Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show Call for Applications is Open + Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Call for Applications is open. If you or others you know are interested in applying to the 46th annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, head over to www.pmacraftshow.org/application. The deadline is April 1, 2022 (late deadline April 19, 2022).  There are 13 categories of fine craft, including an Emerging Artist category. This is for artists who have been working at their craft for less than six years and have never exhibited at the Craft Show.

(Above: Donut vase by 2021 Emerging Artist Megan Sward)

As we turn the calendar to Valentine’s Day, here are some gift ideas for someone special in your life (including you!), starting with one of our emerging artists from 2021, Megan Sward. Inspired by the history of Japanese ceramics and Scandinavian design, Megan creates functional pieces that feel like modern family heirlooms, such as her popular donut vase. Through wheel throwing, hand building, and carving, everything she creates is very durable and can be used daily. After studying Studio Art at The College of Wooster in Massachusetts, Megan went on to earn a Masters degree outside of the arts, but eventually found her way back to the studio, much to the delight of her customers and clientele.

(Above: Silver heart pendant by Emily Shaffer)

We couldn’t do a Valentine’s blog without including at least one valentine necklace. Emily Shaffer has a striking limited edition heart pendant, available through Valentine’s Day according to her website. Emily’s jewelry is modern, versatile, and functional with a smooth and clean look that complements the body. Working in silver, her focus is on building balanced compositions, emphasizing the structural and linear qualities of each piece. Originally from Pennsylvania, Emily graduated from Kutztown University with double Bachelor degrees in fine metal crafts and art education. She derives inspiration both in her current state of Maine as well as when she resided in close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City.

(Above: Glass bowl by Carrie Gustafson)

Carrie Gustafson first experimented in glassblowing while studying printmaking at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Following graduation she time spent studying at Pilchuck Glass School, Penland School of Crafts, Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, the Rosin Studio on Murano, Venice’s historic glass island in Italy, and ultimately started her own studio in 1998 in Cambridge MA. Captivated by the interplay that light, color, pattern, and texture have with closed vessels, she eventually broke away from tradition, embarking on a journey of cutting open the vessels, exposing the light within. Some of her pieces can take several weeks to complete and are quite complex. Carrie sees the new patterns and interplay of positive and negative space as a creative journey in and of itself.

(Above: Large custom wood box by Ray Jones)

If you’re looking for something to accompany that new piece of jewelry you’re giving or getting, how about a stunning wooden box to keep it in? Ray Jones has been making handmade wooden boxes since the late 1980’s. Located in Asheville, NC, Ray explores the intersections of geometric shapes, while letting the natural beauty of the wood be the main focus. Using sustainably harvested woods whenever possible, Ray’s boxes are made entirely of wood, including the hinges, fasteners, latches, and drawer slides. It’s no wonder Ray’s boxes are crafted with such precision; he studied aeronautical engineering at California Polytechnic State University and was an engineer turned woodworker, starting with furniture. He first made a small wooden box as a gift for his wife, and the rest as they say is history.

(Above: Silk scarf by Isabelle Gougenheim)

The elegance of a silk scarf is the ideal adornment for any outfit, making for a lovely gift for Valentine’s season or any season. Born and raised in France and now residing in Chicago, Isabelle Gougenheim is inspired by cities and their eclectic cultures, creating eye-catching luxury silk scarves with colorful artworks and images. Blending her love for art and fascination for scarves, Isabelle uses silk scarves as an authentic medium to express her creativity and passion. Transforming her sketches into wearable art scarves, her textiles are eclectic accessories that are multi-functional. Her large 54” scarves are versatile in their use, whether for a belt, a headband, or around the neck and shoulders.

We invite you to peruse pmacraftshow.org for more of these artists’ works as well as all of our 2021 artists.