Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize
Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood
September 19, 2025 – January 17, 2026
In 1997, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in contemporary craft, with a focus on the theme of transformation. Named Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael (1920-1998), the founder of Contemporary Craft, this triennial juried exhibition has built a significant international legacy. It highlights both emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of clay, glass, metal, wood and found materials—challenging traditional techniques and reimagining craft in innovative and thought-provoking ways. Transformation 12: Contemporary Works in Wood features the work of 19 finalists, each exploring the expressive and technical possibilities of wood. Through techniques such as intarsia, marquetry, woodturning, carving, and sculptural construction, these artists transform raw material into compelling work. This group of artists demonstrate the craftsmanship through intricate detailing, and engage in bold conceptual inquiry, questioning the very nature of craft itself. Together, these diverse approaches highlight the versatility of contemporary woodwork, showcasing artists at all stages of their careers whose creative vision and technical excellence redefine the field, offering a compelling dialogue between material, technique and artist innovation.
Jurors
Christopher Kurtz, Artist & Founder of Christopher Kurtz Studio
Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Executive Director & Chief Curator of Museum for Art in Wood
Catherine Raphael, Daughter of Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael
Rachel Saul Rearick, Executive Director of Contemporary Craft
Yu-San Cheng, Director of Visual Engagement of Contemporary Craft
