State Fairs Artist Demonstrations
One-Time Events
The beloved tradition of craft demonstrations comes to the Renwick Gallery with artists featured in the exhibition State Fairs: Growing American Craft. Laurel Dabbs will demonstrate the techniques and hand tools she uses to make bird decoys. Rick and Connie Whittier will share the artistic process that goes into their fish decoys. Decoys were traditionally used for hunting and fishing and are renowned for the artistry that goes into these functional artworks.
Image credit: Albert Ting.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Renwick Gallery. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/5f4ZMUx7/5a2bVR2wiif. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
State Fairs Conversation and Close Looking with Poetry Camera
One-Time Events
Join us for an evening of close looking and conversation in the exhibition, State Fairs: Growing American Craft. Using Poetry Camera, an innovative new camera that generates poems rather than photographs, attendees will “see” artworks through verse. Participants will be encouraged to slow down to notice line, texture, and color in selected artworks, then join in conversation, moderated by SAAM staff, about the poems and the extraordinary and unconventional crafts on view. Space is limited.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Renwick Gallery, 1st Floor. Cost: Free | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/5f4ZMUx7/lessigreaterstate-fairslessigreater-conversation-and-close-looking-with-poetry-camera-5a2bVR3MHlF/overview. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Thursday, June 11, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Handi-hour
One-Time Events
Celebrate the summer growing season with a State Fairs-inspired agricultural craft at DC’s original crafting happy hour! Take inspiration from the crop art on view in State Fairs: Growing American Craft and then create your own crop artwork using seeds and beans that grow our food. While you are working, enjoy cider provided by ANXO and live, local music. Light snacks, crafting materials, two drinks, and after-hours access to both floors of the exhibition galleries are included in the ticket price.
Attendees must be 21+ to attend and present a valid ID with birthdate at the door. Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase beginning June 11.
Venue: Renwick Gallery. Event Location: Rubenstein Grand Salon. Cost: $25 | Registration required. Get Tickets/Register: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/5f4ZMUx7/handi-hour-5a2bVR3MIEH/overview. Related Exhibition: State Fairs: Growing American Craft.
Thursday, June 25, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM.