Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft & Digital Exhibition

The Greater Denton Arts Council proudly presents the 39th annual International Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft & Digital 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 in ceramic, wood, fiber, metal, glass, paper, digital, conceptual and mixed media.

In 2026, we reimagined the exhibition awards to offer two "Juror's Choice" awards and four award categories that go beyond individual materiality by exploring Quality Craftsmanship, a New Media award, most Innovative use of Materials, and the "Storyteller" award which honors the way material and form carry powerful histories and stories. See the selected artists, winners, and complete exhibition catalogue here.