ASU Art Museum Contemporary Craft Roundtable
The ASU Art Museum Contemporary Craft Roundtable is a national gathering of esteemed curators, scholars and art dealers invited to share their knowledge and thoughts on the important history and dynamic future in the field of contemporary craft. As the ASU Art Museum positions itself to be more relevant and accessible within the charter of the New American University, we are organizing this panel to gain insights into questions about the future of craft and design museums and best practices in collection stewardship, exhibitions and public programs as well as building new audiences and supporters. Among the questions we will explore are “What are the latest trends in the field and the role of museums and institutions in these developments?” and “What is the most impactful role for the ASU Art Museum?”
Roundtable members include Abraham Thomas, curator-in-charge, Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery; Andres Payan, curator of public engagement, Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles; Jeffrey Spahn, Jeffrey Spahn Gallery; Jenni Sorkin, associate professor, history of art and architecture, UC Santa Barbara; Namita Wiggers, director, critical and historical craft studies, Warren Wilson College; and Peter Held, emeritus curator of ceramics, ASU Art Museum, and Art Appraisals & Associates.
We will begin the conversation with roundtable members making brief presentations to share their knowledge of national and international contemporary craft institutions and pressing issues with the goal of exploring next steps for our institution. Please come ready to participate with questions for the roundtable after their opening remarks. We hope that you will share your thoughts on the panel’s conversation with the ASU Art Museum staff.
Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis; reserve your ticket now.
The roundtable is part of the Windgate Contemporary Craft Initiative at the ASU Art Museum, generously supported by the Windgate Charitable Foundation.
Photo by Daniel Swadener, courtesy ASU Art Museum.