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HONOREE SYMPOSIUM

4/25/2026

SPRING CRAFT WEEKEND HONOREE Symposium
SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
8th and G Streets, NW, Washington DC 20004
Free and open to the public | registration encouraged

Saturday, April 25 | 10am - 12:30pm

Attend the Spring Craft Weekend Symposium, featuring presentations from our Masters of the Medium honorees: fiber artist Piper Shepard, glass artist KeKe Cribbs, ceramicist and filmmaker Winnie Owens-Hart, and Distinguished Educator honorees Bruce W. Pepich of the Racine Art Museum (RAM), and Tom Loeser, the head of the wood/furniture area at UW-Madison from 1991 until 2020. All five honorees will then gather onstage for a roundtable discussion, including questions from the audience.

Casual attire. Limited on-street parking at meters; several paid parking garages are available in the neighborhood. Since the Symposium starts before SAAM opens to the public, you must enter on G Street to access McEvoy Auditorium. A JRACraft staff member or volunteer will be there to greet you.

learn more about the honorees

registration

If you do not see a "Next" button to advance to the next page of the form, please try opening the form in another browser or use Google Chrome. If you need further assistance, please reach out to [email protected].

2025 Spring Craft Weekend honoree symposium featuring Michael Lucero, Xenobia Bailey, Lola Brooks, and Norm Sartorius

spring craft weekend 2026

Download Press Release

SPRING CRAFT WEEKEND CELEBRATION

4/25/2026

Spring Craft weekend: celebration
Museum of contemporary art (MOCA) ARLINGTON
arlington, va

Saturday, April 25 | 6pm - 9pm

Bring the magic to our Saturday Celebration, the most festive event of the entire Spring Craft Weekend. Immerse yourself in a magical evening surrounded by collectors, artists, honorees, and enthusiasts.

Stroll through MOCA Arlington’s galleries, where the “Masterful Miniatures” silent auction invites you to bid on delightfully small-scale works by DC area artists, all in support of JRACraft programming. Sip on cocktails and savor hors d’oeuvres, as the magic of craft unfolds before your eyes.

The evening includes a performance from the Georgetown Chimes, one of DC’s premier acapella groups. Join us for a transformative night of craft, community, and celebration!

see all spring craft weekend events

masterful miniatures auction

registration

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

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 with 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. Joyce J. Scott, along with 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 WORKSHOP

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 workshop to discover the techniques and process behind her fiber sculpture and take home your own embroidery project.

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.

workshop (IN PERSON ONLY)

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

Meet Margarita Cabrera and learn the process and techniques behind her fiber sculptures in her A Space In Between works! This workshop will include a hands-on, participatory component, with the opportunity to take home your own embroidery project inspired by Margarita's A Space In Between.

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: after hours GUIDED TOUR
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE
1400 CONSTITUTION AVE NW
WASHINGTON DC 20560

Saturday, January 10, 2026 | 5:30pm

Join fellow JRACraft members for a members-only after-hours tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with Dr. Diana Baird N'Diaye, Creative Director of the African American Craft Alliance, and Dr. Joanne Hyppolite, Supervisory Curator of the National Museum African American History and Culture!

After the museum closes to the public, JRACraft and AACA members will get an exclusive look at craft objects throughout several of NMAAHC's current exhibits.

Dr. Diana Baird N'Diaye

Dr. Diana Baird N'Diaye is a multidisciplinary artist, researcher, curator, writer, and transcontinental arts advocate of Barbadian and Guyanese descent. She combines decades of experience as a cultural heritage scholar at the Smithsonian Institution with leadership in the craft field. N'Diaye's signature long term project, “The Will to Adorn: African American Style and the Aesthetics of Identity" explores the diverse dynamics of personal adornment in the African diaspora. She recently curated the U.S. participation in DakArt in Senegal, the largest biennale in Africa, and currently directs the African American Craft Alliance. She is a recipient of multiple awards including the Smithsonian Secretary’s Research Prize. N’Diaye is an Honorary Fellow of the American Craft Council and a Fellow of the American Folklore Society.

Dr. Joanne Hyppolite

Joanne Hyppolite was born in Haiti and grew up in Boston, MA. She is the African Diaspora curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. Prior to joining the Smithsonian in 2014, she was the Chief Curator at HistoryMiami Museum for eight years. Joanne has published two popular middle-grade novels for children with Penguin Random House: Seth and Samona which won the Marguerite DeAngeli prize for New Children’s Fiction and Ola Shakes It Up. Her adult fiction has published In the Caribbean Writer and The Butterfly’s Way: Voice from the Haitian Dyaspora. She holds Ph.D. in literature from the University of Miami, an M.A. in Afro-American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and B.A. in African American Studies and Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania. Joanne lives in Maryland and Florida. She is Mom to amazing teenager and multidisciplinary artist Charles “Carl” Green, who wanted more real estate in her bios.

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*
David Bunk*
Lisa Battle
Ellen Cohen
Joan Danoff*
Elyse Demaray
Eileen Doughty
Nora Fischer
Floris Flam
Jason Goldman
Brett Hay*
Kevin Hluch
Margaret Hluch
Carol & Jean-Pierre Hsu
Cara Jablon
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
Raesharn Spain*
Hillary Steel
Candace Stribling
Laura Summer
Shamaka Thompson
Estelle Vernon
Richard Webster

*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 catalog, as well as thanked at the event. Sponsorship starts at $100 donation and is fully tax deductible.

If you'd like to have your name printed in the catalog, please complete your sponsorship before 5pm ET on Tuesday, December 2. Email [email protected] with any questions.

REMIND ME ONE WEEK BEFORE JRACRAFT DAY

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Nedra and Peter Agnew
Janice and Harvey Berger
Peg and Blain Butner
Anne Carmine
Ana Maria Castro and Bragi Valgeirsson
Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+)
David Dao
Craig Edelbrock
Dan Elliott
Leon and Miriam Ellsworth
Brenda Erickson
Jere Gibber and J.G. Harrington
Marsha Gold
Betsy Holland
Reba Immergut
Leslie and Bruce Lane
Sandy and Norman Mitchell
Clemmer Montague
Kristin Muller
Geraldine E. Ostrove
Gwen and Jerry Paulson
Laura Petrovich-Cheney
Amanda Phillips
Susan and Fred Sanders
Stacy Sklaver
Rebecca AT and Gary G Stevens
Anne Swanson
Tim Tate
Jacqueline Urow
Andrea Uravitch
Richard Witt
Barbara Wolanin
Pati Young

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HONOREE SYMPOSIUM

registration

SPRING CRAFT WEEKEND CELEBRATION

registration

HILLARY WATERS FAYLE

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: JOYCE SCOTT AT MOBILIA GALLERY

CRAFT, CULTURE, & CUISINE: VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

registration is closed

BALTIMORE CAUCUS TRIP - DEADLINE JAN 19

registration:

MARGARITA CABRERA

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE TOUR

JRACRAFT DAY DECEMBER 6, 2025

become a jracraft day sponsor!

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