JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE FOR CRAFT

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR OF GLENSTONE

11/15/2026

GLENSTONE MUSEUM | POTOMAC, MD
PRICE TBD
RESERVED FOR CAUCUS MEMBERS ONLY

Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 10am-11am

Join fellow Caucus members for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Glenstone with Assistant Curator Yuri Stone! With Glenstone’s limited capacity and coveted timed ticketing, this event will only be open to Caucus members.

YURI STONE

Yuri Stone is Assistant Curator at Glenstone, a modern and contemporary art museum located in Potomac, Maryland. As assistant curator, he works with artists to realize exhibitions, long-term installations, and publications. Most recently, he co-curated Ellsworth Kelly at 100, a career survey of the artist’s work which will travel to internationally venues in the coming year. At Glenstone, he has also curated monographic exhibitions by Doris Salcedo (2022), R.H. Quaytman (2022), Charles Ray (2021-ongoing), and a career survey of work by Jeff Wall (2021). In 2022, he coordinated the installation of Richard Serra’s Four Rounds: Equal Weight, Unequal Measure, a monumental, permanent artwork installed in a custom-designed building made to house the artwork at Glenstone in perpetuity.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

Water Court at Glenstone Museum

Glenstone Assistant Curator, Yuri Stone

MOROCCO TRIP

10/4/2026

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

*Tentative Dates: October 4 - 14, 2026*

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.

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

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS MALONE

5/30/2026

COFFEE & CONVERSATION
VIRTUAL STUDIO TOUR WITH CHRIS MALONE
HOSTED ON ZOOM
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Saturday May 30, 2026 | 11am-12pm ET

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

INOVA ARTS COLLECTION TOUR

5/1/2026

JOAN HISAOKA HEALING ARTS GALLERY
SCHAR CANCER INSTITUTE | FAIRFAX VA
PRICE TBD
RESERVED FOR CAUCUS MEMBERS ONLY

Friday, May 1, 2026| 11am-12:00pm

Join fellow JRACraft Caucus members for an exclusive tour of the Inova Schar Cancer Institute's Healing Arts Gallery! The Inova SCI's Arts and Healing Program is dedicated to exhibiting fine art that explores the innate connection between healing and creativity through a rotating exhibition schedule and a gallery featuring contemporary artists. The program curates a healing environment to support those affected by cancer through art installations and ongoing exhibitions. Consistent with Inova’s stated goal of providing patient-centered care, the program also includes performing arts events and other workshops, not only for patients and their families but for Inova staff as well.

After the tour, all participants are invited to a "no-host" meal at a restaurant to spend more time together and discuss the tour.

registration coming soon!

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 Amanda M. Phillips for her generous sponsorship of Hillary Waters Fayle's Distinguished Artist Series.

Thank you to Diane Charnov for her support of this program.

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!

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: JOYCE SCOTT AT MOBILIA GALLERY

3/17/2026

COFFEE & CONVERSATION
mobilia gallery ON JOYCE SCOTT
HOSTED ON ZOOM
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 12pm ET

Join JRACraft and Mobilia Gallery for a presentation on the Joyce J. Scott exhibition hosted by Mobilia Gallery, Joyce J. Scott & Friends. Libby and Jo Anne Cooper, co-founders of Mobilia Gallery, will discuss Joyce’s work and impact, as well as the work of her mentees and friends.

Joyce J. Scott and Friends is group exhibition featuring the work of the renowned bead artist, Joyce J. Scott, and twelve artists who have been mentored by Scott and influenced by her work. The exhibit opens during Black History Month (February) with work that embodies Scott’s mission to address, educate, inspire and uplift, reflecting the artist's narrative of what it means to be Black in America. Scott wields her sharp wit and humor to masterfully create bold, sculptural objects, bringing to light and driving home difficult topics such as racism, sexism, patriarchal structures, and the African diaspora.

Joyce J. Scott. War, What is it Good For, Absolutely Nothin’, Say it Again. 2022. Neckpiece. Peyote stitch, glass beads, thread. Featured in the traveling exhibition “Messages” (2022-2025).

CRAFT, CULTURE, & CUISINE: VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

3/5/2026

registration is closed

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

Thursday, March 5 - Wednesday, March 18, 2026

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

BALTIMORE CAUCUS TRIP - DEADLINE JAN 19

2/20/2026

TWO DAY TRIP TO BALTIMORE
(OPTIONAL SATURDAY EVENING EXTENSION)
OPEN TO CAUCUS MEMBERS
COST $395

Friday, February 20 - Saturday, February 21, 2026

This special access craft study trip kicks off at 2pm on Friday, February 21 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. Many thanks to (new!) Caucus member David Dao for planning this trip, with assistance from (longtime!) Caucus member Brenda Erickson.

General itinerary below. A detailed itinerary will be provided to all participants.

FRIDAY
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Participants are free to shop at American Craft Made Baltimore (trip fee includes VIP entrance)
2:00 pm Meetup in the ACC VIP lounge, followed by coffee with ACC Executive Director, Andrea Specht
3:00 pm Visit Goya Contemporary Gallery for a talk by Joyce Scott and young artist mentees
4:00 pm Private collection visit
6:00 pm Dinner at the amazing Alma restaurant in Baltimore

SATURDAY
Breakfast on your own; option to return to the Fair 10 - 11:30
11:45 am Bus pick up
12:00 pm lunch at Bunny’s
1:30 pm afternoon collection visit
3:15 pm return to hotel

OPTIONAL EXTENSION in partnership with the American Craft Council VIP group - $35
3:30 pm leave from hotel
4 pm arrive at private collection
5:30 pm return trip to Convention Center
6:30 pm Artist reception and ACC awards ceremony
8:00 pm Reception ends

COST INCLUDES

Entrance to American Craft Made Baltimore
All transportation around Baltimore
Dinner on Friday night and lunch on Saturday

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

Transportation to and from Baltimore (JRACraft will do our best to make connections for carpools).
Hotel stay. For information about reserving a room through JRACraft, please email: [email protected] or call Jennifer at 917-617-6876

registration:

Artist Joyce J. Scott

American Craft Made Baltimore Show

Goya Contemporary

MARGARITA CABRERA

2/3/2026

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES WITH MARGARITA CABRERA
online ARTIST TALK AND in-person DEMONSTRATION

Tuesday, February 3 & Saturday, 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!

<<Previous

Archives

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR OF GLENSTONE

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

MOROCCO TRIP

trip highlights

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH CHRIS MALONE

INOVA ARTS COLLECTION TOUR

registration coming soon!

HILLARY WATERS FAYLE

register now!

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: JOYCE SCOTT AT MOBILIA GALLERY

CRAFT, CULTURE, & CUISINE: VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

registration is closed

BALTIMORE CAUCUS TRIP - DEADLINE JAN 19

registration:

MARGARITA CABRERA

Register now!

who we are

WHAT WE DO

JOIN US

Archives

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

trip highlights

​registration coming soon!

register now!

registration is closed

registration:

Register now!

who we are

WHAT WE DO

JOIN US

registration coming soon!