National Exhibition: The Growth of American Crafts

About the Exhibition

This is the first exhibition to address the original and distinctive crafts contributed by artists at America's traditional 'State Fairs.' Presenting about 240 works from the mid-19th century to today, it explores the personal stories and regional and cultural traditions found at state fairs. The exhibition is organized around crafts found across various areas of the fairground, such as the art exhibit, heritage village, parade, dairy barn, and midway rides. Award-winning works and participatory craft experiences in particular allow visitors to feel the rich cultural context of the state fair. The exhibition emphasizes the impact state fairs have had on American culture and the creative participation of artists, shedding light on both the historical and contemporary dimensions of craft art.