Renwick Gallery of The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC
1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW #1
Washington, DC 20006
On view starting November 13, 2026
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
This installation of objects from SAAM’s collection showcases the practice of making things by hand. Its presentation is part of a program at the Renwick Gallery to explore the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture.
Since the Renwick Gallery opened its doors in 1972, it has explored the meaning and relevance of craft in American culture. This exhibition features 53 works from the museum’s collection, including several new acquisitions made possible through Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, an initiative organized by Craft in America. New acquisitions include significant works by Roberto Benavidez, Angela Ellsworth, Bill Harris (Catawba Nation), Aya Oki, Ato Ribeiro, Diego Romero, and Jan Yager.
These artworks spark connections among other artworks on view to further explore the possibilities of craft in our shared contemporary world.
FEATURED ARTWORK
Cristina Cordova, “Cosmología isleña (Island Cosmology)”, 2021, detail, ceramic, metal, resin, wood, Figure and pedestal: 90 x 45 x 44″, Figure assembled with Plantains: 60 x 27 x 26″, Pedestal: 30 x 18 x 18″