Call Description

This exhibition explores the intersection of traditional Appalachian craft and contemporary artistic practices, showcasing works that blend age-old techniques with modern materials and concepts.

Through metals, glass, fibers, wood, printing, and ceramics, artists connect to the region's cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship. This show highlights the cross-pollination of traditional and contemporary forms, where methods like wood carving, weaving, and pottery are reimagined through new materials, processes, and conceptual ideas.

By merging historical techniques with innovative approaches, the exhibition honors the lasting influence of Appalachian craft while embracing the transformative potential of today's artistic exploration. 

$1,000.00 Best-in-Show
Six 1st place prizes, one in each category, will be awarded a solo show and workshop opportunities in New Appalachia 2027.

Important dates for this exhibit:

• Exhibition dates: September 19 - October 31, 2026
• Deadline for entries: July 12, 2026
• Juror’s Notification emailed the week of: July 20th
• Opening Reception: Saturday, September 19, 2026 6:30-8:30pm
• Drop off accepted works dates: July 27 - September 12
• Shipped works accepted July 27 - September 12 (Shipping is at the cost of the artist return shipping label must be included)
• Pick up dates after the close of the exhibit: November 1 - December 20 (unsold work will be shipped back to the artist at this time)

Our Jurors this year are Touchstone Center for Crafts' Executive Director, Lindsay Ketterer Gates, and Programs Director, Travis Winters.

Gates (she/her) has an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts (1996), a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management/Arts Administration (2002) and a Masters of Business Administration (2018). She was employed as the Director of Development at Peters Valley School of Craft for many years before taking on the role of Executive Director at Touchstone Center for Crafts in 2018.

She is sought to teach and lecture nationally and has spoken and taught at the Smithsonian’s American Craft Museum – Renwick Gallery, St. Louis Art Museum, Textile Study Group of NY, Haystack Mt. School of Craft, Penland School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Craft, Peters Valley School of Craft, SOFA Chicago, and the Fiber Arts Guild of Pittsburgh.

Winters (he/him) is a ceramic artist working primarily with animals and figures, he creates figures based on mundane day-to-day life, past struggles and real people. An MFA graduate from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Winters exhibits work nationally and has shown at Baltimore Clayworks in Baltimore, MD, The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, PA, The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA, The Baton Rouge Gallery in Baton Rouge, LA, and the AMOCA Museum in Pomona, CA.

Travis was the Lormina Salter Fellowship Artist at Baltimore Clayworks, long term Resident at Odyssey Clayworks in Asheville, NC, a Kiln God Summer Resident at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in New Castle, ME and a Short-Term Resident Artist at Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, MT. Travis is an adjunct professor at Seton Hill University.

Application Requirements

Procedures & Requirements:

• All entries must be completed online by 11:59 MST on July 12th, 2026 through CaFÈ. You will need to set up a free account at callforentry.org
• A nonrefundable $30 entry fee is required at the time of application.
• All 2-dimensional works must be properly framed and a wire for hanging must be attached securely to the back. Absolutely no sawtooth hangers. We encourage you to frame your work simply.
• Work must not exceed 40 inches in any direction. Framed Two-dimensional works larger than 24 x 30 must be framed using plexiglass in place of single pane glass.
• All 3-dimensional works must be accompanied by documentation for their display if not on a standard pedestal.
• No Installations will be accepted. (If unclear contact kclancy@oionline.com)
• Please make sure that your prices are correct in your CaFE portfolio. We will not accept prices changes once a piece is entered for application to this exhibit.
• You must submit a high-resolution image (300 dpi) image for the jury process. The Stifel Fine Arts Center will use submitted images of accepted works for concurrent online exhibit, documentation, the exhibit catalog, and promotional materials for this exhibit.
• Shipping materials will be kept for returning work. However, no incidental packaging including bubble wrap or paper will be kept from hand delivered work by Oglebay Institute. Only boxes, crates and bins with proper labels including the artist’s contact information and the name of the piece will be kept for repackaging. Boxes and such may include paper & wraps.
• Works left at Stifel Fine Arts Center more than 60 days past the pick-up dates (December 20) becomes the property of Stifel Fine Arts and will no longer be stored. A tax certificate will be issued for the stated value, less commission.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to visual artists 18 years and older residing in the Appalachian region, as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
   
• Artists may submit up to 3 works that have not been previously exhibited at the Stifel Fine Arts Center.