Women’s History Month Spotlight: An American Legacy in Craft

For Women’s History Month this year, we recognize and celebrate leading women artists who have come to define American craft! Pioneers in every field of craft, these artists and visionaries represent diverse communities across the United States. While far from exhaustive, we invite you to explore the history of women in craft through our web resources:

Institutionalizing American Craft: Aileen Osborn Webb and the American Craft Council

WPA Decorative Works in Montana: Marjorie Hoffman Smith and Timberline Lodge

Detroit’s Ceramic Legacy: Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Pewabic

North Carolina’s Craft Pioneer: Lucy Morgan and Penland School of Crafts

North Carolina Folk Art: Olive Dame Campbell and the John C. Campbell Folk School featured in our Harvey Refsal Segment

The Fabric of the South: Gee’s Bend Quilters

California’s Protagonist for the Crafts: Eudorah Moore

Sweetgrass Basketry in South Carolina: Mary Jackson

Stitching History into Kiowa Beading: Teri Greeves

Reviving Wasco Indian Basket Traditions: Pat Courtney Gold

Re-inventing Mexican-American Fibers: Consuelo J. Underwood

Quilting Harlem’s History: Faith Ringgold and Tar Beach

Women at War: Pam DeLuco and the Paper Dolls Project

Portrait of a Textile Worker: Terese Agnew

There are many more stories of powerful women artists throughout this website, and we hope you take a moment to learn about these important American stories. Each link above includes text, images, and further links to video segments featuring the work of these women!