by Frankie Flood
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University is proud to announce that Mia Martin, a recent alumna of the Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design program, has been selected to showcase her work in the highly anticipated America 250: Craft Today exhibition at the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington, Pennsylvania.
The prestigious national juried exhibition, which runs from May 11 through July 25, 2026, highlights innovation, technical mastery, and the diverse voices shaping American contemporary craft today. Martin’s inclusion in the show is a remarkable early-career milestone, particularly because the three featured objects were created during her final two semesters in the Metals program at App State.
Martin's achievement is magnified by the scale of the exhibition's parent initiative. America 250: Craft Today is a marquee event within Handwork 2026: Celebrating American Craft, a nationwide, year-long initiative honoring the handmade as part of the United States Semiquincentennial (the 250th anniversary of the U.S.).
Handwork 2026 is presented and spearheaded by Craft in America, the Los Angeles-based non-profit organization widely renowned for its Peabody Award-winning PBS documentary series and its enduring mission to advance original handcrafted work. Being selected for a national exhibition operating under the prestigious umbrella of Craft in America places Martin's university work on one of the most prominent platforms in the contemporary craft world.
The exhibition was juried by Judy Barie, the Susan and John Turben Director of CVA Galleries at the Chautauqua Institution, who was tasked with selecting pieces that push boundaries and explore the diverse landscape of craft mediums.
Martin will be exhibiting alongside established, leading craft artists from across the country. This includes App State Professor of Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design, Frankie Flood, who also had work selected for the exhibition.
An opening gallery reception honoring Martin and the other participating artists will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Touchstone Center for Crafts.
To learn more about the America 250: Craft Today exhibition, visit touchstonecrafts.org.
About the Department of Art
One of seven departments within the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Art at Appalachian State University prepares students to explore art, identity, expression, and creative problem-solving, while challenging them to push beyond their previous limits by discovering new connections to culture. The department offers degrees in art and visual culture, art education, graphic design, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management, with minors in art history, studio art, photography, and graphic communications management. Learn more at art.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education for all.
Mia Martin artwork thumbnail
Mia Martin artwork thumbnail