2024 NCECA JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION - Call for Entries 

DEADLINE Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 11:59pm Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) (Please note time zone - late entries will not be accepted)  

NOTE: CaFÉ™’s hours of operation are M-F from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time (MDT), and it may take a few hours for them to get back to you if you need assistance.   Please do not wait until after 3pm to submit because the NCECA staff cannot assist with technical issues within the CaFÉ™ system. 

Hosted by:
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
1812 W Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
www.visarts.org
(804) 353-0094

EXHIBITION DATES: March 1 – March 24, 2024

The 2024 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition will run concurrently with Coalescence, the 58th annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, Richmond, Virginia, March 20-23, 2024. Ceramic artists April Felipe and Jennifer Zwilling will select works for the exhibition.

ABOUT THE 2024 JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION JURORS:

April Felipe
April Felipe was born in Queens, New York. She received her BFA from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and her MFA in ceramics from Ohio University.  In 2017, she was named one of Ceramics Monthly's emerging artists and began a ceramic jewelry line alongside her sculptural works shown in galleries throughout the United States. April has participated in residencies at Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts, Arrowmont, The Archie Bray Foundation, and Red Lodge Clay Center. She is an Ohio University instructor and an organizer for The Color Network.  April works from a home studio in Albany, Ohio.

Jennifer Zwilling
Jennifer Zwilling is the Curator and Director of Artistic Programs at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. As an active scholar in the craft world, she has forged relationships across museum, academic and media boundaries. Zwilling administers the Resident Artist Program, The Clay Studio Collection, and the Guest Artist Program at The Clay Studio. She guides the Exhibition Program in concert with co-curators and the Exhibition Council and has recently produced exhibitions, including Figuring Space and Between Horizons. As a Leadership team member, she shapes programming to support The Clay Studio’s mission — to support artists and the community through the ceramic arts.

ABOUT THE VENUE: 
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) has helped adults and children explore their creativity and make art since 1963. Each year, the organization touches the lives of more than 40,000 people through its classes, exhibitions, community outreach programs, camps, workshops, and special events.

Founded in Church Hill as the Hand Workshop, the organization moved to the historic Virginia Dairy building at 1812 West Main Street. It leased space for 17 years before purchasing and later renovating the building. Completed in 2007, the renovation transformed the facility into an inviting and inspiring 30,000-square-foot arts center, which includes the 1,800-square-foot True F. Luck Gallery. The gallery’s focus is on materials and processes of contemporary artists.

VisArts offers more than 1,000 visual and creative arts classes each year in clay, wood, fiber, painting, photography, printmaking, glass, metal, drawing, writing, decorative arts, and other visual media. More than 125 instructors teach for the organization. VisArts is a non-profit organization.

ELIGIBILITY

• The 2024 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition is open to undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
• Recent graduates’ work is eligible if created in the last 12 months and when they were still students. 
• Applicants must have been working toward a degree or post-baccalaureate in art when the work was created.
• Works must have been completed within 12 months of the submission deadline.
• Students enrolled at institutions where the jurors currently serve as faculty are not eligible to apply.

NCECA membership is not a requirement of eligibility; however, NCECA members receive a complimentary entry fee to NCECA exhibition calls.
Entry Fees:
Member: $0.00 
Non-member: $30.00

NCECA will verify membership. Please check your NCECA Membership status and expiration date by logging into your NCECA Account/Profile at this LINK or contacting exhibitionsupport@nceca.net 
To renew or become a member of NCECA, go to https://nceca.net/members


MEDIA & LIMITATIONS All works must be primarily ceramic. Mixed media works will be accepted only when clay is the dominant material. 

 - All work samples and attachments (other than a resume) submitted MUST NOT INCLUDE THE ARTIST NAME This enables the adjudication process without bias in knowing artists’ identities. Any reference to an applicant’s name or school will disqualify the participant from the process.

 - Works involving video referencing ceramic materials, process, history, and/or extending expressive work capacities in clay will be considered at the jurors' discretion.

 - Video work samples should be submitted as links to accessible files uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or similar platforms. Up to two video samples may be submitted: no longer than two minutes per video. Another link may be provided to a full-length video.

