Call For Entries

ABSENCE TAKES FORM
The 2026 NCECA ANNUAL  

Curated by Adrienne Spinozzi

Deadline – Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11:59 pm MDT
(Please note time zone - late entries will not be accepted)

If you encounter problems and require technical assistance, contact CaFE™ support staff at cafe@westaf.org. NOTE: CaFE cannot assist after 4:30 pm MDT - please submit early. For questions about eligibility or submission guidelines not addressed in the listing, email tammy@nceca.net

Hosted by:

Wasserman Projects
3434 Russell Street, #502, Detroit, MI 48207
313.818.3550
wassermanprojects.com

EXHIBITION DATES: January 31 - April 11, 2026

ABOUT THE NCECA ANNUAL
The NCECA Annual Exhibition, Absence Takes Form, will run concurrently with VOLUMES, the 60th annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, Detroit, Michigan, March 25-28, 2026. The NCECA Annual blends impactful attributes of invitational and open juried models of exhibition development. Exhibition curator Adrienne Spinozzi’s curatorial vision is illuminated through the work of five invited artists. Additional works and artists will be selected through an open call for submissions. 

Spinozzi writes:

Absence Takes Form explores how artists express their individual diasporic journeys in clay, taking its inspiration from Detroit, a place with a rich history shaped by the Great Migration. All diaspora and migrations are complex negotiations between gain and loss, defined by displacement, memory, and promise. These formative life experiences can offer fertile inspiration to artists, and the works in this exhibition give voice and physical space to ancestral memories by turning absence into a three-dimensional form. This reparative work is expressed in myriad ways, including acknowledging a life lived, embracing visual signifiers of one’s identity, honoring and preserving cultural techniques and traditions, and engaging in a conceptual practice that reconstructs the past anew. In this exhibition, artists engage in the act of processing their memory of an ancestral homeland through creation. Absence takes form.

ABOUT THE CURATOR:

Adrienne Spinozzi is an Associate Curator in the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she is responsible for the American redware, stoneware, and art pottery collections. Her recent projects include Shapes from Out of Nowhere: Ceramics from the Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection (2021), an exhibition of 20th- and 21st-century abstract and nonrepresentational ceramics, and Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina (2022-24), an exhibition on the contributions of the enslaved potters—both known and unknown—in western South Carolina during the 19th century. She is currently working on a reinstallation of American ceramics that will span the late 19th century through today. 

ABOUT THE VENUE
Wasserman Projects is a flexible and constantly evolving program of art, design, and music. Operating as a split for and not-for-profit organization, Wasserman Projects helps artists bring to fruition and share new projects with our visitors that inspire discourse on art and issues that are particularly active and timely in Detroit. Our mission is to promote the work of outstanding practitioners based locally and around the globe by hosting exhibitions, conversations, and supporting creativity wherever we can be useful. Through collaborations and programming that generate interest, curiosity, and commerce, our goal is to become one of the many threads in the vibrant fabric that is Detroit.

ELIGIBILITY
Submission of works for consideration is open to the broad field of ceramic art.

Artists must be 18 years or older and not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program in higher education. NCECA offers a dedicated opportunity for student artists through the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition.

NCECA membership is not a requirement of eligibility; however, NCECA members receive complimentary entry to NCECA exhibition calls.

Entry Fees:
Member: $0.00 
Non-member: $50.00

NCECA will verify membership. Please check your NCECA Membership status and expiration date by logging into your NCECA Account at this LINK or contacting office@nceca.net. 

To renew or become a member of NCECA, go to https://nceca.net/members

MEDIA & LIMITATIONS

This exhibition focuses on dynamic expressions of ceramic creation, media, process, history, and context. Mixed-media pieces are acceptable only when clay and ceramic expressions are predominant and essential to the work’s creation. 
 

Works involving video that reference ceramic materials, processes, history, and/or extend expressive work capacities in clay is eligible.

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 is eligible.

