program sponsors. See the ways you can help make excellence in craft accessible to a wider audience, by becoming a Distinguished Artist Series Sponsor!

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!

CRAFT, CULTURE, & CUISINE: VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

3/5/2026

craft, culture & Cuisine: Vietnam & Cambodia
march 5 - march 18, 2026
$7,570 per person double | $9,150 PER PERSON single

Join JRACraft and the Peters Valley Travel Program for a 12-day tour of the rich heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on a journey that weaves together centuries-old craft traditions with the splendor of iconic sights!

The trip will begin in Hanoi, where bustling streets and tranquil lakes frame visits to laquerware ateliers and traditional embroidery workshops. You will then fly to Hue and Hoi An, where you'll explore imperial cities and lantern-lit towns while meeting artisans specializing in silk weaving, wood carving and handmade paper. The journey will continue south to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for vibrant markets, elegant French architecture, and a private introduction to Vietnam's thriving contemporary craft scene. The program will end in Siem Reap, gateway to the majectic temples of Angkor Wat, where you'll also encounter Khmer artisans preserving ancient stone carving and silk-making techniques. Throughout the journey, enjoy stays in Vietnam and Cambodia's most exquisite hotels, and savor thoughtfully curated meals in authentic, locally loved restaurants.

A few highlights of the trip include:

A walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where silver artisans, blacksmiths, mooncake makers and a producer of paper masks continue to work.
Explore Red River Delta, a cradle of Vietnamese civilization and one of the most significant centers of traditional crafts in the country.
A visit to Dao Thuc village for an exclusive water puppets show.
A visit to the walled citadel of Hue with its ornate palaces and royal tombs that reflect the grandeur and grace of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Learn about the making of paper flowers in Thanh Tien, a traditional craft village.
Learn more about the contemporary craft scene in Saigon, which is vibrant, youthful, and deeply rooted in reinterpreting Vietnam's traditional techniques.
In Siem Reap, take a deep dive into Cambodia's golden silk tradition - from mulberry leaf to finished scarf.
Discover Angkor Wat and be immersed in the inspired melding of sacred geometry, architecture, and adornment.

TRIP BROCHURE

FULL ITINERARY

REGISTRATION FORM

CAUCUS TRIP TO BALTIMORE: FEB 20 - 21

2/20/2026

TWO DAY TRIP TO BALTIMORE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
(OPTIONAL SUNDAY EXTENSION)
OPEN TO CAUCUS MEMBERS
REGISTRATION COMING SOON

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend celebrating craft, conversation and community. This special caucus trip kicks off at American Craft Made Baltimore, followed by an afternoon at Goya Contemporary with Joyce J. Scott, one of the nation's most acclaimed artists, together with several of the talented makers she mentors. Enjoy time with fellow caucus members over cocktails and dinner at a local favorite spot, then spend Saturday visiting the homes and collections of craft enthusiasts. For participants who choose the optional extension, we will wrap up the weekend together at the American Craft Council awards ceremony, where JRACraft will be presenting an award for Innovation in Craft.

Sign up to be notified when registration opens. Space is limited.

NOTIFY ME WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS

Artist Joyce J. Scott

MARGARITA CABRERA

2/3/2026

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES WITH MARGARITA CABRERA
online ARTIST TALK AND in-person DEMONSTRATION
february 3 & february 7, 2026

JRACraft has partnered with VisArts to present artist Margarita Cabrera, for the second program in this season's Distinguished Artist Series.

Register below to join us for a virtual artist talk on Tuesday, February 3, where Cabrera will discuss her career and influences. Later that week on Saturday February 7, meet Cabrera at VisArts for a live demonstration to discover the techniques and process behind her fiber sculpture.

About Margarita Cabrera

Margarita Cabrera received an MFA from Hunter College in New York, NY. Cabrera's work centers on social-political issues including cultural identity, migration, violence, inclusivity, labor and empowerment. Cabrera creates sculptures made out of mediums ranging from steel, copper, wood, ceramics and fibers. Her work helps people define their place and voice in the social and cultural dialogues evolving in their communities.

