Call Description

Description:

The Worcester Center for Crafts invites ceramic artists to take part in a celebration of one of pottery’s most beloved forms: the bowl. From breakfast tables to gallery pedestals, bowls carry stories, function, beauty, and creativity in equal measure. We’re looking for works that surprise, comfort, delight, and showcase the incredible versatility of clay. Nationally recognized ceramic artist, Stuart Gair, has invited 20 ceramic artists and will be jurying the remainder of the participating artists. This exhibition will be on view and for sale in The Krikorian Gallery at the Worcester Center for Crafts as well as listed in our online store at thehandcraftedshop.com. There will be a $150 Best in Show award selected by Stuart at the start of the exhibition.

Application Info:

-Submit 3-6 high quality images of 3 bowls, include any necessary descriptions of work
-$35 fee paid by credit card
-$15 fee available to currently enrolled students, email lmaclean1@worcester.edu to receive discount code

Timeline:  

Call Open: May 22 - August 12, 2026
Results Announced: August 13-15, 2026
Work in house by: September 1, 2026
Exhibition Dates: October 8-29, 2026
Unsold work will be shipped for return starting January 1, 2027
Unsold work pickup: January 1 – February 1, 2027

Delivery Checklist and Details:

Signed consignment contract and inventory form with pricing information
Pre-paid return shipping label, emailed return label at the end of the show or signed statement of intent to pick up unsold pieces after the conclusion of the show, beginning January 1, 2027 and no later than February 1st, 2027.
All accepted pieces, thoroughly packed and shipped or hand delivered to:

The Worcester Center for Crafts 
attn: Handcrafted Shop, Cup Show 
25 Sagamore Rd. 
Worcester, MA 01605 

The gallery reserves the right to exclude the work if the delivered piece is broken upon arrival or does not reflect the quality and style of the piece(s) in application images. IF ARTIST DOES NOT INCLUDE OR EMAIL AFTER THE SHOW A RETURN SHIPPING LABEL and is not sold by the conclusion of the Show, the Handcrafted Shop reserves the right to absorb ownership of your work. (Refer to contract for more info)

Please direct any questions to Lindsey MacLean at lmaclean1@worcester.edu or (508)753-8183 ext. 307

About the Worcester Center for Crafts and The Handcrafted Shop:

Gallery & Store hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am-5pm
December: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5pm, Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

The Worcester Center for Crafts is a non-profit community-based arts organization committed to sustaining craft as a vital part of our community. Established in 1856 as the Worcester Employment Society, the Worcester Center for Crafts is an organization that still sees the value of craft in improving the quality of life for Worcester residents. In the early days, the Center forged its tradition of economic empowerment through craft by teaching the skills necessary to create and sell handmade crafts primarily to immigrants and immigrant women.

In its current state, the Craft Center offers classes in a variety of media, holds community events, and houses the Krikorian Gallery with an ever-flowing line up of gallery exhibits. The Handcrafted Shop is part of our mission to support artists and craftspeople across the U.S. by representing them and their work and bringing awareness to all that walk through the store. The store contains handmade American craft by over 500 artists.

“The Bow Show” is held in the Krikorian Gallery and all items are entered into our store-inventory under the guidelines of the Handcrafted consignment contract, the store receives 50% of profits and customers are able to leave with their newly purchased item at the time of sale. 

Application Requirements

• You may submit 3-6 high quality images of 3 bowls, include any necessary descriptions of work 
• $35 fee paid by credit card
• $15 fee available to currently enrolled students

Eligibility Criteria

• You are to submit 3 serving sized bowls, 8-11 inches in diameter
• Work must be for sale
• Retail price should not exceed $500.00