JAMES RENWICK ALLIANCE FOR CRAFT

TAMARA KOSTIANOVSKY

3/30/2024

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES
WITH TAMARA KOSTIANOVSKY
ONLINE artist talk AND demonstration
MARCH 26 & 30, 2024

As a part of our Distinguished Artists Series, JRACraft features fiber artist Tamara Kostianovksy.

Argentine raised Tamara Kostianovsky creates colorful, fleshy sculptures out of discarded textile and clothing inspired by animals and abattoirs alike. The discovery of a world concealed behind the skin took form in her adolescence while working at a surgeon’s office. A fascination with these encounters put the body at the center of her work, allowing Kostianovsky to use this imagery to reflect on consumption, ecology, and the voracious needs of the body.

Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions at El Museo del Barrio, NY (2007 and 2019); The Jewish Museum NY (2009); Bienal Sur, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2019); Musee du Textile et de la Mode, Cholet, France (2021) and many more.

REGISTER BELOW

artist talk (Online only)

Tuesday, March 26 | 1pm - 2pm Eastern
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom
Learn about Kostianovsky's career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.

Demonstration (In person only)

Saturday, March 30 | 10am - 12pm
$50 JRACraft | $60 non-members
Watch how Kostianovsky makes her unique works from discarded fabric.

thank you to our partner:

artist demonstration is hosted
in collaboration with amy kaslow gallery
7920 norfolk ave
bethesda, maryland
(located in woodmont triangle on the corner of cordell and norfolk)

Opened in 2020 to show fine art that celebrates the natural world in content, form and medium; Washington, DC native and longtime international journalist Amy Kaslow covers a lot of miles exploring creatives and their markets, here and abroad. She and her talented team compile research, curate, design and communicate the story of each artist, and each piece on display.

In addition to the many dozens of artists represented, Amy Kaslow Gallery has a proud partnership with the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico that allows them to regularly introduce the world’s most collectible indigenous fine art.

The artist demonstration with Tamara Kostianovsky will take place at the gallery where viewers will get to meet the artist and learn about her techniques and materials process up close.

distinguished artist series registration

the distinguished artist series

Four craft artists coming to washington, dc

Four times a year, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft brings notable American craft artists from around the country to Washington, DC in partnership with other organizations for the Distinguished Artist Series. Each artist gives a public virtual talk followed later in the week by an artist demonstration.

SEE MORE ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES

ZEMER PELED

2/27/2024

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES WITH Zemer peled
artist talk and demonstration
february 27 & march 2, 2024

JRACraft has partnered with VisArts Center as part of our Distinguished Artists Series to feature ceramic artist Zemer Peled.

Zemer Peled’s work examines the beauty and brutality of the natural world. Her sculptural language is formed by her surrounding landscapes and nature, engaging with themes of memory, identity and place. Her works are formed from thousands of porcelain shards constructed into large-scale/small-scale sculptures and installations.

Peled was born and raised in Israel. She earned her MA at the Royal College of Art (UK). In recent years, her work has been exhibited internationally at venues including Sotheby's, Saatchi Gallery (London), and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City). She has been featured in Vogue, O Magazine, Elle and other international publications.

Her work is found in many private collections around the world and museum collections, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Fuller Craft Museum; Crocker Art Museum; and the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation.

register below

artist talk (Online only)

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 | 1pm - 2pm Eastern
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom
Learn about Peled's career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.

demonstration (In person only)

Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 10am - 12pm
$50 JRACraft members | $60 non-members
VisArts Center

thank you to our partner:

THIS EVENT IS IN COLLABORATION WITH:
VISARTS CENTER
155 GIBBS STREET
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

VisArts is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to transform individuals and communities through the visual arts. VisArts offers classes, events, camps, artist in residence programs, and features five different gallery spaces with rotating exhibitions.

Recently, VisArts has launched their new Center for Craft Studies initiative to champion and promote Craft arts through classes, certifications and other programs.

