What will we discuss during our national conversation on craft and its relevance in contemporary American life? “Present Tense: 2019” brings diverse voices in the field together on the main stage to share their stories and explore complex questions through panels and discussions. Here are some of the conversations you won’t want to miss:

Toward a Healthy Craft Ecosystem
Thursday, October 10 | 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

How does making things make a place better? How does craft and maker culture make the community better? What contributes to a healthy craft ecology, and what’s missing? These panelists represent some of the many parts of Philadelphia’s robust, interwoven craft community. Each will share how they serve and are supported by the greater craft community as a case study to inspire these conversations in other cities.

Moderator: Jennifer Zwilling
Panelists: Elisabeth Agro, Ryan Berley, Seth Bruggeman, Syd Carpenter, Alex Gilliam, Michael Hurwitz, Roberto Lugo

Where We Learn / How We Learn: Decoding craft education
Friday, October 11 | 12 – 1 p.m.

How is craft taught, and how can we create spaces for expansive and inclusive making and teaching? This panel of educators, artists, and institutional leaders will investigate this question and the contemporary systems through which craft is handed down and picked up. In conversation, their voices will illustrate a diversity of constituents, approaches, and complexity in how we come to value, understand, and learn craft.

Moderator: Anna Metcalfe
Panelists: PJ Gubatina Policarpio, Paul Sacaridiz, Carol Zou

Image Gallery

Archives Live
Saturday, October 12 | 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

What happens before a collection is acquired and made public? As a curator of manuscripts, Mary Savig frequently spends one-on-one time with the craft world’s notable artists and figures in their homes and studios. Together, they review the materials to assess historical context and research value. Mary Savig and glass artist Judith Schaechter will participate in a public performance of what is typically a private conversation between curator and donor. This behind-the-scenes opportunity will also demonstrate the power of primary source documents through conversation with one of the most engaging, contemporary artists working today in a studio-craft context. Audience engagement will be welcome during this live unboxing.

Check out the full list of panels, talks, and other activities on the conference schedule. Don’t miss out on these discussions!