KATE ROBERTS 
JRACraft Chrysalis Award

ANI KASTEN 
Distinguished Artist Series
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Ceramic artists Kate Roberts and Ani Kasten give thoughtful presentations about their work, inspiration, and lives as artists. With vulnerability and bravery, each creates unique work using untraditional techniques. Their differing backgrounds and a shared interest in materiality make for a dynamic juxtaposition that should not be missed.

"They spoke honestly, eloquently, and revealed the humanity that informs their life and work." - guest of the lecture

As the Renwick Gallery approaches its 50th anniversary, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft is renewing its commitment to expanding the Gallery’s collection with the 50th Anniversary Acquisitions Fund.  The fund is part of the JRA’s long history of supporting acquisitions, including iconic pieces like Karen LaMonte’s Reclining Dress Impression with Drapery, Judy McKie’s Monkey Settee, and the Nick Cave Soundsuit. 
 
The Gallery has an ambitious plan to build its collection, not just by filling gaps, but by expanding its range and scope, adding artists who are new to the collection, artists whose work is great but has not been in the spotlight, and artists who are an important part of the future of craft.  The Gallery’s goal is to add more than 100 new objects to the collection.
 
The 50th Anniversary Acquisitions Fund will support that effort.  All of the money raised for this fund will support acquisitions for the Renwick Gallery’s permanent collection, chosen from the list of works that the curators have developed.
 
Donors to the fund will receive recognition and other benefits described below.  Donate now to be a part of this historic and unprecedented moment in craft history.
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Additionally, the JRA is thankful to the Minkoff family for the full library collection of craft publications. Minkoff was a long-time member of the James Rennwick Alliance and the Museum of Glass' first Trustee Emeritus prior to his passing in September 2020. He was well known at the JRA for championing the studio glass movement and played a significant role as a donor and board member. 

In response to the economic hardship in the arts caused by COVID, we have increased support for emerging artists through the 2020 annual Chrysalis Award. The James Renwick Alliance has granted $5,000 to the winner of the Chrysalis Awardee, three Awards of Excellence of $1000 each, five honorable mentions, and over 100 gift memberships to the Alliance for applicants.
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The 2020 JRACraft Chrysalis Awardee:
Kate Roberts

The Awards of Excellence include: 
Maxwell Mustardo 
Eliza Au
Chris M Rodgers 

The honorable mentions:
Joann Quinones
Rae Stern
Shiyuan Xu
Courtney Mattison
Yoonjee Kwak

​Learn about craft exhibitions happening around the world through the monthly James Renwick Alliance Newsletter. ​

Craft Boston, December 12-13, online
Shopping Online, November 12 – December 31
Boston, MA, www.societyofcrafts.org
 
Old Church Pottery Show & Sale, December 4-6, online
Art School at Old Church, Demerest, NJ, www.oldchurchpotteryshow.org
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We hosted over 80 guests at our JRA Annual Meeting, which including information about our 2020 Chrysalis Award, our recently announced Distinguished Artist Series and special guests from CERF+. 

"That was an excellent membership meeting. I learned more than the normal live meeting. That was quite a lot of information about CERF. I’ve known of it for year but was good to see artists and craftspeople who were really helped. Thank you for bringing us an informative and concise meeting." - B.J. Adams, JRA member and fiber artist

Read more and watch the entire meeting online. 
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​Support handmade for the holidays by joining our annual artist showcase and sale online. Purchase work from both local and national artists, and support the James Renwick Alliance.

​JRA Day features 55 artists and over 1,500 handmade objects!

"We're excited to bring JRA Day online to a new and broader audience, with more artists than ever and some of the best work that's ever been in the show." - Jere Gibber, JRA Co-Chair

Shopping with JRA Day online is easy! Visit www.jra.org/jra-day-online and search by artist or medium to find all of your holidays needs. To select an item for purchase, click "add to cart." On the top right hand corner of the the website, you will find your cart, where you can select your payment method and your delivery/pick-up method. Some items are available for pick up at the JRA Office 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20015 on December 12, from 10am - 3pm.