All pieces must be able to fit through the venue’s entryways and be safely installed within the museum. 

Floor and pedestal work must be self-supporting.

NCECA and venue staff reserve the right to exclude any work that arrives in unstable or unsafe conditions.

The Curator will make the final selections after the venue confirms that all chosen works can be installed safely and professionally.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF YOUR WORK, AS THESE FACTORS WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT YOUR SHIPPING OPTIONS AND COSTS.

NUMBER OF WORKS

Up to Three (3) Artworks. Artists may submit a maximum of three individual artworks.

Two (2) Media Files per Artwork. Each submission may only consist of two media files (e.g., an image and a video or audio file, or an image and a detail image) for a total of no more than six media files across all submissions.

EXCLUSIONS

NCECA reserves the right to eliminate submissions that include more than three works and more than two media files per work from the review/selection process. 

Entries submitted with incorrect fees will also be excluded from consideration. NCECA will not issue refunds for incorrect payments. 

Artists are responsible for verifying and updating their membership status before submitting and paying the entry fee.

Unfinished work will not be accepted.

Representations via sketches, illustrations, models, and maquettes will be excluded from consideration

NCECA and venue staff reserve the right to exclude any work that arrives in unstable or unsafe condition.

Please do not submit the same pieces to multiple NCECA calls in the same year. 

Works previously exhibited in NCECA Cornerstone exhibitions (Annual, NJSE, MCFE) are not eligible.

Judging is based on the images of the work submitted. No substitutions will be allowed after submission.

Representations via sketches, illustrations, models, and maquettes will be excluded from consideration

ENTRY PREPARATION & APPLICATION PROCESS

Jurying will be conducted from images submitted of the actual work available for the exhibition. No substitutions will be permitted for the artwork submitted in this call.

Applicants must first create a CaFÉ™ profile at https://artist.callforentry.org/login.php  

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

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 CaFÉ™ https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-CaFÉ™/uploading-media/

If you already have a CaFÉ™ profile, log in and verify that your contact information is up to date. This information will be used for all communication regarding acceptance or decline, loan agreements, and for listing your work in the catalog and on exhibition labels.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING!

Accounts that have not been used in the past two years are automatically deactivated by the CaFÉ™ system. If your account has been deactivated, allow ample time to contact CaFÉ™ and request reactivation.

Please note that if CaFÉ™ is experiencing high email volume, response times may be delayed by a few hours. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

NCECA will not extend the submission deadline for applicants who experience technical issues with CaFÉ™ after 4:00 PM MDT on June 18, 2026. To avoid potential problems, we strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance of the deadline.

BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR SUBMISSION, please be prepared to provide the following materials, along with artwork images and accompanying image details. We strongly recommend saving all text to your local device for your records.

Carefully proofread your materials, adhere to all character limits, and ensure your submission is print-ready.

Note: If selected, submitted text may be edited by NCECA for clarity, spelling, grammar, and style for inclusion in the Exhibition Catalog.

ARTIST STATEMENT 

Provide an artist’s statement that offers context for your work. You may include insights into your creative process, material choices, influences, and the ideas or themes you explore through clay.

Character limit: 1,000 characters, including spaces (approximately 165 words)

Avoid including biographical information—this will be requested separately.

ARTWORK STATEMENTS 

Submit a brief, individual statement for EACH artwork submitted.

Character limit per each artwork statement: 650 characters, including spaces (approximately 100 words)

Discuss how each piece relates to the exhibition concept.

If multimedia elements are used, describe the process in detail.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT  

Provide a short biographical statement written in the third person. If selected, this may appear in the catalog.

Ideal length: 300–440 characters, including spaces (approximately 45–70 words)

Maximum length: 650 characters, including spaces (approximately 100 words)

Proof carefully and submit text that is print-ready.

Upload a two-page CV of career highlights - max 2 MB…to be uploaded as a PDF or Word doc.

