Call Detail

By Hand - An International Craft Nouveau Competition
Entry Deadline: 10/10/25
Days remaining to deadline: 167

Entry Fee (Entry Fee): $25.00
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 10
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 1, Maximum:Max. 10
Call Type: Competitions
Eligibility: International
State: California

By Hand 2025 - An International Craft Nouveau Competition

Blue Line Arts is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of By Hand – An International Craft Nouveau Competition, a biennial event generously sponsored by the Creative Arts League of Sacramento. This esteemed competition exclusively celebrates handcrafted items and invites dynamic submissions across a wide range of mediums, from furniture and elegant vases to jewelry, ornamental adornments, macramé, and sculptures crafted from glass, clay, wood, metal, and/or fiber. There are no limits on materials or techniques, allowing for open creativity.

By Hand and the term "Craft Nouveau" embodies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, where the human touch transforms raw materials into exceptional works of art. This competition honors the skill and artistry of those who elevate everyday objects into meaningful, functional masterpieces. Each piece tells a story—one that celebrates folk traditions while pushing the boundaries of the medium to reflect the artist’s unique vision.

We are eager to witness the creativity and craftsmanship that will unfold in this year's competition. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work in a celebrated, biennial event that honors both tradition and innovation. We look forward to seeing the extraordinary pieces you’ve created by hand!

 

Application Fee

FREE for current Blue Line Arts Artist Members ($75) or above. Please contact the Gallery Coordinator (gallery@bluelinearts.org) for your discount code.  
$25 fee for Non-Members to submit up to 10 images/artworks, with an additional $5 charge per extra piece (ie. one piece is $25, two pieces cost $30, three cost $35, etc). You may submit at least 1 and up to 10 pieces.

 

Prizes

1st Place: $2,000
2nd: $1,500
3rd: $1,000
4th: $500
Peoples Choice: $350

 

Important Dates

Application deadline: Online applications must be submitted by 5:00pm PST on October 10th, 2025

Show dates: January 10th to February 21st, 2026

Artist Notifications: Results will be sent by 5pm PST on October 24th, 2025

Shipping deadline of work to Blue Line Arts: December 13th, 2025

Hand deliver work to Blue Line Arts: December 28th & 29th from 10am-3pm 

Opening Reception: Saturday December 20th, 2025

Pick up any unsold work from Blue Line Arts: February 22nd & 23rd from 10am to 3pm

 

Shipping/Delivery Information

All shipped work will be shipped back in within 2 weeks of the show's closing date.

The artist is responsible for paying for all shipping and should have a prepaid label from FedEx or UPS (No US Mail) for the return of artwork.

Artwork that is shipped may be picked up, however artwork that is dropped off MUST be picked up by hand.

 

Questions

If you have questions about submissions, please contact Blue Line Arts staff during gallery hours at (916) 783-4117 or at gallery@bluelinearts.org

Application Requirements

You must be 18 years or older to apply.

FREE for current Blue Line Arts Artist Members ($75) or above. Please contact the Gallery Coordinator (gallery@bluelinearts.org) for your discount code.  
$25 fee for Non-Members to submit up to 10 images/artworks, with an additional $5 charge per extra piece (ie. one piece is $25, two pieces cost $30, three cost $35, etc). You may submit at least 1 and up to 10 pieces.

 

Submission Requirements

  • Artwork Images: at least 1, up to 10
  • Artist Statement (optional)

 

Image Specifications

  • Between 1mb and 3mb in size
  • Minimum of 1200 px on one side
  • Images must be in JPG format
  • Name your JPGs as follows: Artist Name-Artwork Title.jpg

Eligibility Criteria

  • Open to artists everywhere!
  • All artwork must be original and completed within the last 2 years.
  • Artwork cannot have been previously exhibited at Blue Line Arts.
  • All wall hung artworks must be ready to hang with appropriate hardware. All frames must have a wire installed prior to delivery.
  • All artwork must be individually for sale.
  • No accepted entry may be withdrawn or sold outside of the exhibition prior to the closing date.
  • Accepted artwork that differs significantly from image in online submission will be disqualified.
  • No packing peanuts
  • Blue Line Arts handles all sales transactions. Non-member artists receive a 50% commission from all gallery sales and members receive a 60% commission.

 

Size Limitations

  • Art must be able to enter through the doors with a clearance of 94”h x 91”w
  • Ceilings in the gallery are 10 feet high
  • Artworks over 75lbs must be installed by the artist
  • We do have the capacity to feature installation artworks. Please note there is no heavy machinery present on site