JEMA 2026: Demonstrations and hands-on workshops at the Garden of Art and Design Crafts

Every year in the spring, a selection of fascinating—and sometimes lesser-known—crafts and trades are spotlighted during a major national event that has become a must-attend occasion. The Heritage and Craft Days offer the general public a unique opportunity to discover more about traditional arts and crafts—those professions that keep centuries-old skills and techniques alive—and play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage.

Artisan crafts are often found in gardening and architecture—think carpenters, fountain specialists, master glassmakers, stonemasons—and also in the fashion world (fashion) such as designers, tailors, and milliners. They also encompass jewelry making, decorative arts, and all those skilled trades that enrich and beautify our cities and daily environments. In short, they play a vital role in making our world more beautiful!

The Days of Art and Craft Trades (JEMA) celebrate these outstanding artisans through a series of free events. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as meet-and-greets, talks, demonstrations, introductory workshops, and guided tours. Many activities are hosted at historic monuments, art venues, and workshops dedicated to artists and craftsmen.

In Île-de-France, in Sèvres, the Art and Design Crafts Garden welcomes enthusiasts on the weekend of April 11 and 12, 2026. Over these two days, a variety of events and activities are offered free of charge. Check out the full program for these exciting forthcoming moments.

The JEMA Schedule at the Garden of Art and Design Professions:

• Creation and Craftsmanship at the Art and Design Craftsmen’s Garden
  Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  Free admission
  In harmony with the 2026 theme “Hearts at Work,” the JAD celebrates the passion and dedication of those who daily contribute to the revival of traditional crafts through collaboration and dialogue between art crafts and design. A space for creation, transmission, and experimentation, the JAD brings together artisans, designers, and researchers who explore new ways to create each day. Together, they highlight the diverse world of craft professions.
• Architectural Tour:
  Housed in a building dating back to the 1930s, the JAD is part of the historical complex of the former Sèvres Manufacture School, listed as a historic monument in 1942. Featuring wrought ironwork, metalwork, stained glass, ceramics, and more, visitors can discover numerous heritage elements. This tour also recounts the history of craftsmanship: from the founding of the manufacture and its school to the opening of the JAD, which is now reinventing these ancient skills.
  Two sessions daily: 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Open House at the Studios of the Residents:
  Open studio hours from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last access to the upper floors at 6 p.m.)
  Explore the varied expertise of the creators based at the JAD: ceramics, leatherworking, paper art, wood sculpture, weaving, leather, felt work, textile embellishment, heliogravure, and more – all within the intimacy of their workshops.

  Gesture and technique demonstrations (subject to availability)
  Open to adults with prior registration (limited to 10 participants)
  Discover technical skills specific to the craftsmen of the JAD, including:

  • Marie Levoyet, heliographer and intaglio printer: printmaking demonstration from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Tony Jouanneau, textile embellisher: pleating demonstration from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Vincent Le Bourdon, ceramic designer: working with raw clay from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Mathilde Faucard, mural artist: botanical imprinting on concrete from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Loann Djian, leather designer: leather patchwork demonstration from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Maxime Perrolle, wood sculptor: gouge carving demonstration from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Discovering Craft Skills Workshops (subject to confirmation)
  Open to families (children aged 6 and up accompanied by adults), free entry (limit of 8 participants)
  Explore different materials, tools, and learn basic techniques through various introductory sessions:
  • Sofia Shazak, leather artisan (introduction to saddlery techniques) 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Anne Agma, ceramic sculptor (hand-building basics) 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
  • Janique Bourget, paper artist and sculptor (pop-up design) 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
  • Helena Guy Lhomme, textile artist and sculptor (wool and felting techniques) 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
  • Cédric Breisacher, designer and sculptor (introduction to the biomaterial Agglomera) 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
  • Carole Calvez, olfactory designer (beginner’s guide to scent mixing) 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

• MakerLab: Guided tours and hands-on exploration of the equipment available, ongoing
  The MakerLab at JAD is a dedicated space for creativity and learning through doing. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge and skills, welcoming students, local professionals, and the general public alike. Explore the array of over twenty traditional and digital machines in its workshop.
  Free, scheduled demonstrations—open to all audiences:
  • 2:30 PM: Laser cutting machine
  • 3:30 PM: Digital embroidery
  • 4:30 PM: CNC digital wood machining
  • 5:30 PM: 3D printing

Explore our curated list of upcoming special events during the Arts and Crafts Days in Paris and Île-de-France, showcasing the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Artisan Careers Days 2026: The Schedule for the Cultural Event Across Paris and Île-de-France
The European Days of Crafts and Artistic Trades is a special week dedicated to celebrating artisans across France, taking place from April 7 to 12, 2026. During this period, workshop doors swing open to offer a rare glimpse into their masterful skills. Now in its 20th edition, this event in Paris and Île-de-France invites you to explore a world of unique craftsmanship. Here’s what awaits you. [Read more]