As an expression of culture, art is often unconventional and rebellious; experimental and insightful. Yet, art by necessity relies upon familiar traditions to achieve its unconventional ends. This is why the better we know our traditions, the more cleverly we can break them.

The annual exhibition, Material Matters, asks artists who work in a variety of traditional materials — clay, glass, wood, metal or fiber/textile — to consider the traditions underpinning their work and the rules and conventions they break in method or material. Artists are invited to submit original works that change traditional “ways of seeing” by demonstrating a break with the past or suggesting a new way forward, whether toward logical or illogical conclusions.

This is a national juried exhibition for artists 18 years of age or older working in clay, glass, wood, metal or fiber/textile alone or in combination. Only original works may be submitted.

JUROR: Melissa Stern is an artist and journalist. Her drawing and sculpture have been exhibited in museums, galleries, private and corporate collections throughout the world. Stern uses a wide range of materials including encaustic, clay, pastel, and steel. Her sculptural work includes found objects, souvenirs, vintage magazines and books as well as fabricated images and sculpture. Her art reviews and cultural commentary have been featured in Hyperallergic, a Brooklyn-based digital arts publication, and she serves as Art Editor for Posit, a journal of literature and art.

Eligibility: This is a national juried exhibition for artists 18 years of age or older working in clay, glass, wood or metal alone or in combination. All artwork must be original in concept, design and execution. All work must be handcrafted by the artist. Mass production work and commercially manufactured pieces will not be accepted. Only original works may be submitted.
ALL WORK MUST BE FOR SALE.

BWAC Show Curators:
Susan Handwerker, Tiziana Mazziotto and Janet Rothholz

$450 in Cash Awards:
Gold — $250 cash prize
Silver — $150 cash prize
Bronze — $50 cash prize
Five (5) Certificates of Merit will also be awarded.

All award selections will be made by the juror. Awards will be presented at the Opening Reception, Saturday, October 6, 2018.

Important Dates, Fees and Entry Information:
Early Bird submission deadline – EXTENDED, June 28th (11:59pm). Fee is $35 for submission of up to 5 images. Additional images may be submitted at a cost of $5 each.
Final submission deadline – July 12th (11:59pm). Fee is $50 for submission of up to 5 images. Additional images may be submitted at a cost of $5 each.

Please direct all questions prior to receiving your Notification Letter to [email protected].

Full prospectus: http://bwac.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Material-Matters-Prospectus-4-20-2018.pdf