The artist demonstration with Zemer Peled will be held at VisArts Center where participants will get to see the artist demonstrate the techniques and material processes which make up her studio practice.

distinguished artist series REGISTRATION

the distinguished artist series

four artists coming to washington, dc

See more about the distinguished artist series

NEW ZEALAND

2/13/2024

craft lovers ADVENTURE to NEW ZEALAND
February 13 - 24, 2024
CAUCUS MEMBERS ONLY
$5,345 PER PERSON DOUBLE ROOM
$6,567 PER PERSON for SINGLE ROOM

Swoon over the contemporary craft of New Zealand in this unique craft lovers trip! Art Travel NZ organizes this one-of-a-kind 12 day trip, featuring stops in some of New Zealand's most popular cities including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. With input from JRACraft caucus member, craft collector and NZ resident, Peggy Greenfield, this trip is sure to delight the craft lovers in all of us.

Cost includes accommodation in 4 star hotels in central Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, domestic flights on Air New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington, to Christchurch and back to Auckland and some meals.

trip itinerary

tuesday, february 13- Auckland

Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand. Arrive today and transfer to your hotel in downtown.Your hotel is available for immediate check in this morning. Welcome cocktail and city introduction.

wednesday, february 14- auckland

Visit Objectspace this morning for a talk on the place of New Zealand craft and object art on the world stage.
From Objectspace we head west toward the Waitakere Ranges to visit Te Uru Contemporary Gallery to view the Portage Ceramics Award. An annual exhibition of contemporary New Zealand ceramics. Enjoy drink at the home of JRACraft Caucus Member Peggy Greenfield, followed by a group welcome meal.

thursday, february 15- auckland to wellington

This morning we check out and transfer to the airport for our one hour flight to Wellington.
On arrival we visit Avid Gallery and Jhana Miller Gallery. Avid Gallery specialises in contemporary jewellery and objects. While Jhana Miller Gallery has a crossover of young artists and makers. Afterwards we will enjoy a group meal nearby.

friday, february 16- wellington

We enjoy a visit to our national museum Te Papa Tongarewa this morning and enjoy a behind the scenes experience with the Objects curator. We lunch at Te Papa and then head around the harbour to the Dowse Art Museum. It has a focus on craft and object art.
We will meet the director, Karl Chitham, one of the key promoters of New Zealand Aotearoa craft and objects. Dinner will be on your own.

saturday, february 17- wellington

Today we meet two local makers, a collector and take a drive around Wellington’s waterfront. The rest of the evening is free to join your guide to visit local art galleries, head back to Avid or wander the waterfront.

sunday, february 18- wellington to christchurch

We check out and fly to Christchurch this morning.
On arrival we visit the Christchurch Art Gallery and Arts Precinct for a city orientation. Christchurch has changed substantially since the 2010 earthquakes devastated the city. Learn about SCAPE – the annual sculpture festival as we travel around the city and enjoy a meal with fellow guests in the evening.

monday, february 19- christchurch

This morning we travel over the Port Hills to visit Ohinetahi, the home and garden of architect Sir Miles Warren at Governers Bay, spend time in Lyttleton and return to Christchurch after lunch via a local studio.
This afternoon we visit The National, the local craft, object and contemporary jewellery gallery and Dilana Rugs and learn about their bespoke artist carpets. A free evening in Christchurch gives you a bit of time to explore the city at night.

tuesday, february 20- christchurch

This morning we pack our bags for the last time and head back to Auckland. On our return we visit Sculptor Gregor Kregar in his studio before heading to the Auckland Studio Potters.

Wednesday, February 21- christchurch to auckland

Today we board our bus for a journey north of Auckland to the small community of Matakana. Our focus here is to meet two local glass artists and stop for lunch at Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Brick Bay hosts a winery, restaurant and sculpture trail. On our way back to Auckland we stop by the studio of ceramicist Virginia Leonard.

thursday, february 22 auckland

Today we spend the day in town, visiting Auckland Art Gallery, Fingers, a contemporary jewellery collective celebrating 50 years in 2024. We head up town to Masterworks Gallery, which specialises in contemporary objects and jewellery, and finish up with a drink at Anna Miles Gallery where we learn about the practice of makers Tyrone Te Wa, Richard Stratton and Peter Hawkesby. Here we may also bump into Richard Fahey, noted lecture and passionate collectors of New Zealand craft and objects.

friday, february 23- auckland

We head out on the water today to visit Waiheke Island. A visit to Auckland is not complete without time on the Waitemata Harbour. We are known as the City of Sails after all. Enjoy time on the island, lunch at a celebrated winery, visit an artist studio and again bump into Peggy Greenfield to say goodbye. We then return for a farewell dinner.

saturday, february 24- onward

Optional extra day/night: Today you may extend your stay and join us to visit Gibbs Farm. Gibbs Farm is home to a range of large scale sculptural works by the likes of Anish Kapoor, Richard Serra and Sol Lewitt, Daniel Buren and Maya Lin among others. Otherwise you are welcome to check out and head home at your leisure today.

