Call Description

The Art League of Lincoln is pleased to announce the 2026 National Feats of Clay National Art Show and Competition. The internationally renowned clay competition was founded by local Ceramicist, Ray Gonzales, in 1987 and was held annually through 2011 at the Gladding, McBean Clay Factory in Lincoln, CA.  In 2024 the exhibit returned regionally, and since has been a national competition.

The Feats of Clay 2026 National ceramic competition will be showcased at the Art League of Lincoln, located at 580 Sixth St. in Lincoln, California from Thursday, April 23, 2026 through Sunday, May 31, 2026.

All types of ceramic works are encouraged for submission: sculptural, functional, tiles, vessels, and all types of clay and firing techniques (with a minimum of 50% ceramic clay) will be considered. Submissions must be the original work of the artist. Maximum dimensions are 2’ x 2’. We are delighted to have Peter Pinnell, renowned ceramic artist, educator, and author, as our juror. (https://www.instagram.com/pete.pinnell/). Mr. Pinnell, Professor Emeritus at the University of Nebraska, served as Director of the NCECA Board of Directors (2019-2023). 

All artwork submitted must be gallery ready to install, and if wall art, inclusive of integral wire installed for hanging. Work that is not for sale may be submitted. Please do not submit any piece that is too fragile to ship, or that requires assembly. The Art League will provide pedestals. The Art League will not be responsible for damage that occurs during shipment. The Artist is responsible for all costs associated with shipping to and from the exhibit.

A total of $6,500 in cash prizes will be awarded for Best of Show ($1,000), 1st ($600), 2nd ($500), and 3rd ($400) place winner, in addition to $4,000 for Honorable Mentions, a People’s Choice Award, a Founder’s Award, and multiple merit awards. 

Up to three pieces of artwork may be submitted for consideration. The entry fee is $40 for up to 3 pieces. Art League of Lincoln Members receive a 70/30 commission split (70% to the artist), and Non-Members receive 60/40 (60% to the artist). Applicant can sign up to become an Art League of Lincoln member at https://artleagueoflincoln.com/membership/.

TIMELINE OF EXHIBIT

• ENTRY DEADLINE: Entry application and payment must be received by Sunday, February 22, 2026.  All submissions must be via the Café system. Received work must match the image submitted online exactly. No substitutions will be accepted. Entry period is 110 days in duration, beginning on November 5, 2025 and closing on February 22, 2026.

• NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTED ART: Artists will be emailed acceptance notices no later than February 28, 2026.

.• ART DELIVERY: All artwork must be received via shipment by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, or submitted in person on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10am to 3pm or Monday April 20, 2026 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at The Art League of Lincoln, 580 Sixth Street, Lincoln CA  95648.

• EXHIBIT DATES: The show will open on exhibit Thursday, April 23,, 2026 through Sunday, May 31, 2026 at the 6th Street Gallery inside the Art Center at 580 Sixth Street, Lincoln, CA, 95648. Hours of operation are Thursday through Sunday 11:00am to 3:00pm. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the gallery will be open from 10:00am to 4pm during the ClayFest event.

• RECEPTIONS & AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS:

o   VIP Private Reception will be Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

o   Public Reception will be Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

o   An additional reception (2nd Thursday) will be May 14, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

• ART PICK-UP: Artwork may be picked up on the following days:

o   Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, or

o   Monday, June 1, 2026, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

Shipped work will be returned to the artist within 3 weeks of the show closing date at the artist’s expense via prepaid shipping label.

Art League of Lincoln requests that if you are unable to pick up your artwork during the allotted times, that you make arrangements to have it picked up for you.

Application Requirements

Digital images of the artwork must be submitted through the Art CaFe online submission system.

All artwork submitted must be delivered gallery-ready to install, and if wall art, inclusive of integral wire installed for hanging. Work that is not for sale may be submitted. The Art League will provide pedestals. 

Eligibility Criteria

Feats of Clay is open to work which is made primarily of mud-type clay. Both 3-D and wall art are eligible.