James Renwick Alliance for Craft

We Are . . .

collectors, artists, educators, gallery and museum professionals and others who share a passion for contemporary American craft.

The JRA is a vibrant group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, educators, students and art professionals who share a passion for contemporary American craft. Our members enjoy a diverse year round schedule of programs including, social events, educational lectures and tours, and art-inspired excursions.

We are committed to advancing scholarship, education and public appreciation of craft art as well as promoting individual achievements of excellence and innovation in the craft field. As an independent non-profit organization, the JRA has provided more than $3 million for acquisitions, exhibitions, public programs, and publications to Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery – our nation’s showcase of contemporary American craft.

Our Mission

The James Renwick Alliance is an independent national non-profit organization that celebrates the achievements of America’s craft artists and fosters scholarship, education, connoisseurship and public appreciation of craft art. Founded in 1982, the Alliance fulfills its mission through public programs, educational trips, publications, recognition of craft artists, and financial support of museums and other non-profit organizations, including the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.