 - Videos requiring private login information to be entered for review will not be considered.

 - Works involving digitally or chemically produced photography referencing ceramic materials, process, history, and/or extending expressive work capacities in clay will be considered at the jurors' discretion.

The jurors will make final selections following the venue's confirmation about the ability to install all works safely and professionally.

 - Floor and pedestal works must be self-supporting.

 - Wall hanging works must be provided with hanging systems that are suitably fashioned to install securely.

 - Individual objects should weigh less than 100 lbs. and have dimensions that can pass through a 36” x 80” entrance door.

 - Larger works designed to be assembled from multiple parts in a modular fashion may be accommodated. 

EXCLUSIONS:
NCECA reserves the right to exclude from the review/selection process any submissions that include more than two (2) works or more than two (2) media files per work. 

• Please do not submit the same pieces to multiple NCECA calls in the same year.
• NCECA reserves the right to exclude any submissions with incorrect fees from the review/selection process. 
• NCECA will not process refunds to those who submit incorrect fees.
• Unfinished or representation of finished work will not be accepted.
• NCECA and exhibition venue staff reserve the right to exclude from exhibition works that arrive at the venue in unstable condition.

ENTRY PREPARATION & APPLICATION PROCESS

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For complete specifications, tutorials, and resources, please visit the CaFÉ™ website at  https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/

NUMBER OF WORKS:     -2-     Artists may submit up to two (2) separate works with no more than two (2) media files (images, video, or audio) per work. (For example, Full view and detail view). 

PLEASE CONSIDER THE SIZE/WEIGHT OF YOUR WORK, AS THESE FACTORS WILL IMPACT YOUR SHIPPING DECISIONS AND COSTS.

Uploaded media files will be stored in your CaFÉ™ Portfolio as a repository of images to be accessed while completing the submission. 

Media file submissions must comply with specifications found at CaFəhttps://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/uploading-media/

• Artists’ names may not appear in images or file names.
• The artwork submitted must be available for the exhibition.
• All submissions must include a declaration of monetary value for insurance purposes.
• This value may not be altered later.

BEFORE beginning submission, applicants must be prepared to provide the following, as well as images and image details. It is recommended to save all text to your local computer for future reference. Please proof carefully and submit as print-ready.

Again, artists’ names must not appear in any images or file names submitted for consideration. This enables the adjudication process without bias in knowing artists’ identities.

• Artist statement: (up to 1000 characters with spaces)
       Do not include the artist's name in the statement.
• Short bio: Will not be presented to Jurors. If selected, bio may be used for a catalog. (limit 1000 characters with spaces).  Providing biographical text written in the third person will help to restrain editing that might be necessary to support the creation of publishable content.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, or Post-baccalaureate, Recent Graduate
• School Name, Professor Name, Professor Phone, Professor E-mail
• Pronouns (optional)
• Headshot: jpg format only. Will not be presented to Jurors. If selected, a headshot may be used for a catalog.
• Social media handles: Website, Instagram, and other social media handles (if applicable, otherwise indicate NONE)

Each work sample submitted with your entry must include the following details:

• Title
• Medium (60-character limit with spaces)
• Height/Width/Depth (in inches and this order)
• Artwork for Sale? (Yes/No)
• Retail Value (Insurance value and commission will be calculated as 50% of the retail value.) 

!!!!!! ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE MONETARY VALUE FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES - EVEN IF NOT FOR SALE. This value may not be altered later. !!!!!

• Year completed - Works must have been completed within 12 months of the entry deadline.
• Primary Discipline (ceramics)
• Description - any additional information you would like the jurors to know about this work.

 - NO CHANGES will be allowed once an entry has been submitted. Once data is entered into the CaFÉ™system, it cannot be altered. 

 - Please PROOFREAD your data carefully, as this information may be used to generate the catalog, insurance, and publicity information.

REVIEW and SELECTION PROCESS
April Felipe and Jennifer Zwilling will select the exhibition from digital images and work statements to develop the exhibition. The jurors will ONLY select actual artworks available for the exhibition. Selected artists will be notified in early November 2023 and may be asked to provide high-resolution images. 

