Philadelphia’s creative scene is about to have a major moment—the annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show is set to bring three days of artistry, design and handmade discoveries to the PA Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) for its 50th year.
Set to run Nov. 6 to 8, the milestone weekend will bring together 195 artists across 13 categories of craft and design, offering one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, textiles, wearable art, sculptural works and beyond.
The anniversary lineup offers more than a chance to browse and shop this year as well. On Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 9 p.m., the PMA Craft Show Preview Gala will give guests first dibs on the artists’ work, along with a packed evening of mingling with the creatives, cocktails and a buffet. The best part? A ticket to the Gala also includes entry to all three days of the show.
During the giant exhibition's run, the creativity will continue with 'Fit to be Tied' on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m., an interactive scarf-tying presentation featuring four of this year’s participating artists. The next day (Nov. 7) at noon, attendees can check out 'Find Your Style, the PMA Craft Show Fashion Event'. Showcasing looks from this year’s artists, the event will spotlight the possibilities of “art you can wear”, including jewelry, leather goods and other handcrafted designs.
For those interested in the stories, traditions and future of craft, Saturday’s programming also includes a special guest speaker event at 2 p.m. with clay artists Syd Carpenter, Adebunmi Gbadebo and Roberto Lugo. Reservations are required and can be made when purchasing a show ticket. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase work by the featured artists (with each creative retaining all proceeds from their sales).
Beyond the weekend’s shopping and demonstrations, the Craft Show is commemorating five decades of design. Over the past 50 years, the event has raised more than $15 million in support of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, helping fund educational programs, special exhibitions and acquisitions for the museum’s permanent collection. Those contributions also help expand access to the arts for diverse communities, giving the show a purpose that extends well beyond the convention floor, a release notes.
Tickets for the Craft Show ($10-$25) or Preview Gala ($125+) are available through the official PMA Craft Show website. Anyone who can’t attend can also make a donation online.
For updates and a closer look at participating artists, Philadelphians can follow the show on Instagram at @pmacraftshow, Facebook at Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, and TikTok at @pma.craft.show. For tickets, additional event information and the full programming lineup, visit pmacraftshow.org
MORE: Mural Arts Month celebrates Philadelphia’s iconic public art
The 50th annual show runs Nov. 6-8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch St. A Preview Gala will take place Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4 to 9 p.m.
Show tickets range from $10 to $25. Tickets to the Preview Gala start at $125 and include admission to all three days of the show. Tickets are available at pmacraftshow.org.
The show features 195 artists across 13 craft and design categories, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, wearable art and sculpture. Special programming includes scarf-tying demonstrations, a fashion event showcasing handcrafted designs and a panel discussion with clay artists.
Over the past 50 years, the event has raised more than $15 million for the Philadelphia Museum of Art, supporting educational programs, special exhibitions, acquisitions for the museum’s permanent collection and broader access to the arts.
