PMA Contemporary Craft Show is Celebrating 50 Years of Craft this November

Honoring a Legacy of Artistic and Cultural Impact

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 50th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show will celebrate five decades of exceptional artistry, craftsmanship, and creative innovation from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with a Preview Party on Thursday, November 5.

This milestone year will showcase 195 contemporary craft artists working across a range of disciplines, offering guests the opportunity to meet the makers and purchase distinctive, one-of-a-kind works. The anniversary celebration will also feature acclaimed artists Syd Carpenter, Roberto Lugo and Adebunmi Gbadebo as guest speakers on Saturday, November 7, sharing their creative journeys, perspectives and approaches to contemporary craft.

"For half a century, we have championed the artists, makers, and visionaries who prove that handmade work is not only relevant but essential. This year's show is a celebration of that legacy and a bold look at where contemporary craft is headed," said Nancy O'Meara, Craft Show Manager. "We invite everyone to come experience the extraordinary talent gathered under one roof this November."

For 50 years, the Craft Show has provided audiences with an opportunity to engage directly with leading contemporary artists while supporting the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Show has raised more than $15 million for the museum, helping support educational programs and the museum's Conservation Department, including the purchase of specialized equipment such as a new X-ray source, a new camera system and, most recently, a portable microscope.

For more information on the Craft Show visit PMACraftShow.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

About The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show

Established in 1977, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show is the first retail craft show organized by a volunteer committee to benefit a non-profit institution. Presented annually by The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Craft Show Committee, this extraordinary show features 195 of the nation's finest craft artists selected through a highly competitive jury process. Over its 49-year history, the Craft Show has evolved into a premier platform for craft education, featuring symposia, artist demonstrations, tours, exhibitions, and guest artist programs representing various countries. Founded in 1883, The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the oldest women's organizations supporting a cultural institution in the country.

SOURCE Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show