CATEGORIES AND AWARDS
Merit awards will be determined by the jurors from the actual works and will be announced during the exhibition reception. Recent NJSE Awards have included NCECA, company and organizationally sponsored cash prizes, and purchase awards. The final award list will be published at the time of the exhibition.

CONFERENCE PASS AND MEMBERSHIP

Selected artists will receive membership and a complimentary conference pass for the 2024 conference. If the artist is a current member, they will receive an extension to their current membership expiration date for up to one calendar year.

• The 2024 conference pass and the membership are not transferrable to others.
• The complimentary conference pass is limited to the 2024 conference and cannot be used at future conferences.

SHIPPING/DELIVERY OF WORK

Artists must pay to ship and insure work TO and FROM the venue. When paying to ship your work TO the venue, you must also purchase RETURN-SHIPPING. 

• The prepaid RETURN-SHIPPING label must be included in your box to ensure your work's timely and safe return.
• Proof of return shipping and a copy of the return label must be emailed to tammy@nceca.net before the exhibition opens. 
• NCECA will reimburse shipping/transport not to exceed $400.00. Reimbursement is eligible only on ground shipping except where unavoidable due to shipments to/from overseas.
• Please retain all hard copies and/or digital receipts to be submitted for reimbursement after the exhibition closes.
• If personally delivering or picking up work, NCECA will reimburse mileage with a cap of $400. Artists are responsible for financing travel costs, food, and housing outside of mileage.

NOTE: NCECA, its agents, and representatives shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever if work is lost, stolen, or damaged. This, however, shall not bar artists from filing claims with the insured venue or transit company with respect to any such loss, theft, or damage.

February 12 – February 23, 2024 - Shipped or hand-delivered work to arrive at Visual Arts Center of Richmond.

February 21 – February 29, 2024 Artists are invited to install themselves this week.
Artists wishing to deliver works or assist during installation must reach out in advance to Emily Nixon, Gallery Director, to make arrangements. enixon@visarts.org 

March 25 – March 29, 2024 De-installation; artists are invited to de-install themselves.

Visual Arts Center of Richmond 
1812 W Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
www.visarts.org
(804) 353-0094

BEST PRACTICES FOR SHIPPING WORK

Please consider the size/weight of your work, as these factors will impact your shipping decisions and costs. 

Know the required documents, customs, and brokerage needs for work shipped from Canada and Mexico. Suggested contacts are UPS Canada or UPS Mexico https://www.ups.com/ca/en/Home.page             https://www.ups.com/mx/en/Home.page 
or any other international shipping company. 

It is the responsibility of artists to securely pack their works for the exhibition and arrange and pay for shipping and insurance. NCECA recommends that all artists document their packaging process using digital images and text descriptions before closing all crates and /or boxes for shipment. This documentation may provide critical information to support claims against carriers for damage in transit. 

A significant percentage of work has arrived broken in previous exhibitions, so be sure your work is packed properly. If you are inexperienced with packing for shipping, consider reading this brief article on packing and shipping ceramics http://ceramicsfieldguide.org/chapter-8/packing-fragile-materials/
Another good resource is https://harrieteestelberman.com/shipping-information 

Key to any good packaging and shipping of ceramic art is using quality materials in adequate supply. Do not reuse boxes, and ensure that works are stabilized to mitigate any possibility of movement within containers. Shock-absorbing material such as bubble wrap and or foam should cover at least two inches around all surfaces of objects. Wherever possible, do not place more than one ceramic object within a single box or compartment. Double boxing is highly recommended with a minimum of 2” of shock-absorbing packing material between inner and outer boxes. Crates, rather than boxes, should be used for heavier objects. Additional tutorials on packing artwork for shipping can be found on YouTube. If you are still in doubt, work with a professional packager/shipper. 

RETURN OF UNSOLD WORK
Immediately after the close of the exhibition, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond will pack the work for return shipping or pick up. The works will be re-packed in the crating/boxing used to ship the work to Richmond. The artist will be responsible for packaging costs if appropriate reusable crating/boxing is not supplied.

