Not even the obligatory anti-war protest could thwart enthusiastic patrons from attending the first annual Smithsonian Women’s Committee Trunk Show. Situated on the National Mall, the Trunk Show unfolded at our nation’s capital on September 23, 2005, in the S. Dillon Ripley Center of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee, devoted to the art of the handmade in America, created this Trunk Show in support of its famous sister show—the Smithsonian Craft Show.

The exhibition focused on the art of the handmade and eighteen artists, some among the most pioneering, technically skilled working in the industry today, were selected through a lottery system to contribute to this new venue.

Distinct from other craft venues, the Trunk Show was held in a more intimate setting on the National Mall and proved to be a satisfying place to unveil the new brainchild of Committee Chair Judy Lynn Prince. Prince conveys, “Being on the National Mall is always a wonderful location. Foot traffic on the Mall and easy access to Metro are prize assets.” Jewelry artist Emma Villedrouin expresses, “For a first-time show, in a rather unusual location, the show was a fabulous success.” The show proved to be intimate and cheerful according to Villedrouin. Her return on investment was respectable as she explains, “I was able to sell pieces in all price ranges and I am fortunate to say that I did very well by any standard.” If selected as a show artist again, Villedrouin says she would do it all over again.

Formed to be completely different from the Smithsonian Craft Show, the Trunk Show focused only on jewelry and wearable art. “The Trunk Show attracted the shop ‘til you drop jewelry, accessory and wearable art customers, many of whom were already Craft Show devotees looking for their favorite wearable designers”, explains Prince. The Trunk Show grossed almost $250,000 in which Committee members are justifiably thrilled for this first time affair. Although still too early to commit to an annual showing, the Women’s Committee is entertaining the possibility of the next show.

On many levels the show turned out to be a huge hit. Prince’s initial hope was that the show attract a new audience to the Smithsonian Craft Show. It is readily apparent when communicating with Judy Lynn Prince that the Trunk Show may perhaps fulfill this wish. Prince’s excitement is clearly understood by her demeanor when speaking about the positive outcome. “Many new people who had never attended the Smithsonian Craft Show were attracted to this event. Our membership did a terrific job bringing their friends and acquaintances, who for various reasons had not sampled the Smithsonian Craft Show. The Trunk show seems to make for good synergism for attracting new Craft Show attendees. It should prove to be a wonderful crossover for gaining new audiences.”

The artists also experienced the Trunk Show’s striking success. Fiber artist Randall Darwall said, “I would come back in a heartbeat.”

Artist Joan McGee comments, “I loved the space. It was inviting and very elegant and more relaxing than in the bigger show.” Artist Karen Chu agrees, “I loved the atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly and everyone worked so hard and there was a positive energy which filled the show.”

Artist Ann Williamson adds, “The respect I felt as an artist was worth its weight in gold. I would like to emphasize how honored I felt to be asked to participate in this first show. The prestige of the Smithsonian Craft Show is well known even on the west coast!”

One reason the artists, along with Committee Chair Prince, are so pleased with the success of the Trunk Show is due to the unwavering work of Exhibitor Relations Chairwoman Louise Millikan. Millikan has a solid reputation with many of the participating artists and because of this relationship she persuaded these talented and busy artists to participate in an entirely new event. Prince emphatically affirms, “Millikan is to be congratulated.”

The Smithsonian Women’s Committee is a volunteer organization that supports the Smithsonian Institution through fundraising and public relation activities. The Women’s Committee Craft Show has raised almost eight million dollars that benefit the Smithsonian Institution’s educational, outreach and research programs. The Smithsonian Craft Show is held each spring at the National Building Museum. For more information, call 1.888.832.9554.

Ornament Magazine Web-only Article.
—Author A. Jennifer Dong: Editorial Assistant, Ornament Magazine.

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