SEE THE FAQ

This is expected to be one of our most popular trips in recent history. Become a Caucus Member and register today!

two spots are now available- please contact admin@jra.org to inquire about available space

All cancellations must be made in writing to the James Renwick Alliance for Craft at admin@jra.org at least one month in advance of the trip start date. Refunds, less a cancellation fee of $150 per person and the non-refundable JRACraft contribution of $500 per person. No refunds will be made after this date except in the case of a medical emergency, in which case all funds less the cancellation fee, donation and incurred expenses by JRACraft will be refunded. In the case that JRACraft cancels the trip for any reason, a full refund will be issued.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Further guidance about this will be sent as the trip nears.

You may be asked to produce a Covid vaccination certificate and adhere to any and all New Zealand government regulations and requirements around Covid, if any at the time of travel.

You are responsible for any visa’s to enter New Zealand such as the NZeTA

JAYDAN MOORE

1/9/2024

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES WITH jaydan MOORE
ONLINE artist talk AND IN-PERSON demonstration
JAUNUARY 9 & 13, 2024

JRACraft is proud to host metal artist Jaydan Moore as part of our Distinguished Artists Series.

Jaydan Moore was born into a family of fourth-generation tombstone makers in Northern California. Most of his childhood was spent at the family business. It is through these experiences he began to value the heirlooms and objects chosen to become markers for significant moments that occur during the human experience. Moore deconstructs and reassembles silver-plated tableware into new images to commemorate the individual’s ability to do the same to their own valuables and memories.

artist talk (Online only)

Tuesday, January 9| 1pm - 2pm
Free and open to the public | Hosted on Zoom
Learn about Moore's career and influences in this online program hosted in partnership with American University Katzen Arts Center.

demonstration (In person only)

Saturday, January 13 | 10am - 12pm
$50 JRACraft | $60 non-members
In person at Cyd Rowley Studio

- REGISTRATION BELOW -

thank you to our partner:

this event is in collaboration with
cyd rowley studio
kensington, maryland

Cyd Rowley is a designer and metalsmith with over 20 years of experience in creating unique, sculptural “vessel” pendants. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) jewelry program, training in the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication. Continuing her education, she has attended many workshops in the US and Europe. Cyd runs a studio in Kensington, Maryland where she rents space to fellow jewelry artists, teaches workshops, and hosts local events. Her work has been featured in British Vogue Magazine, as well as other venues. Notably, she is a member of the Pleiades Art Jewelry group, a collective made up of eight prominent jewelers in the Washington, D.C. area.

distinguished artist series registration

the distinguished artist series

FOUR ARTISTS COMING TO WASHINGTON, DC

SEE MORE ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED ARTIST SERIES

JRACRAFT DAY

12/2/2023

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023
THE WOMAN'S CLUB OF CHEVY CHASE
7931 CONNECTICUT AVE, CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
IN-PERSON EVENT
10AM - 5PM

JRACraft Day is a showcase and sale featuring artists who are members of the James Renwick Alliance for Craft.

Join us for the 16th edition of JRACraft Day. This event gives the public an opportunity to see and purchase work by craft artists working in a variety of media, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, and wood.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

There are 44 artists this year: 37 returning and 7 new from across the region, including the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia:

Debra Adelson
Jowita Allen
Suzanne Arden
Janet Barnard
Joseph Barnard
Barbara Lynn Bechthold
Annie Boyer*
Ellen Cohen
Elyse Demaray
Eileen Doughty
Eileen Egan
Nora Fischer
Floris Flam
Kevin Hluch
Margaret Hluch
Cara Jablon
Carl Johnson*
Ronni Jolles*
Alice Kresse
Laurel Lukaszewski
Barbara Mann
Mara Mayor

