Since its inception in 1986, the Museum for Art in Wood has been widely recognized as a critical resource for the study of art, craft, and design in the material of wood. Located in Philadelphia, it is the only museum of its kind in the world, highlighting work by artists whose communities have been historically marginalized and by others whose practices have been considered too experimental by traditional craft art institutions. The Museum houses a permanent collection of more than 1200 objects and annually produces five exhibitions alongside a residency program that has welcomed over 160 artists, as well as dozens of scholars and documentary artists. The Museum for Art in Wood aims to foster an appreciation for art, craft, and design in wood, creating a space for the public to learn, enjoy, and be inspired.
Museum for Art in Wood
Katie Hudnall, The Cabinet of Lost and Found Things, 2024, installation view. Reclaimed wood, string, springs, fasteners, various hardware, found objects, shellac, 42 x 132 x 30 in.
BA Harrington, Coming Out, 2021. Cherry, cotton yarn, brass hardware. Woven runner by Maggie Sasso.
Katie Hudnall, The Herd, 2024. Reclaimed Plywood, reclaimed wood, lenses, fasteners. 144 x 144 x 50 in.
Michelle Holzapfel, Self-Portrait, 1987. Cherry burl. 15 x 9 x 8 in. The Center for Art in Wood Museum Collection. Photo by John Carlano.
Katie Hudnall, Symbiosis #4: Drawings and Drawers, 2015. Found wood, found plywood, plywood, strings, springs, found objects, fasteners, hardware, various polychrome, lacquer wax. 80 x 48 x 35 in.
Martin Terry, Redgum Cyclops, 1999. Redgum. 8 x 3.5 in.
Katie Hudnall, Intermediary,
2017. Found wood, string, springs, paint. 54 x 70 x 30 in.
Alain Mailland, Purple Heart, 1999. Purpleheart. 4 x 7.5 x 6.75 in.
See Also
“We strive to support institutions that share our artist-centered values. The small grassroots arts organizations as well as the museums that comprise our grantees provide invaluable opportunities for artists to express their unique perspectives on the pressing urgencies of the day. We hope that our grants help to amplify artists’ voices within their communities, in national discussions and debates, and across platforms in the international contemporary art world.”
Joel Wachs, President