Photo by Robert Severi.

Patricia Young
Silver Spring, Maryland

A retired clinical social worker, Patricia Young is not only an ardent craft advocate and collector. She views herself as a “craft chaplain,” she says. “I’m always thinking of and implementing new ways to strengthen and keep the craft village together and inspire emerging artists along with the next generation of collectors.”

Young, 66, got hooked on craft shows in her early 20s. She’s since traveled the world learning about craft through hands-on classes, meetings with makers and collectors, and studio visits. “It’s my passion to support the arts and the makers,” she says. “That type of creativity brings me deep joy, and learning how things are made fascinates me.” The depth of her knowledge and commitment to craft led to her becoming a show judge for the ACC, the James Renwick Alliance for Craft, and the National Capital Art Glass Guild.

“Learning how a concept came to be, the materials used, the process by which a work was created—well, I’m just fascinated by all of it.”
—Patricia Young

Intrigued with all craft mediums, Young donated Sebastian Martorana’s marble piece Impressions (2008) to the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery’s 40 under 40 show. She sponsored the Renwick Alliance’s Chrysalis Award for Emerging Artists (2019), awarded to mixed-media sculptor Richard James. She’s also supported fiber art, glass, clay, and woodturning organizations and artists. She’s served on the boards of the Renwick Alliance, ACC, and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+).

“Being deeply involved in craft gives me purpose,” she says. “The craft movement is huge, and there’s always something new to learn, a new artist to be exposed to, and, post pandemic, a new show or studio to visit. Visiting with an artist and learning how a concept came to be, the materials used, the process by which a work was created—well, I’m just fascinated by all of it. What’s special and unique about being involved in craft is supporting artists so they can do what they do best.”

Read bio | @pati4craft