State Museum to Open ‘In the Making’ Craft Exhibition October 10

Exhibition features 12 South Carolina artists and a variety of contemporary art forms

The South Carolina State Museum will open In the Making: Contemporary Craft from South Carolina on Saturday, October 10, showcasing the work of 12 artists and the diversity of contemporary craft across the Palmetto State.

The juried exhibition will open in the museum’s Lipscomb Art Gallery and feature works in ceramics, fiber, wood, metal, glass, mixed media and other materials.

“This exhibition celebrates the incredible range of talent and creativity happening across South Carolina,” said SCSM Art Curator Maia Payne. “These artists pushed the boundaries of contemporary craft while also maintaining connections to tradition, place and personal experience. We’re excited to bring their work together and share these stories with audiences from across the state and beyond.”

The exhibition is part of Handwork 2026: Celebrating American Craft, a nationwide initiative led by Craft in America highlighting the importance and continuing evolution of American craft traditions.

The featured artists are Jim Arendt of Conway, Kristy Bishop of Charleston, Clay Burnette of Columbia, Katy Cassell of Greenville, Bill and Pam Clark of Greenville, Charles Clary of Conway, Jessica Downs of Clemson, Matt Garton of Hanahan, Bill Harris of McConnells, Christine Tedesco of Clemson, Jennifer York of Charleston and Valerie Zimany of Clemson.

The exhibition is the culmination of nearly two years of work by Payne and the museum’s curatorial and content staff to identify and showcase living contemporary artists from across South Carolina. Nearly 100 artists submitted portfolios for consideration by a panel of jurors representing local, regional and national perspectives. Submissions were evaluated on craftsmanship, technical skill, artistic voice, originality and how the work expands contemporary craft.

Following the selection process, museum teams conducted two rounds of studio visits across the state to meet with artists, document their work through photographs and videos, and select pieces for the exhibition. Several artists created original works specifically for In the Making, offering visitors a look at both the finished pieces and the creative journeys behind them.

The exhibition also will serve as the centerpiece of the museum’s Artist Homecoming: Elements of Craft event, scheduled for October 8-9. The two-day gathering will begin with a free exhibition opening reception, followed by a ticketed event on October 9 featuring artist-led conversations, hands-on activities and opportunities to connect with participating artists.

In the Making: Contemporary Craft from South Carolina will remain on view through June 27, 2027. Admission to the exhibition is included with general museum admission or membership.

For more information about the exhibition, featured artists and Artist Homecoming, visit scmuseum.org.