Formerly known as the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s African American Craft Initiative, the renamed African African American Craft Alliance, brings craft artisans, makers and organizations together to encourage the vitality of African American craft, support efforts to document and present African American work, strengthen networks, and increase access to opportunities and resources.

The African American Craft Alliance began in 2020 as an Initiative of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to address the needs of the African American craft community through workshops, network building, documentation, and public programming. Beginning in 2024, the work has continued and expanded  as the African American Craft Alliance, supported by the Folk Education Network Alliance and working in partnership with a network of African American craft artists, regional and national craft organizations to support the needs and promote the visibility and vitality of African American craft and artists/craftpersons.

The AACA was  founded by textile artist scholar, Fulbright specialist, and Smithsonian curator alumnus, Dr. Diana Baird N’Diaye.

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The mission of Center for Metal Arts is to maintain a high-quality educational forging program, providing the best equipped facility deeply rooted in the traditions and history of this craft, reaching and serving the broadest possible audience of artists, craftspeople and students in the U.S. and abroad. Core to this mission is the preservation through use of the historic Cambria Iron Company facilities in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Center for Metal Arts offers beginner through advanced forging workshops in our state-of-the-art facilities and provides specialized tools and equipment for each student. Our workshops vary in length of time from weekend, one-week, two-week, to six-week long workshops and we frequently run private lessons. We are confident with the variety of topics, levels, and lengths of our workshops there is a class for everyone interested in forging.

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Celebrate the holidays and the 250th anniversary of American independence at the Red Mill Museum Village’s annual Festival of Trees. This year, each tree reflects on 250 years of America—through history, culture, and visions of the future.

The festival opens with the Winter Village holiday market, featuring artisan vendors, festive food, and Hands-On History demonstrations in blacksmithing, candlemaking, spinning, and more.

Proceeds support the museum’s preservation and educational programs.

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In honor of MICA’s Bicentennial, the College will be holding a one-of-a kind celebration – the Fete of Lights gala will be an explosion of creativity – lighting up the community through art installations, lighting design, costuming and performance including a runway of artistic expression.

The Fête of Light is one of the most frequently remembered events and legendary for its inventive costumes and creative atmosphere and interior design of the space.

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Maryland Institute College of Art is a nationally and internationally recognized art and design institution with a deep commitment to the City of Baltimore and to the importance of the arts in advancing the cultural and economic development of the region.

The College enrolls 1700+ students in undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies classes in programs in art and design. MICA is celebrating its bicentennial in 2026 – and is working with the broad community to activate our commitment outlined in our mission to: EMPOWER students to forge creative, purposeful lives and careers in a diverse and changing world. THRIVE with Baltimore. MAKE the world we imagine.

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The Tyler School of Art and Architecture educates and inspires students to be active participants in society with the highest aspirations for creative and social achievement, individual expression, scholarly discovery and innovation.

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The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching our region through cultural and educational programming that encourages, supports, and promotes the visual, performing, and literary arts.

As the producer of signature events—including the award-winning The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, the Texas Fine Craft Show, and the Young Makers Market, TWAC creates meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to celebrate, experience, and be inspired by creativity.

TWAC fulfills its mission through impactful year-round initiatives, including student art scholarships, microgrants, public art projects, and educational outreach programs. Over the past 20 years, the organization has reinvested more than $1.7 million into the community, thanks to the generosity of its community.

TWAC also operates a gallery open free of charge alongside a vibrant calendar of special events and programs throughout the year.

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Materials to Masterpiece invites visitors to explore the journey of traditional craft, from humble raw materials to refined works of art.

The exhibition reveals the transformation of natural resources by the hands of master craftsmen. Unfinished pieces will be featured alongside finished work to illuminate the process, skill, artistry, and vision behind each creation.

The League will showcase collaborations with traditional craft education programs in New Hampshire as a part of this exhibition.

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A jury session is a formal and rigorous evaluation for membership with the League of NH Craftsmen. League jurors not only demonstrate technical expertise but exemplify the “Spirit of the Maker” through their work, and serve as ambassadors for this historic organization.

Setting the Standard is a recurring exhibition featuring work from the League’s jurors. Masters in their respective media categories, these craftsmen represent the high standards of the organization in the work they produce.

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The Clay Studio is proud to present Our Community, a biennial, open call exhibition that highlights the inspiring work being made by artists who are part of The Clay Studio as Students, Associate Artists, Interns, Staff, Board, and Teaching Artists.

The work on view encompasses the range of what inspires our artists, including: global cultures, traditional techniques, 3D printing, slip casting, installation art, humor, and political activism.

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Dive into the world of scrap metal sculpture! Work with Starworks’ Director of Metal Mac Metz to transform found or provided metal into unique sculptures.

Explore techniques, get one-on-one guidance, and leave with either a finished piece or a clear plan to complete it. No experience required—bring your ideas (or just your curiosity) and let your metal dreams come to life!

Space is limited; $300 per participant.

Saturday, December 6, 2025
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

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Join us for TRANSFORMATION, the Starworks Benefit & Auction.

Assist in creating a new installation with renowned artist Therman Statom, enjoy a catered luncheon with live jazz, and meet guest artists.

The highlight: the Maker’s Dozen Auction featuring 13 curated works including works by Sergei Isupov, Janina Myronowa, Juana Gomez Ramirez, Cedric Mitchell, Paul Stankard, and others.

Proceeds support Starworks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Saturday, October 25

11am-3pm

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Pratt Fine Arts Center, founded in Seattle’s Central District and named for civil rights leader Edwin T. Pratt, has been a creative hub for 50 years. Offering year-round, affordable classes and studios, Pratt supports artists of all ages and skill levels. Disciplines include glass, sculpture, jewelry, paper, and 2D media. This exhibition features work by Pratt students, instructors, board members, and staff, reflecting the center’s vibrant and inclusive arts community.

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Co-Curator Robin Little Wing Sigo (Suquamish Tribe) partners with BIMA to present a survey of Indigenous (Native American and First Nations) craft artists, working in traditional and contemporary forms. Media will include fiber/textiles, wood carving, ceramics, glass, and jewelry art. Wearables will include both ceremonial regalia and fashion items.

More than twenty artists who have lived and worked in the Salish Sea region are featured, including Larry (Ulaaq) Ahvakana, Peg Deam, Joe Feddersen, Denita and Joey Holmes, Barbara Lawrence, Betty Pasco, Preston Singletary, and Jennifer Angaiak Wood.

Sigo is the Director of the Suquamish Research & Strategic Development Department, which includes the Suquamish Foundation. She has advised and assisted BIMA with previous Indigenous exhibitions and programs, and is on BIMA’s Advisory Council. Indigenous Craft is the fourth major Indigenous exhibition BIMA has produced since opening in 2013.

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BIMA is planning a retrospective of the late master metalsmith Heikki Seppa, originally from Finland, who passed away in 2010.

After decades teaching at Washington University in St. Louis, he retired and later married Bainbridge Island jewelry artist Laurie A. Lyall.

Through a major legacy gift from Lyall and other collectors, BIMA acquired over 45 signature works, including jewelry, hollowware, and decorative art, showcasing techniques Seppa taught and pioneered.

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