Spector Craft Prize (Due Mar. 1)
Spector Craft Prize
Deadline: March 1st, 2026
The things made by hand matter differently. A handmade object carries the trace of its maker, the legacy of tradition, and the integrity of materials transformed through skill and vision. In preserving and celebrating craft,
we preserve something essential about what it means to be human.
Through three interconnected programs, the Spector Craft Prize champions makers at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community building—investing in those who will shape the future of American craft.
A juried prize honoring five exceptional makers with seven years or less of studio practice.
$10,000 financial award
Mentorship opportunities
Participation in the Summit
Professional network development
Disciplines Include:
Ceramics, Textiles, Woodworking, Glass, Metalwork, Basketry, Paper Arts
THREE INTERCONNECTED PROGRAMS
Our three-part initiative creates a dynamic framework designed to nurture the complete ecosystem of American craft:
I. THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE
This annual award honors an established artist living and working in the United States whose work defines excellence and who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing American craft.
The honoree is recognized through:
An acquisition by our host museum, to be funded by the Spector Family Foundation
Membership on the jury to select the recipients of the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists for the following year
A leadership role at the Spector Craft Conference
A keynote speech at the Spector Craft Conference
II. THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
Supporting the Next Generation
Each year, we recognize up to five exceptional makers who have maintained a studio practice for seven years or less. Nurturing the next generation of craft artists at a pivotal moment in their careers, this award is chosen by a panel of expert jurors composed of leading figures in the American craft community.
Selected artists receive a comprehensive support package, including:
$10,000 financial award to support their artistic practice
Participation in the Spector Craft Summit, including travel and accommodations
Recognition across our platforms
Mentorship opportunities with established craft artists and curators
Peer networking sessions with fellow emerging artists
Integration into a vital network of craft professionals
III. THE SPECTOR CRAFT SUMMIT
Building Community
The cornerstone of our program is a transformative gathering that connects emerging and established voices.
This immersive experience features:
Discussions with leading figures in American craft
Engagement with established artists, curators, and scholars
Essential mentorship and professional guidance opportunities for our emerging artist prize recipients
Community-building, essential for sustaining careers in craft
A keynote presentation by the Spector Craft Prize recipient