As a part of our Distinguished Artists Series, JRACraft features fiber artist Tamara Kostianovksy. 
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Argentine raised Tamara Kostianovsky creates colorful, fleshy sculptures out of discarded textile and clothing inspired by animals and abattoirs alike. The discovery of a world concealed behind the skin took form in her adolescence while working at a surgeon’s office. A fascination with these encounters put the body at the center of her work, allowing Kostianovsky to use this imagery to reflect on consumption, ecology, and the voracious needs of the body.

Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions at El Museo del Barrio, NY (2007 and 2019); The Jewish Museum NY (2009); Bienal Sur, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2019); Musee du Textile et de la Mode, Cholet, France (2021) and many more. ​

Tuesday, March 26 | 1pm - 2pm Eastern
​Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom
Learn about Kostianovsky's career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.

Saturday, March 30  |  10am - 12pm
$50 JRACraft | $60 non-members
​Watch how Kostianovsky makes her unique works from discarded fabric. Meet Kostianovsky and JRACraft's 2023 Chrysalis Awardee, Krystle Lemonias, who will be in attendance at this special event!

Opened in 2020 to show fine art that celebrates the natural world in content, form and medium; Washington, DC native and longtime international journalist Amy Kaslow covers a lot of miles exploring creatives and their markets, here and abroad. She and her talented team compile research, curate, design and communicate the story of each artist, and each piece on display.

In addition to the many dozens of artists represented, Amy Kaslow Gallery has a proud partnership with the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico that allows them to regularly introduce the world’s most collectible indigenous fine art.

The artist demonstration with Tamara Kostianovsky will take place at the gallery where viewers will get to meet the artist and learn about her techniques and materials process up close. 

​Four times a year, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft brings notable American craft artists from around the country to Washington, DC in partnership with other organizations for the Distinguished Artist Series. Each artist gives a public virtual talk followed later in the week by an artist demonstration.

JRACraft members are encouraged to invite a friend for an exclusive tour of Artomatic on Sunday, March 24th! Artomatic transforms vacant spaces into a sprawling showcase for artists and performers in an expansive, one-of-a-kind art happening, marking its 25th year in DC. 

Located at 2100 M St, NW, just a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro, this year’s venue spans over 500,000 square feet featuring over 1,000 artists and performers. Particularly noteworthy is the abundance of material-specific works, so if you like fine crafted or material work, this is the Artomatic for you!

To help you navigate this year’s Artomatic, JRACraft is excited to offer a guided tour led by Tim Tate from the Washington Glass School, alongside Rebecca Ravenal, Board Chair of JRACraft, who will give a welcome. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to vote for the JRACraft’s “People’s Choice” award, which recognizes outstanding material-based artists.

Come help us pick the craft leaders of tomorrow! New members joining on the day will receive a 20% discount on their membership fee, so we encourage you to bring a friend (or two). Join JRACraft in celebrating and shaping the future leaders of craft art in the DMV!​

Parking: Street parking is free on Sundays, or alternative options include nearby garages, Uber, or the Metro. Enter the building via the 21st Street entrance, across from the Medstar / Lafayette Square building.