Page Morahan*
Sally O’Connell*
Catherine O’Sullivan
Margaret Polcawich
Carol Press
Rebecca Ravenal
Robin Reid
Wendy Ross
Jill Ross Meltzer*
Jeanette Ryan*
Jody Sachs
Carol Samour
Peggy Shiffrin
Kanika Sircar
Laurie Madsen Snarr
Becky Snider
Jan Solomon
Hillary Steel
Candace Stribling
Shamaka Thompson
Richard Webster
Sandra Zacharia

* new participating artist

THank you to our 2023 JRACRaft day sponsors

Nedra and Peter Agnew
Janice and Harvey Berger
Ana Maria Castro
John and Karen Fagelson
Marsha Gold
Carol Green
Jere Gibber & J.G. Harrington
Betsy Holland
Reba Immergut
Mallory Lawson
Anne Mehringer
Sandy & Norman Mitchell
Clemmer Montague
Geraldine Ostrove
Susan and Fred Sanders
Bonnie and Gil Schwartz
Rebecca and Gary Stevens
Anne Swanson
Andrea and Joe Uravitch
Jackie Urow
Barbara A. Wolanin
Patricia A. Young

Pictured above: Jewelry Artist Jowita Allen.
Pictured on homepage banner: Ceramic vessel by Kanika Sircar.

become a volunteer

JRACraft Day does not come together without our volunteers. We are looking for people who can spare a few hours to help us out again this year, either with set up on Friday, December 1, or during the event on Saturday, December 2.

Volunteer activities include assisting with set up, posting signs outside, greeting guests, assisting with the membership table, artist relief, retrieving signs, take down, and clean up. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Inga@jra.org. We hope to see you at JRACraft Day!

become a jracraft day sponsor

Our sponsors support the James Renwick Alliance for Craft and help make JRACraft Day possible. Sponsor are listed on the website and thanked at the event. Sponsorship is a $100+ donation.

ANNUAL MEETING

11/28/2023

JRACRAFT ANNUAL MEETING
FEATURING GUEST SPEAKERS FROM CRAFT IN AMERICA
NOVEMBER, 28 | 7PM - 8PM
HOSTED ON ZOOM
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join fellow craft enthusiasts at the Annual Meeting to learn about the latest JRACraft news and announcements. Be the first to know about our upcoming programs in the new year, including a new grant opportunity and our 2024 Spring Craft Weekend honorees. Registration is now open!

Join us this year for a behind-the-scenes look at Craft in America and learn from the experts who are shaping the future of American craft.

Craft in America is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote and advance original handcrafted work, through programs in all media. Craft in America, a 2020 JRACraft Distinguished Educator, includes the Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning PBS television documentary series, website, and Craft in America Center.

REGISTRATION

MEET THE SPEAKERS

craft in america

Producer and director Carol Sauvion will introduce two of her colleagues to share insights about upcoming episodes of the award winning PBS series and to present a new project "Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026."

PATRICIA BISCHETTI
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR CRAFT IN AMERICA

Meet Executive Producer, Patricia Bischetti, as she shares brief insights about the upcoming "Collecting" episode featuring JRACraft members Fleur Bressler, Judy Chernoff and Jeff Bernstein and JRACraft honoree Carolyn Mazloomi.

JEN RUPPMANN
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Be one of the first to learn from Senior Project Manager Jen Ruppmann about Handwork 2026, a nationwide observance of Craft in partnership with organizations from around the country, including JRACraft.

CAUCUS MEMBER EVENT

10/29/2023

KEKE CRIBBS WORKSHOP
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 | 12 pm - 4 pm
IN - PERSON EVENT
$125 PER PERSON
CAUCUS MEMBERS ONLY

Acclaimed mixed media and glass artist Keke Cribbs is coming to Washington, DC to host an intimate workshop with JRACraft Caucus Members at the private home and collection of Bonnie and Gil Schwartz. Materials will be provided for participants to create personal 8” x 8” works of art with components provided by the artist.

ABOUT KEKE CRIBBS

As a glass artist with a career spanning over 51 years, KeKe Cribbs has had time to hone her craft to the ultimate height of technical perfection while retaining curiosity and conceptual intention.

