Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show Celebrates Creativity, Talent and This Year’s Award Winners
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show celebrated a major milestone this year — its 50th anniversary! The annual show returned to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, bringing together 195 talented artists and craftspeople for a weekend filled with creativity, beautiful handmade works of art and a little Philadelphia history.
From stunning jewelry and colorful glass to ceramics, textiles, furniture and wearable art, the show offered visitors an opportunity to meet the artists, hear the stories behind their creations and shop for truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
Here’s a little history you might not know: The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art traces its roots to 1883, when 27 women, including Elizabeth Duane Gillespie, a great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin, formed a committee to support the museum. Gillespie had also helped organize the Women’s Pavilion at Philadelphia’s 1876 Centennial Exhibition. Today, the Women’s Committee continues that philanthropic tradition, organizing the Contemporary Craft Show and The Philadelphia Show: Antiques, Art, Design.
Over the years, the Craft Show has contributed more than $15.3 million to the museum, helping support its programs and initiatives. That’s quite a legacy!
Now here’s a fun Philadelphia connection!
To commemorate the show’s 50th anniversary, woodworker Ryan Jones of Roots & Jones created a limited-edition collection of just 50 handcrafted wooden pens, each with a very special connection to one of Philadelphia’s most famous landmarks.
The pens were made from wood salvaged from a hackberry tree that once stood near the Rocky statue at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. The tree was removed in August 2026, but thanks to Jones, a little piece of its history lives on.
Each year, outstanding artists are recognized for excellence in their respective fields. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!
Louise K. Binswanger Prize for Best Artist New to the Show: Jody Graff
Prize for Excellence in Jewelry: Xinia Guan. Judges: Katharine Padulo and Louis Padulo.
Best of Show ($1,500): Laura Fortune. Judged by Doug Bucci (r). Sponsored in memory of Fifi Fleming and Mary Lee Lowry.
Congratulations to all the winners: Full List
- Eric Berg Memorial Prize for Excellence in Metal: Bill Ristine. Judges: Shannon Tomanovich and Phillip Scarpone.
- Louise K. Binswanger Prize for Best Artist New to the Show: Jody Graff. Judges: John Binswanger, John Garrett and Jill Garrett.
- Cohn Family Trust Prize for Excellence in Glass: Andrew Iannazzi. Judge: Jonathan Cohn.
Prize for Excellence in Jewelry: Xinia Guan. Judges: Katharine Padulo and Louis Padulo.
Fifty Years of Supporting the Arts
What began five decades ago has grown into one of Philadelphia’s beloved annual cultural traditions, bringing artists and collectors together while raising money for the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
If you’ve never attended the Contemporary Craft Show, put it on your calendar for next year. Whether you’re an avid art collector, searching for a special gift or simply enjoy seeing beautiful things, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Philadelphia.
And remember, when you purchase something directly from an artist, you’re not just buying a beautiful object. You’re supporting their creativity, talent and years of dedication to their craft.
Congratulations to the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show on 50 years! Here’s to the next 50!
Sorry I didn’t get this post up over the weekend, I had it in draft. BUT I had put the photos on CBSPhilly, and my Social Media. Hope you were able to make it, it’s always great!!
Socially yours, xo HughE
