The Spector Craft Prize is an annual initiative launched in 2025 to champion excellence in American craft. Founded by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family Foundation, the program supports craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community-building. The program launches at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in 2026. In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the Spector Craft Prize stands as a vital counterbalance by preserving material connections in an increasingly virtual world, supporting creative expression amid declining public funding for arts education, and reconnecting makers and the public to our shared heritage of craft.

OUR MISSION

By championing craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the Spector Family Foundation aims to strengthen the role of craft in contemporary American culture.

OUR VISION

The Spector Craft Prize envisions a world that:

• Recognizes craft as essential to cultural vitality

• Nurtures new generations of craft artists and makers

• Preserves vital traditions while fostering innovation

• Establishes a recognized platform for craft excellence

Our three-part initiative creates a dynamic framework designed to nurture the complete ecosystem of American craft:

I. THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE
This annual award honors an established artist living and working in the United States whose work defines excellence and who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing American craft.

The honoree is recognized through:

• An acquisition by our host museum, to be funded 
by the Spector Family Foundation 

• Membership on the jury to select the recipients of the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists for the following year

• A leadership role at the Spector Craft Summit

• A keynote speech at the Spector Craft Summit

II. THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
Supporting the Next Generation
Each year, we recognize up to five exceptional makers who have maintained a studio practice for seven years or less. Nurturing the next generation of craft artists at a pivotal moment in their careers, this award is chosen by a panel of expert jurors composed of leading figures in the American craft community.

Selected artists receive a comprehensive support package, including:

• $10,000 financial award to support their artistic practice

• Participation in the Spector Craft Summit, including travel and accommodations

• Recognition across our platforms

• Mentorship opportunities with established craft artists and curators

• Peer networking sessions with fellow emerging artists

• Integration into a vital network of craft professionals

III. THE SPECTOR CRAFT SUMMIT
Building Community
The cornerstone of our program is a transformative gathering that connects emerging and established voices.

This immersive experience features:

• Discussions with leading figures in American craft

• Engagement with established artists, curators, and scholars

• Essential mentorship and professional guidance opportunities for our emerging artist prize recipients

• Community-building, essential for sustaining careers in craft

• A keynote presentation by the Spector Craft Prize recipient

The Spector Craft Prize celebrates excellence across a broad spectrum of craft disciplines that demonstrate technical mastery and innovation. Eligible disciplines include, but are not limited to: ceramics, glass, woodworking, textiles, metalwork, paper arts, basketry, and more. All works must demonstrate mastery of fundamental techniques while pushing boundaries.

The Spector Craft Prize collaborates with leading American museums that share our commitment to craft excellence. Each year, the Prize rotates to a different institution, which hosts the program’s Summit and receives a major work by the Prize recipient, funded by the Spector Family Foundation.

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas will serve as the inaugural host museum for the Spector Craft Prize and Summit in 2026, with future editions planned at museums across the country. Rooted in the American Heartland, Crystal Bridges is dedicated to unraveling the story of America through art–one that reflects the diversity of people, materials, and places that shape the nation. Long committed to advancing the role of craft in American art–and the recipient of a significant grant from the Windgate Foundation in 2020 to further champion the field–the museum’s collection includes important works by Consuelo Jimenez Underwood, Preston Singletary, Norm Sartorius, Toshiko Takaezu, Andy Paiko, Flo Perkins, and Betty Woodman among others. By hosting the inaugural Prize and acquiring a signature work for its permanent collection, Crystal Bridges reinforces its dedication to honoring makers whose work connects tradition, identity, and contemporary practice across America.

FOR EMERGING ARTISTS: Applications open November 11, 2025, and close March 1, 2026. Eligible artists must have maintained a studio practice for seven years or less.

VISIT OUR SUBMISSIONS PORTAL

READ THE RULES OF ENTRY

FOR ESTABLISHED ARTISTS: The host museum, in consultation with our Advisory Board and The Spector Family Foundation, plays a leading role in identifying and selecting the Spector Craft Prize recipient. Nominations are accepted through our Advisory Board.

