Materials: Hard + Soft Call 2025

about the exhibition

The Greater Denton Arts Council proudly presents the 38th annual International Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft & Conceptual Art Competition and Exhibition. Recognized as one of the premier craft exhibitions in the country, Materials: Hard + Soft began in 1987 and was originally initiated by area artist Georgia Leach Gough. The exhibition celebrates the evolving field of contemporary craft and the remarkable creativity and innovation of artists who push the boundaries of their chosen media. This year marks a special milestone as we introduce a new element to our long-standing exhibition series: digital media and conceptual art.

Traditionally, this exhibition has celebrated the finest artworks crafted from materials such as ceramic, wood, fiber, metal, glass, paper, and mixed media. In 2025, we are excited to expand our horizons and include digital media and conceptual art that explore the themes of hardness and softness through ephemeral mediums/concepts such as light (or the absence of light), air, and language. ✨

We invite artists to submit their innovative works that juxtapose concepts and materials in unique and thought-provoking ways. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an evolving tradition that honors creativity and craftsmanship.

The jurors for 2025 are DFW local artists and educators Alicia Eggert and Christine Miller! Scroll to the bottom of this page to view their artist websites, artworks, and social medias.

Past jurors have been selected from all across the U.S. from places like San Francisco, CA, Houston, TX, Pittsburg, PA, Brockton, MA, Los Angeles, CA, Athens, Georgia, Champaign, Chicago, and Dallas. The jurors for 2025 are being selected and will be announced shortly!

The 38th anniversary will be on display in the newly renovated Meadows Gallery from February 21st to May 2nd, 2025.

2025 ENTRY GUIDELINES

HOW TO ENTER

Our entry deadline for the 2025 exhibition is December 6, 2024.

Entries can be submitted online or through the post mail.

2026 Application Coming Soon!

Each artist is limited to three (3) artwork entries.

There is a one time $35.00 (USD) non-refundable fee to submit the application.

The 1st application entry fee is $35.00 USD.

The 2nd and 3rd application entry are Free.

Please submit 1 - 3 applications, each application = 1 artwork entry.

AWARDS

The Greater Denton Arts Council will provide Jurors Awards in the amounts of $1,000 for best in show and $300 for best in media. 8 pieces will be selected for best in media and there will be 1 best in the show.

ELIGIBLE MEDIA

Works produced in any of the craft media: clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of craft media, conceptual art and digital media are acceptable. Entries must be the complete work of the submitting artist. Local, national, and international artists are encouraged to apply. Kits or commercially designed works will not be accepted. All work must have been completed within the past three years (2022-2024) and not previously exhibited at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center.

NUMBER OF ENTRIES + ENTRY FEE

Each artist is limited to three (3) entries. There is a one time $35 (USD) non-refundable fee to submit the application. Current GDAC Members will automatically receive a $5 off coupon code to redeem at checkout. Please check your emails from our newsletter Art Scene to locate the code. Payments must be submitted online at the time of application. We are not offering scholarships this year.

SIZE LIMITATIONS

All work must be ready for installation. Submissions are restricted to a weight limit of no more than 75 pounds. GDAC reserves the right to exclude any entry that presents complex installation or assembly problems.

SALES

A 30% commission will be retained from all work sold during the exhibition. Works which are not for sale must be clearly marked as such (NFS).

PUBLICITY

The exhibition will be publicized regionally, nationally and internationally. GDAC reserves the right to use photographs or digital images of any accepted work for the purpose of publicity.

DELIVERY + RETURN OF WORK

Artists are responsible for pre-paying all shipping charges to and from the exhibition site upon selection by the juror. Accepted works must be hand-delivered or shipped according to the instructions provided in the Artist Contract. Entries will be insured by GDAC while in its custody. Insurance value for pieces NFS should reflect fair market value. No work may be withdrawn before the close of the exhibition. Sending an entry to this exhibition shall imply an agreement on the part of the sender to all conditions above.

DEADLINES AND EXHIBITION DATES*

December 06, 2024 | Deadline for acceptance of online entry materials (by 11:59 PM)
January 6, 2024 | Notification emails sent to all artists
January 13, 2025 | Artist contracts are due
January 14 - 18 , 2025 | Shipped and hand-delivered artwork due at the Arts Center. (No Sunday deliveries)
February 21, 2025 | Opening Reception 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Award Ceremony 7:00 PM.
February 21 – May 2, 2025 | Exhibition on view at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center from 6 - 8 PM
May 27 – June 16, 2025 | De-installation and return of artwork