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Crafting America

Exhibition
Temporary Exhibition Gallery
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Crafting America, a new exhibition developed by Crystal Bridges, celebrates the skill and individuality of craft within the broad context of American art. From jewelry to furniture to sculptures and more, this exhibition is dazzling and full of surprises.

Featuring over 100 works in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass, and more unexpected materials, Crafting America presents a diverse and inclusive story of American craft from the 1940s to today, highlighting the work of artists such as Ruth Asawa, Peter Voulkos, Jeffrey Gibson, Sonya Clark, and more. Craft has long been a realm accessible to the broadest range of individuals, providing an opportunity to explore personal creativity, innovation, and technical skill. This exhibition foregrounds varied backgrounds and perspectives in craft, from the vital contributions of Indigenous artists to the new skills and points of view brought by immigrants to the United States.

Developed by Jen Padgett, associate curator at Crystal Bridges, and Glenn Adamson, guest curator and scholar of craft, design history, and contemporary art, Crafting America asserts craft’s integral role in expanding the story of American art and is accompanied by a major multi-author illustrated publication published by Crystal Bridges and the University of Arkansas Press.

Adults: $12
Members, SNAP participants, Veterans, and Youth 18 and Under: FREE

SNAP participants, please call 479.657.2335 to enroll for free entry to temporary exhibitions.

Not a member? Join today!

Seniors can enjoy a special Senior Hour every Monday, 10 – 11 am, before the museum opens.

Share your craft story.

Share Your Craft Story

We want to hear your story!
Share Your Craft Story is a community-driven project collecting stories about personal connections to craft objects.

Contribute your story now.

Metal legs
Quilt
Baby doll in wooden crib

Crafting America YouTube Playlist

Learn about Crafting America in our blogs

Conversations Across Collections: Ruth Asawa in Crafting America
Guest viewing basket woven hanging sculpture

Conversations Across Collections: Ruth Asawa in Crafting America

Art & Collection Exhibitions

Examine the intersection of art and craft through the work of renowned artist Ruth Asawa.

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5 Craft Stories from Our Followers
Walnut slab cocktail table Contributed by: John Noel Created by: John Noel

5 Craft Stories from Our Followers

Exhibitions People & Community

Every object tells a story, and we know that readers like you have craft stories of your own.  Share Your Craft Story is a community-driven project offered by Crystal Bridges in an effort to collect stories about personal connections to craft objects.

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Celebrating Women Artists in Crafting America
View of Crystal Bridges contemporary art gallery

Celebrating Women Artists in Crafting America

Exhibitions

Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, let’s take a look at some of the works made by a few of the women artists featured in Crafting America, on view at Crystal Bridges now through May 31, 2021.

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Beth Lipman, The Levy-Franks Family, and a New Work Made of Glass
Beth Lipman, Belonging(s)

Beth Lipman, The Levy-Franks Family, and a New Work Made of Glass

Art & Collection Exhibitions

Learn more about Belonging(s) (2020), a newly commissioned work, by Beth Lipman, part of Crafting America.

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What is Craft? An Introduction to Crafting America
Guest in a health mask stands looking at art in the background is Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, Home of the Brave

What is Craft? An Introduction to Crafting America

Exhibitions

Get a first look at Crafting America, a new exhibition presenting a broad and inclusive look at craft in the United States from the 1940s to today. 

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New Acquisition: Tigris T-1 by Anne Lemanski
Anne Lemanski, Tigris T-1

New Acquisition: Tigris T-1 by Anne Lemanski

Exhibitions

Just over five feet tall, this sculpture features a tiger balancing skillfully on a colorful ball. To create the tiger, Lemanski first fashioned a metal framework, then stitched specially printed paper to cover the form. The result is mesmerizing in its kaleidoscopic pattern and bright colors.

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Sponsored By:

Windgate Foundation logo

Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry

Phillips

Morris Foundation, Inc.

National Endowment for the Humanities & National Endowment for the Arts

Crafting America has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.