Pronouns (Optional)

Headshot: Submit a high-resolution (300 dpi) image, head-and-shoulders, on a clean, neutral background. JPEG or JPG format only. This may be included in the catalog.

    Headshot File Naming Instructions:
     Lastname, Firstname, 2026ANNUAL,  Photo credit:

    Example: Lynn, Tammy, 2026ANNUAL, Photo credit: Robert Couto

Social media/Website: Share up to two links (e.g., Instagram, website). If not applicable, please write “NONE.” If artwork is selected, links may be published in the Exhibition Catalog. 

IMAGES

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

Three (3) Artworks Only. Artists may submit up to Three (3) Individual Artworks. 

Two (2) Media Files per Artwork. Each submission may only consist of two media files (e.g., an image and a video or audio file, or an image and a detail image)

High-resolution images are required.

File Names: Your media (Image, video, audio) file must contain your name, title of the piece, and photo credit (if applicable/put "the artist" if you took your images)

Detail Images: Detail images must be clearly labeled as such.

          Example: Picasso, Pablo_Women_Photo Credit_ Robert Smith_ DETAIL.jpg

File Type: Uncompressed or high-quality files are ideal (.JPEG or .JPG only) at 300 dpi resolution
File Dimensions: Sized 8" x 10" (2400 x 3000 pixels) 
File Size: Under 5 MB

REVIEW (Uploading Media to CAFE): - https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/uploading-media

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPddZVJzTAE&t=3s

Each work image submitted must include the following details:

1. Title
2. Medium (60-character limit with spaces)
3. Height/Width/Depth (in inches; do not use ft or metric measurements)
4. Artwork for Sale? (Yes/No)
5. Retail Value - Retail value must be reported regardless of whether the work is for sale. The insurance value will be calculated as 50% of the retail value.
6. Year completed
7. Primary Discipline (ceramics)
8. Description - any additional information you would like the jurors to know about this work.

All submissions must include a declaration of monetary value for insurance purposes!

Once data is entered into the CaFE system, it cannot be altered. 

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

NCECA reserves the right to edit according to its publication style guide, spelling, grammar, and clarity.

No substitutions or changes to the artwork will be permitted for the artwork/images submitted in this call.

NO CHANGES will be allowed once an entry has been submitted. 

SELECTION PROCESS
Curator Adrienne Spinozzi will make selections from digital images and work statements to develop the exhibition. Artists will be notified through CaFÉ™ by August 8, and selected artists may be asked to provide additional high-resolution images of their work.

SHIPPING, DELIVERY, AND RETURN OF ARTWORK   

Artwork must arrive at Wasserman Projects between January 5–15, 2026.

Before submitting your work for consideration, please research shipping costs to ensure you can cover round-trip shipping and insurance expenses.

Shipping costs for any works sold during the exhibition are the responsibility of the collector and must be coordinated between the artist and the venue.

Artists are responsible for the following:

• Securely packing artwork for transport.
• Arranging and paying for shipping to and from the exhibition venue in Detroit.
• Providing insurance for the work while it is in transit.
• Including a pre-paid return shipping label in the package.
• Emailing proof of return shipping to tammy@nceca.net before the exhibition opens

An appointment must be made in advance for self-delivery or installation.

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.

SHIPPING REIMBURSEMENT

NCECA will reimburse shipping/transport up to $400.00. 

Reimbursement is eligible only for ground shipping, except where unavoidable due to shipments to/from overseas.

Rush delivery surcharges are not eligible for reimbursement

 If the curator selects multiple works by an artist, the artist must: 

 - Obtain a combined shipping quote

 - Request NCECA approval to multiply the number of accepted works by the $400 reimbursement cap Note: This does not apply to a single entry consisting of multiple components.

Please do not contact the NCECA office to increase your shipping reimbursement unless you have more than one work accepted into the exhibition.

Please retain all hard copy and/or digital receipts to be submitted for reimbursement after the exhibition closes. 

Again, it is the artist’s responsibility to consider the size and weight of their work before submitting it for consideration. These factors will impact shipping decisions and costs.

