Call Description

Description
San Angelo is the official Visual Arts Capital of Texas which harbors a diverse and robust ceramics community. This competition hosted by the Mayer Museum at Angelo State University is open to any talented undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. currently working in ceramics as a primary medium. As part of an ongoing commitment to promote contemporary Ceramics practice in the Visual Arts, this exhibition will be part of the 2026 San Angelo Ceramics Symposium event sponsored by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. In the last competition, 20 works were displayed.

Jurors
Steve Hilton earned his MFA at Arizona State University in 2005. He also holds degrees in Art Education and Geology from Missouri State University. His work has been collected by museums, universities, and individuals both nationally and internationally. Hilton has been juried into over 200 international and national exhibitions in addition to curated exhibitions in the United States and abroad. He is the Fain Professor Of Fine Arts (ceramics and arts education) at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas and is a Fellow of the Council of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) and is the President Elect of NCECA.

Von Venhuizen received his MFA from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1996. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Ceramics at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and is a former Associate Director of the Texas Tech University School of Art. He played a significant role in the design and construction of the new Ceramics Facility in the TTU Art Annex. Venhuizen has developed a distinguished reputation in kiln design and construction, architectural ceramics, ceramic production design, RAM-press techniques, slip casting, mold making, and wheel throwing. His pieces are held in numerous private, university, and museum collections and have been published in a variety of books and periodicals.

The San Angelo Ceramic Symposium and Related Call for Entry 
This exhibition is organized in partnership with The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, which is also accepting entries for the 26th San Angelo North American Ceramic Competition. Artists are welcome to apply to both calls; however, duplicate submissions are not permitted. Artworks submitted to the 26th San Angelo North American Ceramic Competition cannot be entered in this call for art. Each competition requires separate and unique submissions. 

Calendar

Insurance
The Museum will take the greatest care in handling all work. The work will be insured while at the Museum. Work that is not for sale should have a stated value. The artist is responsible for insuring the works in transit.

Sales
The Mayer Museum is currently working on a sales model for the ceramic competition. We will provide artists with more information once the selection has been finalized.

Award
Mayer Rising Artist Award - $100
Best Sculptural Award - $50
Best Vessel Award - $50

Shipping and Delivery
Accepted work may be hand delivered or shipped prepaid to arrive no later than March 27, 2026. Artists are also responsible for return shipping costs. Shipping instructions will be sent to all participants. Participants must include a prepaid UPS or FedEx return shipping label in the box with the work. Accepted work(s) need to be delivered to Angelo State University Visual and Performing Arts, ASU Station #10906, San Angelo, TX 76909. 

Shipping Address
Angelo State University
Visual and Performing Arts
ASU Station #10906 
San Angelo, TX 76909

Media, Display
Original artwork including Ceramics or Muliti-media may be submitted. All three-dimensional works must be stable and must either be free standing or hung on the wall. Pedestals will be provided. There is no size limit.

Application Requirements

Submit up to 2 entries, maximum of 2 digital images per artwork. One video file per artwork can also be submitted (in lieu of a second photo). All images must be in Jpeg format in high resolution (at least 300 dpi). Label the images clearly with the artwork title and “view #1, “view #2,” “detail,” etc. Example: “Teapot view #1.” Any work that differs appreciably from the digital image will be rejected at the discretion of the juror.

Each entry should include the following information:

·      Title

·      Dimensions (H x W x D)

·      Price (Value)

·      Date

·      Detailed description of materials, techniques

·      Bio

·      Artist website, social media (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria

Any undergraduate or graduate student attending any college or outreach school in the U.S. may participate. The competition is open to all artists 18 or older, who are residents of the United States. All works, both functional and sculptural, must have been completed within the last two years.  As long as the works contain ceramic or clay, mixed-media, multi-media, video, installations and collaborations are welcome. There is no size limit.

Required: Students must be enrolled at a university and use their academic email to apply.

Questions

Shaydee Watson, Mayer Museum Curator
shaydee.watson@angelo.edu, 325-942-2785

Jacqueline Negreros, Foundations Professor at Angelo State University 
jacqueline.negreros@angelo.edu, 325-486-6022