NBO member Lee Sipe, a Korean-born artist, is now represented in the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C.
“Vessel No. 27 was purchased by the Renwick Gallery, a contemporary art museum near the White House. It specializes in decorative art and crafts. It is a 3-foot tall vaselike structure crafted out of pine needles and raffia. It was created by Sipe in 1990. According to the Renwick, the artwork is not yet available for viewing. “
The piece is similar to one Sipe created that won Best in Show at an S.C. State Fair competition. “Vessel No. 27” will be featured in a 2025 exhibit at the Renwick Gallery about arts and craftworks created and presented at state fair’s across the country, according to a spokesperson for the Smithsonian.
“Sipe lives in Columbia but travels to museums across the country seeking inspiration for her art, which also pulls from her Asian heritage and familial loyalty,” according to Nick Sipe, Lee’s husband.
The special exhibition will debut in August 2025. “Vessel No. 27” was purchased as part of the Renwick’s permanent collection.