DOCUMENTING PACKING PROCESS:

Artists are responsible for securely packing their works for the exhibition and arranging and paying for shipping and insurance to the exhibition venue. 

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.

RETURN OF UNSOLD WORK:

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

Immediately after the exhibition closes, the venue will pack the work for return shipping. 

Works will be repacked using the original crate or box in which they were shipped to Detroit. If suitable, reusable packing materials are not provided, the artist will be responsible for any additional repacking costs.

ORIGINAL hard copy receipt/s, electronic receipt/s, or mileage verification for shipping/transport along with completion of 2026 Cornerstone Reimbursement Google form must be submitted to NCECA by May 29, 2026, to be eligible for reimbursement. 

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

INSURANCE:
The venue shall maintain insurance coverage for all works included in the exhibition only while on its premises.

The artists are responsible for providing insurance coverage for their work while it is in transit.

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 not for sale

If works in the exhibition are damaged, artists may be required to demonstrate that the declared value(s) 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 fees for purchased work will be the collectors' responsibility, and shipping should be arranged with the artist and the venue.

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Participating artists must agree to allow NCECA, the exhibition venue, and gallery visitors to photograph work while on display for educational and publicity purposes. NCECA will retain images of accepted works and may use them for promotional and reporting purposes. Promotional images may appear on the NCECA website, social media feeds, print publications, electronic ads, etc. Images may also be shared with news and arts and culture media outlets.

CATALOG:
NCECA reserves the right to produce a color print, print on demand, and/or web-based catalog for the exhibition featuring an essay by the curator, along with statements and images of artwork by all participating artists. Should a print or print-on-demand catalog be produced, each participating artist will receive one complimentary copy. Additional copies may be available for purchase online.

CONFERENCE PASS AND MEMBERSHIP

Selected artists will receive membership and a complimentary conference pass for the 2026 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 2026 conference pass and the membership are not transferable to others.  

The complimentary conference pass is limited to the 2026 conference and cannot be used at future conferences.

CALENDAR:
Deadline – Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 11:59 pm MDT
(Please note time zone - late entries will not be accepted)

Artist notification: By August 8, 2025
Signed loan agreements due: Friday, August 15, 2025

Location: Wasserman Projects
Shipped and hand-delivered works to arrive: Jan 5-15, 2026 

Installation: Jan 16-27, 2026
Exhibition Dates: Jan 31 - Apr 11

Volumes, 60th Annual NCECA Conference in Detroit, Michigan, March 25-28, 2026
Reception: Thursday, March 26, 2026 6-9 pm

De-Installation and packing: April 12-18, 2026

Return Shipping: April 12-30, 2026
Damage Claim: Upon return, please immediately open the box/crate and inspect the work.

If you experience technical issues, contact CaFÉ™ support at cafe@westaf.org. 

Please allow 2–3 hours for a response, especially during times of high email volume.
Note: NCECA staff cannot provide technical assistance beyond what is outlined in this prospectus. 

When in doubt,

 - Clear your Cache

 - Close and reopen CaFÉ™

 - Check your file type

 - Switch to a different browser.  Some people have switched to a different browser to upload their headshots.  

Contact cafe@westaf.org

The CaFÉ™ website is best viewed with the following desktop browsers:

●        Firefox: current version
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Thank you

Application Requirements

All works must be primarily ceramic. Mixed media works will be accepted only when clay is the dominant material.  Video featuring clay or ceramics will also be accepted.

Three (3) Artworks Only. Artists may submit up to Three (3) Artworks. 

High-resolution IMAGES are required.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists must be over 18 years of age and not matriculating for a degree in higher education. NCECA provides a platform for student artists in the NCECA Juried Student Exhibition.

 NCECA membership is not a requirement of eligibility; however, NCECA members receive complimentary entry to NCECA exhibition calls.
Entry Fees:
Member: $0.00 
Non-member: $50.00

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