IMPORTANT DATES

Fall 2025
Program announcement and launch

November 11, 2025
Application period for emerging artists opens

March 1, 2026
Application period for emerging artists closes

June 2026
Selection of recipients

Fall 2026
Public announcement of recipients

November 10-12, 2026
Inaugural Spector Craft Summit, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Established in 2005, the Spector Family Foundation is a private grantmaking organization dedicated to advancing the arts, education, and civic life. Guided by a belief in the transformative power of the handmade, Abigail and her husband Warren launched the Spector Craft Prize in 2025 to honor America's craft traditions while championing the next generation of makers. Through recognition and financial support, the Foundation seeks to strengthen craft’s role in contemporary American society.

Abigail Klem Spector is Vice President and Director of the Spector Family Foundation and Co-Founder of the Spector Craft Prize. Abigail brings decades of leadership at the intersection of design and commerce to this work. She began her career as a corporate lawyer before transitioning to fashion, where she served as Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Diane von Furstenberg and later as President of Ivanka Trump's eponymous brand. Throughout her career, artisanship and craft have remained at the core of her work. She is the founder of Klem Strategic Consulting, where she advises executives and creatives in design-driven industries.

She is a board member of Closely Crafted, an organization dedicated to sustaining craft in the American fashion industry. Committed to supporting the next generation of thinkers and makers, Abigail also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of KIPP NYC, a non-profit network of free, open-enrollment public charter schools that prepare students for success in college and life, and as a Trustee of Barnard College.

Abigail received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Indiana University Bloomington and her J.D. from University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Warren Spector is President and Director of the Spector Family Foundation and Co-Founder of the Spector Craft Prize. Warren is Chairman of Balbec Capital, a private investment firm specializing in alternative credit investments. Prior to founding Balbec, he served as President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of The Bear Stearns Companies.

Warren brings the strategic perspective from his successful business career to his philanthropic leadership. He chairs the St. John's College Board of Visitors and Governors and is Chairman Emeritus of The Public Theater, having led major capital campaigns for both institutions, including St. John's College's "Freeing Minds" campaign, the most successful fundraising effort in the liberal arts college's history. He serves on the board of New York Public Radio and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

A Maryland native, Warren earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. John's College in Annapolis and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Abigail and Warren reside in New York City with their daughter, Georgia.

The Spector Craft Prize is guided by respected leaders across the craft ecosystem. Our distinguished advisory board brings diverse expertise to ensure excellence and integrity.

Current Advisory Board members include:

• Elissa Auther, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Ladson

  Chief Curator, Museum of Art and Design

• Abby Bangser, Founder, Object & Thing

• Liz Collins, Artist and Designer

• Zoe Fisher, Director, Salon 94

• Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, Founder, Salon 94

• Jeffrey Gibson, Painter and Sculptor

• Sarah Harrelson, Founder, Cultured Magazine

• Peter Lane, Ceramic Artist

• Little Wing Lee, Interior Designer and Founder, Studio & Projects

• Jeff Lincoln, Founder, Jeff Lincoln Art & Design 

• Hannah Martin, Senior Design Editor at Architectural Digest

• Deborah Needleman, Basket Maker and Former Editor-in-Chief of T: The New York

  Times Style Magazine

• Camille Okhio, Writer, Curator, Historian

• Grela Orihuela, Senior Vice President of Fairs, Design Miami

• Lisa Perry, Founder, Onna House

• Brigette Romanek, Interior Designer and Founder, Brigette Romanek Studio

• Abraham Thomas, Daniel Brodsky Curator of Modern Architecture, Design, and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Ari Wiseman, Partner, Wiseman Studio and Former Deputy Director, Solomon R.

  Guggenheim Foundation

Our inaugural jury brings together distinguished voices in craft, design, and curatorial practice to champion excellence and innovation in American craft.

Current Jury members include:

• Glenn Adamson (Jury Chair), Curator, Author, and Scholar

• Roberto Lugo, Ceramic Artist, Social Activist, and Educator

• Zesty Meyers, Co-founder, R & Company

• Jen Padgett, Windgate Curator of Craft, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

• Rosanne Somerson, Furniture Designer/Maker, and President Emerita, Rhode Island School of Design

WHAT IS THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE?