RETURN SHIPPING must have been paid in advance by participating artists, who must be the shipper of record. 

ORIGINAL hard copy receipt/s, electronic receipt/s, or mileage verification for shipping/transport along with the 2024 NJSE Reimbursement form (sent with the agreement) must be submitted to NCECA by May 1, 2024, to be eligible for reimbursement. 

 - NCECA will not reimburse shipping for sold work; the purchaser is responsible for pickup or shipping charges.

INSURANCE
Visual Arts Center of Richmond shall maintain insurance coverage for all works included in the exhibition only while they are on its premises. Artists will be responsible for insurance of work in transit to Richmond. The gallery insurance will cover up to 50% of the works' reported retail value. The retail value must be reported even for works included in the exhibition that are unavailable for purchase. If damage occurs to works in the exhibition, artists may be required to demonstrate that the value(s) declared are established fair market values. 

SALES
Works are to be offered for purchase at the discretion of artists included in the exhibition. Artists will receive 50% of the purchase value of works sold, and 50% will be retained as a commission by NCECA and the exhibition venue. Shipping of purchased works will be the responsibility of collectors. 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Participating artists must agree to allow NCECA, Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and visitors to photograph work while on display for educational and publicity purposes. Images of accepted works will be retained by NCECA for promotional purposes, posting on the NCECA website, and shared with media-related publications. NCECA may create a digital catalog and/or an online exhibition version using images of accepted work. 

CATALOG
NCECA may produce a catalog documenting the exhibition experience using color images of artwork. Each artist in the exhibition will receive one (1) complimentary copy of the catalog. Additional copies of the catalog will be available for purchase online. 

CALENDAR:
DEADLINE Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 11:59pm MOUNTAIN (Please note time zone - late entries will not be accepted)
Acceptance notification: Early November 2023
Contracts due: Mid-November 2023
Ship to arrive or hand delivery: February 12 – February 23, 2024 

Exhibition Dates: March 1-24, 2024  
Coalescence - 58th Annual NCECA Conference – Richmond, Virginia - Wednesday, March 20 – Saturday, March 23, 2024
Reception: 6-8pm, Friday, March 22, 2024
De-Install: March 25, 2024 
Return Shipping: March 25-29, 2024
Damage Claim: Upon return, please open your shipment immediately to confirm the work has arrived safely.

If you have questions about eligibility or submission rules that are not answered in the listing description, contact exhibitionsupport@nceca.net

If you require technical assistance, contact CaFÉ™ support staff at cafe@westaf.org. Please allow enough time (two to three hours) for CaFÉ™to get back to you if they have high email volumes.  NCECA staff cannot provide technical assistance within the CaFÉ™ system, so please do not wait until evening to submit. 

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APPLY NOW

Thank you!

Application Requirements

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
All works must be primarily ceramic. Mixed media works will be accepted only when clay is the dominant material. 

NUMBER OF WORKS:     -2-     Artists may submit up to two (2) separate works with no more than two (2) media files (images, video, or audio) per work. (For example, Full view and detail view) 

Retail Value: !!!!!! ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST INCLUDE MONETARY VALUE FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES - EVEN IF NOT FOR SALE. This value may not be altered later. !!!!!
Deadline Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (11:59pm Mountain time)

NCECA will not extend the deadline for applicants who attempt to submit after 3pm MDT on September 27, 2023, and encounter technical difficulties. Please do not wait until the last minute to submit. 

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

• The 2024 NCECA Juried Student Exhibition is open to undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
• Recent graduates’ work is eligible if created in the last 12 months and when they were still students.
• Applicants must have been working toward a degree or post-baccalaureate in art when the work was created.
• Works must have been completed within 12 months of the submission deadline.
• Students enrolled at institutions where the jurors currently serve as faculty are not eligible to apply.

NCECA membership is not a requirement of eligibility; however, NCECA members receive a complimentary entry fee to NCECA exhibitions.
Entry Fees:
Member: $0.00 
Non-member: $30.00