ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

 The Art Center hosts this international, juried exhibition every other spring, bringing artistic displays of diverse and enriching ceramic arts to the Grand Valley. Since 2006, Contemporary Clay has sought to showcase the latest developments in ceramic art nationwide, spanning the categories of functional vessels, sculptural ceramics, and installation art. Please visit cafecallforentry.org to submit your work to the 8th Contemporary Clay Biennial. 

IMPORTANT DATES

• February 16 Submission deadline 
• March 16: Artist notification
• April 13-17: Window for shipped artwork
• April 13-17, 10am-2pm: Drop-off for hand-delivered artwork
• April 27-30: Installation
• June 5, 7-9pm: Reception
• June 6, 10am-4pm: Juror workshop
• June 6, 5pm: Juror lecture
• June 27, 9am-4pm: Pick-up for hand-delivered artwork
• June 27: Begin return shipping

ABOUT THE JUROR

This year’s juror is professional ceramic artist Bill van Gilder. Van Gilder has a rich history in the ceramic arts who began his clay career as an apprentice to Byron Temple at the age of 15. He has traveled to Southern Africa to enrich the art community there by forming pottery programs, teaching workshops, and establishing his own studio and gallery in Maryland. He has been a professional ceramic artist for over 50 years and continues to enrich the art community. He has featured numerous articles for Clay Times magazine and exhibits his artwork internationally.

Van Gilder states in his artist statement, “I make pottery with the hope and anticipation that the pots will invite use. By using a slow-momentum kick wheel and soft clays, I pursue the casual nuance of form and surface I admire so much in some historical pots. I make multiples of similar pots and within each series there is discovery… Would this form be more interesting made larger? What will happen if I add this to the clay body? Will this type of fuel change the surface or color of clay? Curiosity is paramount.”

“As a potter I can only setup parameters – from the choice of clays and materials to the making and finishing – allowing the nature of the flame to complete the process. My best work seems to make itself, when the acquired knowledge and intuition of material and fire is allowed to take over.”

“The process is complete when the pot is held in the hand, connecting the maker to the user – a subtle form of communication and enough reason for me to make pots again.”

PAST JURORS

2018: Doug Casebeer
2016: Steve Hilton
2014: Jim Romberg
2012: Brad Miller
2010: Pete Pinnel
2008: Tom and Elaine Coleman

AWARDS

$750 Best of Show
$450 First Place
$300 Second Place
$250 Third Place

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria