Rick Stein, Hall Table, 2000, American black cherry and dyed American black cherry, 28 x 36 x 14 7/8 inches; courtesy the artist; Darryl and Karen Arawjo, LightVessel XXX, 1998, basket: white oak, monofilament, walnut, 14 1/2 x 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches; courtesy the artists; John Parker Glick, Teapot, 1999, stoneware, reduction-fired, 8 x 7 x 9 inches; courtesy the artist; Tom Torrens, Bell, 2000, steel, 35 1/4 x 11 7/8 x 7 inches; courtesy the artist; Sara Hotchkiss, Bantam Bungalow, 2000, hand-woven tapestry: cotton, 60 x 30 x 1/3 inches; courtesy the artist

The essence of craft is the celebration of the object that serves a utilitarian as well as an aesthetic function. Craft has often been seen as hand labor devoid of intellectual content and therefore disparaged by practitioners of the fine arts. But since the 1960s, ceramics, glasswork, metalwork, textiles, and other industrial arts have enjoyed a resurgence in practice and a newfound respect.

Enhancements is a survey of beautiful, unique works that fulfill functional requirements. The exhibition features 98 objects by 40 contemporary artists in a wide variety of media including glass, wood, metal, fiber, paper, and leather. Some objects are simple and unpretentious, others elaborate and ornate. All perform a utilitarian service while also displaying artistic qualities of beauty, invention, and masterful technique.