SOUTHERN MISS CERAMICS NATIONAL, 2022

October 10 - November 4, 2022

The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art is pleased to announce the Southern Miss Ceramics National, 2022, a juried exhibition of ceramic sculpture, vessel forms, and ceramic installation works created by artists across the US. This biennial exhibition began in 2016 and has since become one of the top ceramic arts exhibitions in the country featuring a broad spectrum of contemporary ceramic works made by artists across the country. 

AWARDS: Both monetary and non-monetary awards are presented

ENTRY FEE: $35 for up to three entries

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: August 14, 2022 

JUROR AND VISITING ARTIST: George Rodriquez is a visual artist and ceramic sculptor who creates large-scale figurative works in clay. Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, TX, George Rodriguez draws inspiration from his Mexican-American upbringing, and cross-cultural influences. Brought up by his mother and four older sisters, George quietly observed the love and hard work needed to maintain his family and community. The first in his family to finish college, he earned his BFA in ceramics from the University of Texas, El Paso, then went on to receive an MFA from the University of Washington. A recipient of the Bonderman Travel Fellowship, he traveled to 26 different countries throughout most of 2010. This travel continues to have a profound impact on George and his work.

George was recently honored to serve as a demonstrating artist and presenter at the 2022 National Council on the Education of Ceramic Arts Conference (NCECA) in Sacramento, CA. In 2019, he was recognized as an Emerging Artist by NCECA, and in 2017, the Museum of Northwest Art awarded him The Patti Warashina Luminary Award. His work can be found in the permanent collection of the National Mexican Museum of Art in Chicago and the Hallie Ford Museum in Salem, OR.  He is represented by Foster/White Gallery in Seattle, WA, and is currently an adjunct professor and artist in residence at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia.

CALENDAR:

• Entry Deadline: August 14, 2022
• Jury Notification: September 1
• Receipt of Works: September 6-23
• Installation begins: September 26
• Show Opens: October 10
• Juror’s Demo and Lecture: October 10-11
• Opening Reception: October 10
• Return of Works: November 7-11, 2022

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art was established in 1997 by the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning Board of Trustees as an expansion of the C.W. Wood Gallery founded in 1977. Completed in 2014, the Gallery of Art and Design, a 2000 sq.ft. contemporary art gallery, is now the primary exhibition space for all USM Museum of Art exhibitions and events. 

Application Requirements

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY AND IMAGE SIZE: All entries will require the following: Artists name, title of entry, medium (type of clay, other media, and firing method), size (H x W x D inches), insurance value, year completed, and a brief artist statement about work submitted.

Up to 3 entries may be submitted. Each entry will require the upload of 1 digital JPEG images, 72 dpi, no more than 5 MB for each image and no smaller than 1920 pixels on the longest side.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY: The Southern Miss Ceramics National is open to all US residents, 18 years of age or older. Entries must have been completed within 5 years of the entry deadline. Ceramic sculptures, ceramics vessel forms, both functional and sculptural, and ceramic installation works are eligible. Mixed media works are eligible only if ceramic/clay is the primary medium. Individual components of ceiling suspended or wall mounted works should not exceed 20 pounds. Freestanding and pedestal displayed works must be stable and not exceed 50 pounds. Installation may be required by the artist for any large-scale works weighing more than 50 lbs, or requiring specialized installation or assembly. Size (including crating) is limited to works that will fit through a standard door, 32 x 80 inches. All entries must be original works and available for the duration of the exhibit. Accepted works cannot be substituted.

SHIPPING AND DELIVERY: Artists are responsible for all shipping and delivery costs. Works should be shipped to arrive only during the “Receipt of Works” window, Sept. 6-23. Works need to be delivered no later than September 23, 2022, unless otherwise arranged with the museum director. Detailed shipping instructions will be sent to all participating artists. Hand-deliveries are welcome and can be arranged.

INSURANCE: The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art will provide insurance coverage for all artwork while on the USM campus and gallery premises. Insurance for artworks while in transit to and from USM is the responsibility of the artist. USM is not liable for any damage or loss that occurs during transit.

SALES: Works can be available for purchase or listed as NFS (Not for Sale). Commission will not be taken on any sales.

USE OF IMAGERY: The University of Southern Mississippi reserves the right to use images of selected artwork for marketing and publicity purposes without compensation for this and any future exhibitions. High-resolution images will be requested for all accepted entries.

COVID-19 CONTINGENCY: If COVID-19 or any other pandemic or natural disaster were to cause temporary closing of the university art gallery or disruption of this campus event, this juried exhibition will be moved to a fully online exhibition. 

QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION: For questions or more information, please contact Museum Director, Mark Rigsby, mark.rigsby@usm.edu, (601) 266-5200.