Founded by the Spector Family Foundation, the Spector Craft Prize is a three-part initiative championing American craft by supporting craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers. The three parts include:

The Spector Craft Prize, which honors an established craft artist through a museum acquisition funded by the Spector Family Foundation.

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists, which awards a $10,000 grant and mentorship opportunities to five craft artists with seven years or less within their professional craft practice.

The Spector Craft Summit, a transformative gathering connecting emerging and established voices through discussions, mentorship, and community-building essential for sustaining careers in craft.

IS THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE OPEN INTERNATIONALLY?

No, the Spector Craft Prize is focused on American craft, and applicants must live and work in the United States.

CAN I APPLY FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR ESTABLISHED ARTISTS?

The Spector Craft Prize for established artists is not application-based. Recipients are determined by the Spector Family Foundation and the host museum in consultation with our Advisory Board, which may submit nominations.

WHAT IS THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists is a juried prize honoring five exceptional makers with seven years or less of studio practice.

WHAT DO WINNERS OF THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS RECEIVE?

Emerging Artists receive a $10,000 financial award, mentorship opportunities, participation in the Spector Craft Summit, and professional network development.

WHAT CRAFT DISCIPLINES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

We welcome applications from craft artists working in ceramics, textiles, woodworking, glass, metalwork, basketry, and paper arts. However, this list is not exhaustive. As long as your work demonstrates skilled making, is made by hand, you identify as a craft artist, and you meet the other eligibility requirements, you should apply. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email us at info@spectorcraftprize.org.

I AM NOT A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES. CAN I STILL APPLY?

Yes. For the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists, we accept applications from individuals who live and work in the United States and can properly complete a Form W-9.

I AM AN OLDER CRAFT ARTIST. CAN I BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

Eligibility for this Prize is about the number of years actively working in your craft, not your age. We consider individuals with seven years or less from the beginning of their professional craft practice to be eligible for the Emerging Artists Prize.

WHAT DOES A "PROFESSIONAL CRAFT PRACTICE" MEAN?

We define professional craft practice as a dedicated, full-time studio practice outside of school or formal education.

I GRADUATED FROM CRAFT SCHOOL OVER SEVEN YEARS AGO, BUT I BEGAN MY PROFESSIONAL CRAFT WITHIN THE PAST SEVEN YEARS. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

Yes. As long as your professional craft practice began within the last seven years, you are eligible to apply.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

Applications for the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists close on March 1, 2026.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT TO APPLY FOR THE SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS?

To apply for the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists, you must submit:

A completed application

An artist statement (250 words maximum)

A description of submitted work (150 words maximum)

A biographical summary (150 words maximum)

Two to five high-resolution images of submitted work (with scale reference and neutral background)

A copy of government-issued photo identification

IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?

No, this application does not have a fee.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION ALL AT ONCE?

No, the submissions portal automatically saves your entry as you type, so you are able to edit your application at any time. Make sure to thoroughly review your application before submitting, as you will be unable to make any changes after submission.

CAN I SUBMIT A PIECE OF ORIGINAL WORK THAT I CREATED FIVE YEARS AGO?

The required images submitted with your application must be of work created within the last three years. However, the career portfolio is optional and allows you to submit up to five additional works that provide broader context for your practice and development as an artist, including older work.

ARE DIGITAL CRAFT OR 3D-PRINTED PIECES ELIGIBLE?

Any submitted work must involve hand-making. This does not mean that it cannot also involve digital tools or 3D-printing (for example, digitally designed and laser-cut wood components or 3D-printed clay).

WHEN AND HOW WILL WINNERS OF THE 2026 SPECTOR CRAFT PRIZE FOR EMERGING ARTISTS BE NOTIFIED?

Winners will be notified directly by email by June 2026. All applicants will receive notification of their application status.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM HAVING TROUBLE UPLOADING MY WORK?

Email info@spectorcraftprize.org with your issue and we will assist you in troubleshooting.

IF I WIN, WILL I HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON MY AWARD?