Her artwork is influenced by the places she has lived. The desert lands of the Southwest, which still have deep cultural roots for her, and architecture, threaded through with the experiences of living in old European villages with winding cobble streets, heavy iron locks and hinges on old wooden doors. There is a sense of mystery and adventure sewn with magic in her work; new lands with old stories.

Cribbs has work in many museum collections both nationally and internationally, including the L.A. County Museum, CA; Corning Glass Museum, Corning, NY; Henry Ford Art Museum, Dearborn, MI; Mobile Art Museum, Mobile, AL; Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI; and Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Sapporo, Japan.

- This event is now full -

JRACRAFT POP-UP

10/21/2023

Peruse and purchase contemporary craft art
October 21 - 22 | 12pm - 5 pm
FREE IN-PERSON EVENT
5310 Western Ave NW, Space B-102, Chevy Chase, MD
(FORMER COLE HAAN SPACE AT The Shops at Wisconsin Place, next to talbots)

Peruse and purchase pre-loved contemporary craft work by outstanding artists from around the country at the James Renwick Alliance for Craft Pop-up sale. Take in unique works made of glass, ceramics, wood, metal, fiber and more. Shop the holidays early or gift yourself a unique work of art.

Special thanks to all of our donors and event organizer Marsha Gold.

CHEVY CHASE ART WALK & FALL FEST

While visiting the shop, also enjoy Fall Fest at the Shops at Wisconsin on Saturday and explore the Chevy Chase Open Studios happening throughout weekend. Visit 77 artists at 33 studios including JRACraft Artists Jowita Allen, Joan Danoff, Carl Johnson, Carol Samour, Kanika Sircar, Jan Solomon, Jill Tanenbaum, and Sandra Zacharia.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OPEN STUDIOS

SHOP ONLINE

PERUSE AND PURCHASE FROM HOME!

A limited selection of works from our Pop-Up are for sale below. Showcasing a variety of work in different mediums and craft publications at significantly discounted prices. Learn more about each item by clicking on the image, add your favorite items to your cart or support JRACraft by making a donation.

All sales from the JRACraft Pop-Up are final and will support free educational programs hosted by the James Renwick Alliance for Craft.

CAUCUS MEMBER OPPORTUNITY

10/15/2023

A RARE OPPORTUNITY
EXPERIENCE ST. BRIDE'S SCULPTURE GARDEN COLLECTION
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 | 9:45am - 4pm
$165 PER PERSON | IN - PERSON EVENT
CAUCUS MEMBERS ONLY

Caucus Members are invited to visit the an extraordinary St. Bride’s Sculpture Collection and lunch at Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, VA.

The Private Collection under the stewardship of Barbara and Dave Roux, who live on this beautiful estate, features 50 works of art, many of monumental scale, placed across the field and woodlands of this rolling Virginia foothills landscape of natural beauty and cultural drama. Notable artists such as Mark de Suvero, Santiago Calatrava, George Rickey, Sean Scully, Henry Moore and so many more, all placed in 360 acre breathtaking landscape. These will all be enjoyed from low speed, open air motor vehicles.

LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE

Bus transportation and lunch included. Participants should meet at Montgomery Mall near the Exxon Station promptly at 9:45am.

This amazing afternoon is organized by Caucus Member Sharon Buchanan.

-- SOLD OUT --

<<Previous

Archives

TAMARA KOSTIANOVSKY

REGISTER BELOW

distinguished artist series registration

the distinguished artist series

ZEMER PELED

register below

distinguished artist series REGISTRATION

the distinguished artist series

NEW ZEALAND

trip itinerary

two spots are now available- please contact admin@jra.org to inquire about available space

JAYDAN MOORE

- REGISTRATION BELOW -

distinguished artist series registration

the distinguished artist series

JRACRAFT DAY

become a volunteer

become a jracraft day sponsor

ANNUAL MEETING

REGISTRATION

MEET THE SPEAKERS

CAUCUS MEMBER EVENT

- This event is now full -

JRACRAFT POP-UP

SHOP ONLINE

CAUCUS MEMBER OPPORTUNITY

-- SOLD OUT --

who we are

WHAT WE DO

JOIN US