Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists
New award program offering $10,000 grants to five emerging craft artists, plus summit participation and mentorship opportunities.
The Spector Family Foundation has announced an open call for the Spector Craft Prize, a comprehensive new award program designed to advance American craft and support both emerging and established craft artists. The initiative includes three main components: the Spector Craft Prize for an established artist, the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists, and the annual Spector Craft Summit.
The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists awards five craft artists $10,000 grants each, along with participation in the Spector Craft Summit with all travel and accommodation costs covered. Recipients also receive mentorship and career-building opportunities from established craft leaders. The program recognizes craft disciplines including ceramics, woodworking, glass, textiles, metalwork, paper arts, basketry, and more.
The inaugural partnership is with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The 2026 established artist prize winner will receive a major acquisition of their work by Crystal Bridges, funded by the Spector Family Foundation, plus a leadership mentoring role and keynote speaking opportunity at the summit.
The program was created by Spector Family Foundation leaders Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector. Glenn Adamson, a noted curator of craft arts, serves as inaugural jury chairman. The selection jury includes Ms. Padgett (Windgate Curator of Craft at Crystal Bridges), glass artist Zesty Meyers, woodworker Rosanne Somerson, and ceramics installation artist Roberto Lugo. An advisory board of prominent figures in art and design guides the program's direction.
The inaugural Spector Craft Summit will take place November 10-12, 2026, at Crystal Bridges, bringing together emerging and established artists for professional development and networking.