Prospectus
Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show
September 27-29, 2024
ABOUT THE SHOW
The 2024 Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show is an exhibition and sale of wearable contemporary American craft and design held annually in Washington DC at the beautiful National Building Museum. Unlike the juried Smithsonian Craft Show presented each Spring, Craft2Wear artists will be selected by members of the Smithsonian Women’s Committee (SWC), which produces the Craft2Wear show.
Artists will be selected on the basis of the originality, artistic conception, and quality of their work. Additionally, the SWC hopes to include a significant number of craft artists who are committed to sustainability in their work, create designs anticipated to appeal to metro Washington DC area shoppers, and represent the regional and ethnic diversity of the U.S. Proceeds from the Show will fund grants that benefit the Smithsonian Institution’s education, outreach, conservation, and research programs. The Craft2Wear Show charges exhibitors a sales commission of 20%.
APPLICATION DEADLINES AND FEES
Electronic applications are due by April 30, 2024.
The fee for applying is $25. The application fee is non-refundable and due at the time you submit the online application and accept its terms and conditions.
LATE APPLICATIONS will be accepted until May 15, 2024 (midnight PT). The fee for late applications is $35, which must be included with all electronic applications submitted after April 30, 2024. Late electronic applications will not be accepted after May 15, 2024.
SHOW DATES: September 27-29, 2024
Opening Party: Friday, September 27, 2024 (starting 5:00pm for the come-from-work crowd, continuing until 8:00pm)
LOCATION
National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Judiciary Square Metro Station (Red Line)
ELIGIBILITY
The Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show is committed to presenting thoughtful, original, and skilled wearable American craft and design. The Show is looking for artists who produce one-of-a-kind or limited edition items that have been conceived and perfected by the artist and created in the artist’s studio. All work submitted to the Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show must be created and made in the United States.
The Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show encourages artists to continue to grow and stretch the limits of their work. The exploration of new and innovative technology has historically been a part of craft practice. New technologies such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) are increasingly prevalent in the designing and making of contemporary studio crafts. We recognize that new technologies are increasingly helpful in this process, so it is acceptable to submit work in which CAD/CAM and other industrial techniques such as 3-D printing tools are used in the creative process.
The use of repurposed materials, including found objects and sustainable practices, should be included in the Artist’s Statement, if applicable.
Only U.S. residents who make their work in the U.S. are eligible to apply.
ACCEPTABLE CATEGORIES
The SWC is seeking the full range of wearables and accessories, such as clothing, scarves and shawls, handbags, cufflinks and tie tacks, jewelry, footwear, hats, etc.
Artists should select one of the following categories:
Wearable Art - Artwork that is predominately clothing made from any materials.
Wearable Accessories - Artwork which is predominately scarves, shawls, shoes, handbags, belts, socks, gloves and/or hats made from any materials.
Jewelry - Artwork which is jewelry, tie tacks, and/or cufflinks made from any materials.
The following categories will not be included in the Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show: Items mass produced using 3D printing technology or works that incorporate materials acquired from the killing of endangered species (e.g., feathers, tusks) or elephant or mammoth ivory.
The Smithsonian Women’s Committee reserves the right to examine applicants’ web pages and any available documentation to determine that an artist is in compliance with the terms of our application.
TO ENTER
Each applicant must submit an application to Juried Art Services (https://www.juriedartservices.com), the non-refundable $25 fee (or $35 late fee), five (5) electronic images for consideration by the selection panel, and one booth image. The images must be fully representative of the work you will sell at the Craft2Wear Show.
Craft artists who work together may apply as one if they collaborate on the majority of their work.
STATUS REVIEW AND EDITING FUNCTION
You will be able to check your application after you have set it up in the system. This feature enables you to access your application as it will appear to the selection panel and: 1) edit the copy submitted until May 15, 2024; 2) verify that your payment has been received (if you find your payment has not been processed, please call the Smithsonian Women’s Committee office at 888-832-9554); and 3) find the results of the selection process.
Results of the selection process will be emailed to each applicant not later than the first week of July 2024.
ACCEPTANCE
Artist selection results will be available on the Juried Arts Services website immediately after the panel’s selections, but not later than June 29, 2024. You may look up the status of your application by clicking on the Manage Application function of the Juried Art Services website.
EXHIBITORS' DIRECTORY
The Smithsonian Craft2Wear website will post a 2024 Exhibitors’ Directory that includes images submitted by each artist. Information and images will be taken directly from the Juried Art Services website.
Accordingly, please submit the following information accurately:
1. Your name as you wish to be listed
2. Your U.S. mail address
3. Your phone number(s), website and email address
4. Descriptions of your images.
ARTIST STATEMENT
All applicants are required to submit an artist statement, limited to 1000 characters (including spaces), that includes information regarding the use or application of environmentally friendly materials and techniques in your work, if applicable.
BOOTH FEES
Booth fees are expected to range from $500 to $750, depending on the size and location of the booth. Participating artists will be asked to specify the booth size of their choice upon notification of their selection for the show. Booth options will range from 10'x10' to 10'x20'. Booth fees will include pipe and drape, a six-foot skirted table, two chairs, an electrical outlet, and a waste bin. Artists must provide their own electrical fixtures (lights).
Craft artists who work together and apply as one entity pay only one booth fee.
SECURITY
Smithsonian Craft2Wear provides security. However, you will exhibit all work at your own risk and should carry appropriate insurance. An overnight lock-up is available to jewelers for a minimal fee. The Smithsonian Women's Committee, the Smithsonian, and the Smithsonian Craft2Wear show will not be held responsible for damage, theft, or loss of your work or that of any other craft artist.
INQUIRIES
Address all correspondence and inquiries to:
Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show
MRC 527
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
E-mail: austrpr@si.edu
Web site: https://smithsoniancraft2wear.org
The Smithsonian Craft2Wear show complies with the American Disabilities Act to enable all craft artists to participate fully in the show.
Thank you for considering the Smithsonian Craft2Wear show.