JURIED CERAMIC ENTRY FEE 

Entry fees are used to offset necessary expenses involved in making the show possible. A non-refundable fee of $45 entitles each artist to submit up to three entries.  Please make checks payable to the Academy Center of the Arts.

Pay Fee Here

Please Fill Out the Entry Form Here – National Juried Ceramic Exhibition Entry Form

Can’t Access the Online Entry Form?

Please complete and submit the paper application in order to be considered for the exhibition. Also send images to A’Nyeja Adams at aadams@academycenter.org.   Download the Paper Application Here

Please mail or drop off the completed application before the deadline to:

A’Nyeja Adams

Academy Center of the Arts

600 Main Street

Lynchburg, VA 24504

 

INQUIRIES

Additional information and copies of this prospectus may be obtained by contacting A’Nyeja Adams, Curator and Communications Specialist.
(434) 528-3256 x122 | aadams@academycenter.org
Note: All work must remain on display for the entire exhibition.

2026 National Juried Ceramic Exhibition Timeline:

  • Digital Submission, Email, or Flash Drive deadline* August 7
  • Notification sent to artists on August 24
  • Receipt of shipped work September 21 – 25
  • Receipt of hand-delivered work September 25, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Opening Reception October 2, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
  • Juror’s Gallery Talk October 2, 6:00 -6:30 pm
  • Final Day of Exhibition October 30
  • Return of hand-delivered work November 2, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Shipped work packed and mailed November 2 – November 6

*POSTMARK DEADLINE, FLASH DRIVE, ENTRY FORM, ENTRY FEE IS August 7, 2026.

Juror: Margaret Pinto

Margaret Pinto is a visual artist who works primarily in ceramics. Her practice investigates the limits of the medium through monumental scale and experimental material processes. Pinto has been an artist-in-residence at Zentrum für Keramik in Berlin and, in 2023, participated in the MAPSpace Studio Residency in Port Chester, New York, culminating in a solo exhibition. She has exhibited throughout New York State and Brooklyn, with a forthcoming solo exhibition at Fjord Gallery in Philadelphia. Pinto is currently an MFA candidate in the Craft/Material Studies Program at Virginia Commonwealth University.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to U.S. residents, 18 years or older, working in the following disciplines: ceramics. All work submitted must be original (no reproductions), not done under supervision, and not made from kits or patterns. All work must be suitably prepared for installation. The curator reserves the right to deny entry if any work is deemed not suitable for display or too difficult to install. Entries must have been completed after January 1, 2017, and not previously exhibited in a Lynchburg juried art show.

GUIDELINES

Artists are responsible for preparing their work for safe delivery and display. All entries must be primarily ceramic, three-dimensional, and designed by the submitting artist. Work should be able to pass through a standard door (maximum dimensions 36″ W × 36″ D × 48″ H) and weigh no more than 75 pounds. Pieces exceeding these limits may be disqualified or require special shipping arrangements.

PACKING AND SHIPPING FRAGILE ARTWORK
Packing breakable artwork requires careful layering and the right materials to prevent cracks, chips, or complete breakage. Follow these recommendations to ensure your work arrives safely:

Supplies Needed:

  • Sturdy cardboard boxes (double-walled recommended)
  • Bubble wrap (small and large bubbles)
  • Foam sheets or packing paper (avoid newspaper)
  • Packing tape (heavy-duty)
  • Scissors or box cutter
  • “Fragile” and “This Side Up” labels
  • Optional: Corner protectors, foam peanuts, or wooden crate for very fragile/high-value pieces

Step-by-Step Packing Instructions:

  • Prepare the Artwork – Clean and ensure the piece is dry. Separate and wrap delicate or removable parts individually.
  • Wrap the Artwork – Cover with a layer of foam or packing paper, then multiple layers of bubble wrap, especially around protruding areas. Use small bubbles first, finishing with large bubbles. Add corner protectors for framed pieces.
  • Cushioning Base – Line the bottom of the box with 2–4 inches of padding (bubble wrap, foam peanuts, or crumpled packing paper).
  • Box Within a Box (Recommended) – Place wrapped artwork in a snug inner box, fill any gaps with padding, and seal.
  • Outer Box – Line with 2–4 inches of padding, center the inner box, and fill all gaps. Shake gently; the piece should not move.
  • Seal and Label – Use the H-tape method to seal the box. Label clearly: “FRAGILE,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” and “THIS SIDE UP.”

Shipping Tips:

  • Avoid shipping during extreme weather.
  • Use a carrier that offers insurance and tracking.
  • Consider specialty art shippers or white-glove services for high-value pieces.

CASH AWARDS
Awards will be given at the discretion of the juror. Best In Show Award is $1000 and more!

PURCHASES
All of the works are available for purchase unless designated “Not for Sale” at the time of entry. The Academy Center of the Arts will facilitate sales and will charge a 35% commission. Works not for sale must have a value for insurance purposes. In this case, determine a potential sale price and enter 60% of that dollar value.

DELIVERY OF ACCEPTED WORK
Entries may be shipped or hand-delivered to the Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main St., Lynchburg, VA. 24504. Shipped entries must be sent in reusable containers (no packing peanuts) with a return shipping form enclosed. Hand-delivered work will be received on September 25 from 10 am to 5 pm. Shipped entries must be received between September 21 and 25.  Accepted work will be insured for the duration of the exhibit if the artist has declared an insurance value.

LIABILITY
Accepted works are insured by the Academy Center of the Arts, September 21 – October 30,  2026.

AGREEMENT, PHOTO, AND REPRODUCTION RIGHTS
Entry in the exhibition constitutes agreement to the conditions set forth in this prospectus. The artist grants the Academy Center of the Arts permission to photograph or digitally re-print any work accepted for the exhibition for archival purposes, publicity or publication, or for film or television programs which are published, produced, or sponsored by or with permission of the Academy Center of the Arts, or to scan artist’s work for the web page.