On View Beginning June 13th, 2026
2026 marks a national collaboration among museums, cultural organizations, educators, and makers working in partnership with Craft in America to highlight the diversity and significance of American craft. As part of this initiative, the Hermitage is proud to be among more than 100 participating institutions showcasing the relevance of handmade work—both historic and contemporary—through a year of exhibitions and programs.
About the Exhibition:
This summer, the Hermitage will present Handwork at the Hermitage: A National Collaboration with Craft in America, an exhibition that highlights and celebrates the exceptional handwork that has shaped the museum’s character and history. From 1908 to 1927, woodcarvers such as Charles J. Woodsend (1847–1927) and Karl von Rydingsvärd (1863–1941), contributed distinctive techniques and artistic style to the Hermitage’s carved walls, halls, and furnishings—features that continue to define the site nearly a century later. Handwork at the Hermitage honors their craftsmanship and situates their work within the broader context of America’s rich craft traditions. The exhibition will feature historical research, rarely seen materials, furniture, and architectural elements from the museum’s collections, along with notable items such as antique hand tools used by the Hermitage’s master woodcarvers. Through these materials, the exhibition will illuminate the stories and legacies of all the craftspeople who shaped this cultural landmark in the early half of the 20th century. A series of special events and public programs will accompany the exhibition throughout its run, June 12–October 11, 2026, engaging visitors of all ages.
Artist-in-Residency Program:
This juried residency aims to support and amplify the work of regional artists and craftspeople while creating an opportunity for museum visitors to engage with contemporary art and craft. Artists will have the opportunity to interface with visitors, make connections with the community, and help educate the public about their craft.
This opportunity is held in conjunction with the Hermitage Museum’s special exhibition, Handwork at the Hermitage: A national collaboration with Craft in America, on view June-October 2026. The museum will select up to 8 artists for a 2-to-4-week long residency, scheduled August 17 – September 13, 2026. During the residency, the artists can create new work or continue working on an existing collection. The program supports artists working in all craft media, including but not limited to clay, fiber, metal, wood, and mixed media. Applications have closed and applicants will be contacted if chosen.
Exhibition Programs
Opening Celebration
Friday, June 12
Hermitage Members Early Access: 6pm-6:30pm
General admission: 6:30pm-9pm
Hermitage Museum
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members | Children 12 & under do not require a ticket
Learn More
Join the Hermitage Museum & Gardens as we celebrate our special exhibition, Handwork at the Hermitage
Featuring:
Introduction & Tour with Lindsay Neal, our Curator of Collections, 7 pm
Tunes by guitarist Joe McMurray of the Tidewater Guitar Orchestra
Artist Rick Nickel and his animated film Building a Legacy: Woodsend, the Sloanes, and the Hermitage
Artist demonstrations and activities inspired by the exhibition
Refreshment bar featuring wine from Waters Edge Winery, craft beer and non-alcoholic options
Delicious hors d’ oeuvres & desserts from Creative Catering of Virginia and Mission BBQ
Please note:
This event will take place outdoors throughout the back lawn of the museum, under an event tent, and throughout the museum galleries. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to review our accessibility information here.
Handwork at the Hermitage Specialty Packages
Craft: $100 Package includes 2 admission tickets, 4 beverage tickets, one reserved cocktail table
Woodsend: $200 Package includes 4 admission tickets, 8 beverage tickets, one bottle of champagne, one reserved cocktail table
Thank you to our party partners and sponsors:
Big Top Entertainment
Creative Catering of Virginia
Mission BBQ
Waters Edge Winery
Stories on Stage: Life in the Making
Friday, July 17, 7pm-9pm
The Goode Family Visual Arts School
$18 Members | $24 Non-Members
Real stories from real people about crafting a life and a life in crafting. *Light bites and desserts courtesy of Sweetwater Catering.
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Woodwork at the Hermitage
Saturday, August 15, 6pm-9pm
Hermitage Museum
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
Join us for an evening inside and outside exploring the woodwork and craftsmanship of the Hermitage Museum. Tours and complementary food included with admission. *Light bites and desserts courtesy of TASTE.
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Handwork: Artists-in-Residence
Friday, October 23, 6pm-9pm
VAS & Hermitage Museum
$10 Members | $15 Non-Members
Join us for the opening reception of Handwork: Artists-in-Residence, a group exhibition featuring work by craft-based artists who have participated in residencies over the past 3 months at the Goode Family Visual Arts School. The evening will begin with brief talks from each of the exhibiting artists, offering insight into their creative processes and time in residence, followed by a reception celebrating their work. *Light bites and desserts courtesy of Yummy Goodness
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Second Saturdays & Sundays
Experience a weekend where the gallery comes to life through live demonstrations and regional artistry. Enjoy a rotating selection of artists all summer long. Free to all.
Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14
Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12
Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13
Special thanks to our exhibition sponsors:
Huntington Ingalls Industries
The Goode Family Foundation
The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
Dominion Energy Foundation
Rea Charitable Trust
Exhibition Development:
Weinstein Properties
