Everything to Know Before Attending the 2024 Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show

photo by Kevin Monko Photography

The highly anticipated 2024 PMA Contemporary Craft Show is just around the corner! From November 14 to November 17, 2024, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will transform into a hub of creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic excellence. This year’s event promises an immersive experience with 195 of the country’s most talented artisans showcasing their incredible work. Whether a longtime attendee or a first-timer, this guide provides all the essential information before heading to the craft show.

This year’s show features a diverse lineup of artists, from local to national talent, including Philadelphia’s Morgan Sims, known for his neon wall art, and Maria Albornoz, whose pottery transforms everyday rituals. Ceramics enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate porcelain pieces by Lisa Belsky and the functional, beautifully crafted pottery by Teresa Chang. Many artists also create their work around recycled, repurposed, sustainable, ethically sourced materials like Yulija Wolf’s leather branding and Stacey Lee Webber’s repurposed vintage coins. Their one-of-a-kind and limited-edition works will be available for purchase.

The international guest artist program is back this year, showcasing exquisite jewelry, leatherwork, and glass by 24 artists from Italy. Fashion lovers can enjoy a Saturday fashion event featuring wearable art by participating artisans. Exclusive to this year is the Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) booth, presenting contemporary textile art and cutting-edge quilting techniques, adding extra creativity to the lineup.

Here is an official timeline of what attendees can expect from this year’s craft show:

• Thursday
  • The PMA Craft Show Preview Night
    • Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 4 PM – 9 PM
    • Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to mingle with artists and purchase their extraordinary creations at our exclusive Preview Party Gala! Your ticket grants you access to this special cocktail event and entry to the entire show for all four days. Purchase yours today!
• Friday
  • Artist Interactive Scarf Tying Presentation – ‘Fit to be Tied’
    • Friday, November 15, 2024 at 1 PM
    • New this year is an interactive scarf-tying presentation by four artists: Isabelle Gougenheim, Mary Jaeger, Yuh Okano, and Gina Pannorfi. Each artist will share with guests the many ways to style their distinctly different scarves and shawls. 
• Saturday
  • The PMA Craft Show Fashion Event
    • Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1 PM
    • Get ready for a stylish highlight of this year’s PMA Craft Show! The highly anticipated Fashion Event, ‘Find Your Style,’ will feature stunning, one-of-a-kind looks from this year’s talented artists. Showcasing an array of art to wear, jewelry, leather, and more, this event is a true celebration of artistry and craftsmanship. Discover unique, handmade pieces that blur the lines between fashion and art, offering a front-row seat to creativity in motion! 
• Sunday
  • The Last Day to Enjoy the Show
    • Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM
    • Sunday, November 17, 2024, is the final day to experience the incredible PMA Craft Show. Don’t miss this last opportunity to explore the stunning works of this year’s talented artists, from one-of-a-kind jewelry and ceramics to textiles and sculptures. Whether you’re looking to take home a unique piece or just immerse yourself in the beauty of handmade art, this is your last chance to meet the artists and celebrate their creativity before the show closes.

Tickets can be purchased here for this year’s craft show weekend. For more information about the PMA Craft Show and this year’s featured artists, visit www.pmacraftshow.org. For more details, follow them on Instagram and like their Facebook page.