Material Identity

How does materiality represent who we are? Does the material you use dictate who you are as a maker? How does medium speak to who you are as an individual? In the exhibition Material Identity, artists and makers are invited to explore the substance of material, paying special attention to their place in the world, either from a focus inward, or how they identify in society at large. 

Eligibility

Artworks Center for Contemporary Art invites artists working in a variety of craft media to enter Material Identity, a national juried exhibition. All artists age 18+ are encouraged to apply. Only online entries will be accepted. Eligible media include functional or sculptural works in the following: basketry, ceramics, fiber, furniture (any media), glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, handmade paper and wood. Fine art media such as painting, photography, and lithography are NOT ELIGIBLE unless incorporated into an otherwise eligible media. Decorated furniture, candles, pressed flowers, handmade reproductions, and objects made from commercial kits or commercially available plans are also NOT ELIGIBLE.

Jurors

Jiseon Lee Isbara is an artist and educator who served in the higher art education as professor and administrator.  She exhibits nationally and engages with viewers through lectures and discussions and collaborates and contributes to the community by serving as various roles for regional and national art and education organizations.  Jiseon earned her MFA in Fibers, one from Colorado State University and one from Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea. 

Jessica Kooiman Parker believes in the power of art to change lives. She strives to bring thought provoking and process-based work to new audiences, while promoting art collecting and paying artists fair compensation. She fostered her love of art and design by acquiring a BFA from the University of WI-Stout. Since that time she has held the role of Small Business Owner, Freelance Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Executive Director and Curator.

Most notable was her role at the Firehouse Art Center in Longmont where she was Executive Director/Curator for 4 years. Under her guidance, the Firehouse emerged as the leading space for contemporary art in the area, winning the Times Call Best Art Gallery in 2014-17 and the Daily Camera Best Art Gallery 2013-17. She founded a monthly film program in 2012 and created Longmont’s only film festival – the Front Range Film Festival in 2013. Her work as Creative Director for Colorado Festival Productions continues to drive independent film in our region.

Recently Kooiman Parker partnered with multi-disciplinary artist Drew Austin and founded Studio.Public. Through podcasts, digital interviews, critical discussion, and a print publication, Studio.Public documents what makes an artist thrive and brings the person behind the work to the forefront.

Shipping of works:  All works must be received by July 1, 2020.  Each work must be accompanied with the work’s title, medium, size and sales price.  SHIPPED WORKS should be packed in reusable containers. DO NOT use Styrofoam peanuts when packing artwork.  Shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist. Artwork should be shipped prepaid via UPS, USPS, DHL or Fed Ex, and must be accompanied with a prepaid return-shipping label. COD deliveries will not be accepted.

Awards:  

Best in Show - $1000

Honorable Mention - $200

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria