First Annual CraftWeek DC: April 22-26

The Smithsonian Craft Show, now in its 27th year, has never failed to highlight the best in fine crafts. And starting this Thursday, the show will make its grand return to the National Building Museum. Here people will be able to browse–and purchase–one-of-a-kind work by 120 accomplished craft artists from across the country. What’s more, for the first time ever the Craft Show is part of a larger celebration called CraftWeek DC.

This week of celebrating crafts spans from April 22-26, during which a head-spinning array of craft-related events will take place in various venues throughout the city. In an effort to help people navigate their way through the madness that will become CraftWeek, The Washington Post called upon Washington glass artist Tim Tate to create a CraftWeek guide in which the most interesting events have been culled and grouped into the following categories: Student, Everyman, and Connoisseur. It’s an excellent resource and well worth consulting.

I’ve yet to decide what events I’m going to attend, but here’s one that caught my attention at first glance: The Art vs. Craft Tug of War and Panel Discussion (4/22) that’s taking place from 5:30 – 7:30pm in the Washington Project for the Arts (2023 Massachusetts Ave. NW). Here artist Steve Frost and gallery owner Rebecca Cross will debate the difference between ‘art’ and ‘craft.’ The discussion will be followed off by an actual tug of war in Dupont Circle between team art and team craft. Which team will you be on?