This book examines the significant role of contemporary American crafts within the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection and broader cultural practice. It highlights over one hundred color plates showcasing prime holdings in ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, metal, and furniture, featuring sixty-four artists like Dale Chihuly and Peter Voulkos. Author Suzanne Ramljak argues that handmade objects offer a vital counterpoint to mass production and virtual experiences, reawakening the senses. The introduction by Darrel Sewell details the history of the collection and Philadelphia's importance as a craft innovation center.

This book is presented as a commemorative volume celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, highlighting the museum's growing collection of contemporary American crafts. The authority perspective suggests it serves as both an exhibition catalog and an art historical survey, emphasizing the tactile and sensory value of handmade objects in contemporary society. The inclusion of prominent artists and a detailed checklist indicates a comprehensive and scholarly approach to the subject matter. It aims to contextualize craft within broader artistic and cultural discourse.