March 1, 2010

For Further Information:
Krista Bard or Susan Shain
Bard Strategies Inc.
215-735-7110

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show presents
34th Annual Exhibition and Sale

Philadelphia, PA — From Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14, 2010, The Craft Show Committee and The WomenÕs Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art will present the 34th annual Craft Show. This premier exhibition and sale of contemporary American craft, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, includes 195 of the best craft artists in the United States, selected from more than 1,300 applicants. A select group of artists from Germany will also be exhibiting and selling their work.

The Show offers a special opportunity to meet the finest craft artists and to learn about and purchase their work. There is excitement in every booth at the Show where the crafts exhibited embrace a striking variety of forms and functions, including: glass, baskets, jewelry, fiber wearable, metal, paper, leather, furniture, clay, wood, mixed media, and fiber-decorative works.

Marta Adelson, Craft Show Chair notes, "I first started attending the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show in the mid 80's when I moved to Philadelphia -- I had never seen such a unique and fine representation of craftmen ever before! I am thrilled and honored to chair this premiere show, and to work with our incredible committee of volunteers and brilliant artists who together make this not only the most important fundraising event for our Museum, but the most significant artistic event in the region."

Five internationally renowned craft experts served as jurors, including:

Elisabeth Agro
Associate Curator of American Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA

Michael Monroe
Director of Curatorial Affairs
Bellevue Arts Museum Bellevue, Washington

Carol Sauvion
Executive Director
Craft in America, Beverly Hills, California

Rosanne Somerson
Department of Furniture Design, Rhode Island School of Design

Lewis Wexler
Proprietor
Wexler Gallery, Philadelphia, PA

The group of German craft artists featured in this year's Craft Show has been selected in conjunction with the German Crafts Council. The guest artist component was introduced to the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show in 2001.
Past guest artist groups include:

• Korea (2009)
• Israel (2008)
• Canada (2007)
• Finland (2006)
• Germany (2005)
• Ireland (2004)
• Great Britain (2003)
• First Nation (2002)
• Japan (2001)

Once again the online auction will be featured during the week of the show. All items are donations to the Show. See the show website for further details.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show is presented annually by The Craft Show Committee and Women's Committee for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The event attracts some 25,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia over a period of four days. Funds raised are used to purchase works of art and craft for the permanent collections, support education programs, and contribute to conservation and publication projects.

Dates and hours for the 2010 Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show are:
Thursday, November 11, and Friday, November 12, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday, November 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, November 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

General admission is $15.00.
Two-day passes are $20.00.
Children under 12 are $5.00.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in advance by calling the Craft Show office at (215) 684-7930. Group admission can be arranged for 10 or more by contacting the Craft Show office.

The Preview Party, which is open to the public, will be held on Wednesday, November 10th, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; call (215) 684-7930 for tickets (tickets are $200 per person).

The Pennsylvania Convention Center, the site of the Craft Show, is located at 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia.

The 34th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show is organized and coordinated by Marta Adelson, Chair, Reid Bodek, Vice Chair and Nancy C. O'Meara, Show Manager. For more information, contact 215-684-7930 or go to http://www.pmacraftshow.org/.

Founded in 1883, the Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of, if not the oldest organization of women in support of a cultural institution in the country. Over the years, the Women's Committee has raised millions of dollars, and their efforts have influenced every gallery and program in the Museum. Funds are raised through the annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show now going into its 34th year (in conjunction with The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show Committee); Small Indulgences, a boutique show held annually; and gala openings of various exhibitions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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» Visit the PMA Craftshow website