Polymer artist Kathleen Dustin was selected to exhibit in the 26th Annual Smithsonian Craft Show, one of the nation's most prestigious juried exhibitions and sale of contemporary American craft.  Kathleen has been juried into the show several times in her career, and was even profiled by Smithsonian Magazine in 2000.  However, this year was especially thrilling for Kathleen as she learned that she was also the recipient of the show's New Direction - Excellence in Design of the Future award.  Receiving the award for her bold new body of work entitled "Pod Series" is the culmination of a long-held dream for Kathleen.

Held in the historic National Building Museum in Washington, DC, the show featured one-of-a-kind and limited edition craft objects in 12 different media: basketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art and wood.

The 120 exhibitors in this year's show include emerging artists and master craftsmen, 39 of whom are first-time participants.  Twelve of those selected were also first-time applicants to the show. Three of the exhibitors were accepted in two categories. All were chosen by a panel of expert jurors from a highly competitive field of close to 1,400 applicants.

Be sure to keep an eye on Kathleen's blog, as she plans to share more of her feelings and observations about the state of fine craft (including polymer clay) on her return from the 2008 Smithsonian Craft Show.

"Pod Series" Photos Courtesy of Kathleen Dustin