While we are not able to provide tax advice, the Spector Family Foundation is required to report the award to the IRS on Form 1099.

MAY I MAIL A HARD COPY OF MY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO YOUR OFFICE?

No. All applications must be submitted through our online portal. If you're experiencing technical difficulties with the submission process, please contact us at info@spectorcraftprize.org and we'll work with you to resolve the issue.

I'M SELF-TAUGHT AND MY CRAFT PRACTICE IS PART-TIME. CAN I STILL APPLY?

We welcome applications from self-taught artists. Eligibility requires seven years or less of dedicated professional practice, which we define as full-time studio work outside of formal education. If your practice is part-time or primarily recreational rather than professional, you may not meet the eligibility requirements. Ultimately, applicants should assess whether their level of commitment aligns with the intent of the Prize.

DO I NEED TO HAVE SOLD MY WORK TO BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL?

No, you just need a dedicated full-time studio practice, not a sales history.

CAN I REAPPLY IF I DIDN'T WIN THE PREVIOUS YEAR?

Yes, as long as you still meet the seven years or less of professional practice requirement.

CAN I SUBMIT WORK THAT IS IN A GALLERY OR MUSEUM ALREADY?

The Rules of Entry state that submitted work must be solely owned by the creator since time of creation. Work that has been sold, donated, or gifted is not eligible for the required submission but may be included in your optional career portfolio.

WHAT DOES MENTORSHIP LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE FOR WINNERS OF THE PRIZE?

We are still building this aspect of the program, but mentorship may include one-on-one guidance, career advice, and network introductions with established craft artists. Formats may vary each year.

Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists

Female Design Council
February 2, 2026

A New Prize Promises to Champion Craftmakers. We Crashed the Launch Party to Learn More.

Cultured
Mokshaa Shivlani 
January 29, 2026

Helping Hands: The Spector Craft Prize

Design Miami / In the Mix
Glenn Adamson 
January 20, 2026

A New Prize is Making a Serious Commitment to the Future of Craft in this Country

Though we don’t always refer to it as such — and though there is, in our archive, an equal attempt to understand the framing of domestic life through interiors — the heart of Sight Unseen has always been about craft, making, and our obsession with a materials-based approach to design. How else to explain the countless articles taking readers inside ceramics and woodworking studios to learn about process; the curated shows centered around a single material; or my personal, pewter-based agenda? So we were excited this month to learn about the newly established Spector Craft Prize, a program founded by philanthropists Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector to invest in makers who have both dedicated their lives to craft and who will be instrumental in shaping its future.

Together with curator Glenn Adamson — who also leads the jury, which includes R & Company gallerist Zesty Meyers and former RISD president Rosanne Somerson — the Spectors have developed a new ecosystem for supporting American craft. The Spector Craft Prize will partner with a different American museum each year, with the inaugural institution being the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Meant to honor an established artist in the United States whose work demonstrates an exceptional commitment to craft, the prize will be a major acquisition by the partner museum of the winner's work; five awardees of an emerging craft prize, for artists who have been in practice for seven years or less, will receive grants of $10,000 each. Winners will also take part in the yearly Spector Craft Summit as well as a mentoring program meant to foster community and care. Applications are open now through March 1, 2026!

Sight Unseen Newsletter
Monica Khemsurov 
December 11, 2025

Hot Coffee Conversation with Abigail Klem Spector, Warren Spector, and Glenn Adamson on the Launch of the Spector Craft Prize

Hot Coffee Conversations
November 14, 2025

The Spector Family Foundation, together with celebrated curator Glenn Adamson, announces today the launch of the Spector Craft Prize and an inaugural partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Whitehot Magazine
November 14, 2025

The Spector Craft Prize represents more than recognition. It is an investment in the future of American craft. By supporting artists at pivotal moments in their careers, we ensure that the rich traditions of American making continue to evolve and inspire. Together, we can strengthen craft’s essential role in contemporary American culture and preserve the vital connections between maker, material, and meaning for generations to come.

Follow us at @spectorcraftprize to join the journey.

For questions about the application process, email info@spectorcraftprize.org.