PHILADELPHIA — For 50 years, it has been a cornerstone of American craft, and this fall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) Contemporary Craft Show is returning to celebrate a major milestone.
Organizers have officially announced the artist lineup for the 50th annual event, themed "A Half-Century of Handmade: Celebrating the Artists, Makers, and Visionaries Shaping American Craft." From Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will host 195 of the nation's premier contemporary craft artists, kicking off with a highly anticipated Preview Party on Thursday, November 5.
Curated through a highly competitive jury process, the selected makers represent a diverse cross-section of American talent spanning 13 distinct disciplines—ranging from metal and basketry to paper and fashion.
"For half a century, we have championed the artists, makers, and visionaries who prove that handmade work is not only relevant but essential," said Nancy O'Meara, the Craft Show Manager. "This year's show is a celebration of that legacy and a bold look at where contemporary craft is headed. We invite everyone to come experience the extraordinary talent gathered under one roof this November."
This year's roster highlights an incredible mix of innovation, sustainability, and traditional craftsmanship. Among the featured artists heading to Philadelphia this year are:
· Galen Gibson-Cornell: A Philadelphia-based artist who creates intricate paper weavings using street posters collected during his travels across the globe, transforming urban scraps into brilliant recycled compositions.
· Holly Anne Mitchell: A jewelry maker who turns the ordinary into the extraordinary by crafting striking wearable art out of old newspapers, comic strips, and expired coupons.
· Diana Friend: Operating out of a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, Friend uses solar power to turn wooden bowls. By utilizing found wood originally destined for the landfill, she highlights the complex bark, burls, and intense grain of salvaged materials.
· Nicole and Jordan Haddad: The Philadelphia sibling duo behind the clothing line Lobo Mau. Champions of "SLOW fashion," they provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion by sourcing eco-friendly fabrics, paying fair wages, and hand-silk-screening them in-house with organic inks.
Beyond showcasing breathtaking art, the PMA Contemporary Craft Show serves a deeply philanthropic purpose. Established in 1977 by The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it was the very first retail craft show organized by a volunteer committee to benefit a non-profit institution.
Over its rich 50-year history, the event has raised more than $15 million. These vital funds directly support the Philadelphia Museum of Art, funding educational programs, special exhibitions, and important acquisitions that enrich the museum's permanent collection and expand access to the arts for diverse communities.
Today, the show stands not just as a marketplace but as a premier platform for craft education, featuring artist demonstrations, tours, and exhibitions that continue to shape the landscape of American art.
To learn more about the 50th Annual PMA Contemporary Craft Show or to view the full list of the 195 participating artists, visit PMACraftShow.org.
