Description

We humans are always telling each other stories, and we have done so from the beginning of time. For instance, the powerful prehistoric hunting scenes of Lascaux were depicted on cave walls using mineral pigments, the only materials at their disposal. Millennia later, the Greek myths of love, ritual, conflict, and combat inspired Greek potters to bring them to life on delicately painted vessels. Whether in the form of speech, the printed word, dance, or the visual arts – sometimes in combination, storytellers find ways to bring their stories to life.

Theme

Michael Frimkess, Ecology Krater II (Out Biking with Aunt Samantha), 1976, wheel-thrown and painted stoneware, 26 1⁄4 x 26 x 19 1⁄2 in. (66.8 x 65.9 x 49.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance, 1998.6

We invite ceramic artists to submit their work for our upcoming online and published exhibition, What’s Your Story? Narrative Clay Today. This exhibition celebrates the compelling human need to communicate and welcomes subjects that can be as broad as the number of applicants. We seek works of art executed with a sophisticated understanding of the medium and its expressive possibilities. Objects may take a variety of forms, such as vessels, sculptures, tableaux, the figure, and other formats.

Awards and Publicity

Selected works of art will be shown on the SA+C online gallery, and will be featured on SA+C social media, on the website, and in our eNewsletter (sent to 10,000+ recipients). One award for excellence ($1,000) and three honorable mention awardees ($200) will be selected to inspire their continued work. A printed and digital catalog will be available. Our goal is to provide selected artists with a platform that will showcase their achievements in the field.

Jurying Process

A panel of esteemed jurors with expertise in ceramics and contemporary craft will review the applications, which were presented as blind submissions to ensure impartiality.

Eligibility

Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Tropical Island Tea Set, 1996, white earthenware, glazes, and china paints, 6 x 12 x 18 in. (15.2 x 30.5 x 45.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak, 2000.33A-D

This call is open to both emerging and established makers.

Submission Guidelines

• Please have all your materials and files ready before beginning the application process; the SA+C entry system cannot save partial entries, and you cannot log in repeatedly to make changes or updates. You must start again if you neglect any documents or details the first time.   Here is a sample form. 
• Works of Art: Submit up to three pieces that address the theme of this exhibition and were created within the last five years.
• Text: You will be asked to submit a general artist statement, a short description of each object, and image details.
• Categories: Choose from the following for each work of art submitted:
  • Vessel
  • Sculptural
  • Functional

Image Requirements and File Names

• Submit up to three (3) pieces, with a full and detail image of each piece. Photographs should be JPEG or TIFF files sized at a minimum of 4 x 6 inches and (at least) 300 dpi.
•  Photographs should be JPEG or TIFF files sized at a minimum of 4 x 6 inches and (at least) 300 dpi and will be uploaded online. Please follow this file naming convention: LName_WorkTitle_Full/Detail.jpg or .TIFF
• File name example: MSmith_SpringVessel_Full.jpg or MSmith_SpringVessel_Detail.jpg.

Important Dates

• Submission Block: 5/26/2024-9/1/2024
• Notification Date: 9/18/2024

Entry Fee $30.00*

Jury Process

Jurors will evaluate the submissions based on creative approaches to the theme, craftsmanship, technical proficiency, aesthetics, and other considerations as determined by the jury.

Jurors

TBD

We welcome your entries!