If you're always on the lookout for unique jewelry and clothing pieces from independent designers, the Smithsonian is hosting an event for you. Even if you're searching for the perfect gift for your crafty friend, or maybe you just like fashion and are looking for something to do this weekend, the Smithsonian Trunk Show just about covers all of these agendas.
The show, advertised as a "shopping weekend," is a collection of 30 artists - all veterans of other Smithsonian craft shows - that now come to exhibit their "wearable art." Such pieces include all types of wearable items, from clothing to jewelry, hats, purses and scarves. Better yet, all of it is available to purchase.
The show takes place Sept. 20 and 21 at the National Building Museum. There is a $5 admission fee for the event. Or, for $35, one can call the Smithsonian early and attend the "Advance Chance Party" on Sept. 19, a day before the show opens to the public, for a chance to get a preview and buy the available pieces to one's heart's content before everything is taken home as a treasure.
"To start the holiday shopping, [the exhibit has] one-of-a-kind, limited edition, handmade pieces," said Heidi Austreng, coordinator of the Smithsonian Women's Committee, one of the show's sponsors.
This is not your typical arts and crafts show, as it gathers artists from all over the country who have built up a considerable reputation in their own right and have a concentrated and dedicated following of their work.
"The Women's Committee actually wears [the artists'] jackets," Austreng said, noting that the pieces are both unique and fashionable creations.
She is not bluffing: there are plenty of chic, covetable items up for sale. A running theme among the artists' works is nature and interpreting organic forms. Many fabrics are earthy tones, autumnal reds, golds and oranges. Some pieces make direct references to plants, such as a tree branch rendered in gold and coral and rustic gold, silver and copper leaves with gemstones as berries.
The Smithsonian Women's Committee, founded in 1966, serves to advance the Smithsonian Institution through fundraising and other special activities. The committee had hosted one trunk show before, in 2005. As with that show, proceeds from the upcoming event go to the education, outreach and research programs within the Smithsonian, according to the group's Web site. Not only do you have the chance to own an exclusive, handcrafted piece from a skilled artisan, you can also feel good by benefiting a greater cause.
The hours for the show this weekend are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets to the Friday advance party, which takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., call 202-363-5006. The National Building Museum, located at 401 F St. N.W., is accessible on Metrorail's red line at the Judiciary Square station.
You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