Cabrera currently lives and works in El Paso where she recently had a two-year exhibit at the El Paso Museum of Art. Her most recent exhibitions include a show entitled "Pop Departures" at the Seattle Art Museum. Her work has been included in galleries such as 516Arts, Sara Meltzer, Walter Maciel, and Synderman-Works. Her work has been included in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the McNay Museum San Antonio, the Sweeney Art Center for Contemporary Art at the University of California, Riverside, the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, and El Museum del arrio, NYC, LA County Museum of Art, CA.

ARTIST TALK (ONLINE ONLY

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 1pm - 2pm Eastern
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom

Learn about Margarita Cabrera's career and influences in this online program. Registration is free and required to receive the Zoom link.

DEMONSTRATION (IN PERSON ONLY)

Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10am - 12pm
Hosted at VisArts |155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850

Meet Margarita Cabrera and watch her demonstrate her techniques!

Register now!

Margarita Cabrera

Space in Between, 2016

new! program sponsorship

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE TOUR

1/10/2026

MEMBER MEET-UP: GUIDED TOUR
SaturDAY, january 10TH, 2026 | 1PM

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
1400 CONSTITUTION AVE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20560

register now - spots limited

Join fellow JRACraft members for an exclusive tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with Dr. Diana Baird N'Diaye!

JRACRAFT DAY DECEMBER 6, 2025

12/6/2025

THE 18th Annual JRACraft Day 2025
SATURDAY, December 6, 2025 | 10AM - 5PM
woman's club of chevy chase, md
free admission

Join us in December for our annual JRACraft Day artist sale and showcase! Presenting work by artists who are members of the James Renwick Alliance for Craft (JRACraft), this show features a variety of mediums such as wood, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, and metal. Support contemporary craft artists and find something unique and handmade for yourself or your loved ones at the start of the holiday season.

See the list of participating artists below.

Joseph Barnard
Barbara Lynn Bechthold
Charles Berk*
Ellen Cohen
Elyse Demaray
Eileen Doughty
Nora Fischer
Floris Flam
Jason Goldman
Brett Hay*
Kevin Hluch
Margaret Hluch
Carol & Jean-Pierre Hsu
Cara Jablon
Carl Johnson
Alice Kresse
Chris Lederman*
Laurel Lukaszewski
Mara Mayor
Jill Ross Meltzer
Page Morahan
Myania Moses*

Carol Oshinsky
Catherine O’Sullivan
Cheryl Paret*
Margaret Polcawich
Carol Press
Rebecca Ravenal
Wendy Ross
Elisabeth Running*
Jody Sachs
Carol Samour
Yulia Semchenko*
Chris Shea
Laurie Madsen Snarr
Jan Solomon
Raesharn Spain*
Hillary Steel
Candace Stribling
Laura Summer
Shamaka Thompson
Estelle Vernon
Richard Webster
Sandra Zacharia

*First time exhibitors at JRACraft Day.

become a jracraft day sponsor!

Our sponsors support the James Renwick Alliance for Craft and help make JRACraft Day possible. Sponsors are listed on the website and thanked at the event. Sponsorship starts at $100 donation and is fully tax deductible.

REMIND ME ONE WEEK BEFORE JRACRAFT DAY

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Janice and Harvey Berger
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)
Betsy Holland
Reba Immergut
Laura Petrovich-Cheney
Amanda Phillips
Susan and Fred Sanders
Stacy Sklaver
Anne Swanson
Jacqueline Urow
Barbara Wolanin
Gwen & Jerry Paulson
Peg and Blain Butner

2025 ANNUAL MEETING

11/12/2025

JRACRAFT ANNUAL MEETING
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2025 | 7PM ET
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
HOSTED ON ZOOM

Join fellow JRACraft members and craft enthusiasts at the Annual Meeting to learn about the latest JRACraft news and announcements. Be the first to know about our upcoming programs in the new year. Registration is now open!

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