CALL FOR ARTISTS — Free to Apply
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A Colorado GroupExhibition
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Curated by Ana Balzán
The Collective Community Arts Center — Lafayette, Colorado
January 14 – March 14, 2027
The Collective Community Arts Center — Lafayette, Colorado
January 14 – March 14, 2027
About the Exhibition
This group exhibition brings together Colorado artists exploring hand-built sculpture as a materially grounded and expressive practice. Centered on clay as a primary medium, the exhibition highlights the tactile, intuitive, and labor-intensive nature of shaping form by hand. In a time increasingly defined by speed and digital processes, hand-building offers a slower, embodied approach that preserves the trace of touch and personal narrative.
Drawing from Colorado’s diverse landscapes and creative communities, the exhibition intentionally brings together artists whose work expands the language of clay through form, surface, process, and material exploration. The works reflect a range
of perspectives—from figurative to abstract—and may incorporate mixed media where it supports and expands the sculptural vision while maintaining clay as the dominant material.
Together, the works reveal how clay continues to evolve as a contemporary language—one that speaks to identity, resilience, environment, memory, and human connection.
Inclusivity & Equity
This exhibition is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for artists of all races, ethnicities, sexes, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, backgrounds, and levels of professional experience.
We especially welcome LGBTQ+ artists and artists from historically underrepresented communities. The exhibition aims to reflect the diversity of Colorado’s artistic community and to foster meaningful exchange among artists and audiences.
Eligibility & Artistic Parameters
- Open to artists based in Colorado.
- Work must be hand-built and primarily clay-based.
- Clay must remain the dominant material and foundation of the sculpture.
- Mixed-media and interdisciplinary approaches are welcome when they support, expand, or complement the sculptural vision.
- Figurative and abstract sculpture are welcome.
- Artists may submit up to three artworks.
- Works may be wall-mounted, ceiling-suspended, pedestal, or floor-based.
- Because gallery space is limited, artists are especially encouraged to consider wall-mounted and ceiling-suspended works are especially encouraged because floor space in the gallery is limited. We invite artists to consider creative ways of activating the gallery’s walls and vertical space. NOTE: Artwork meant to hang should have D-rings and/or a wire.
- Artists are responsible for providing any special installation requirements or hardware needed for their work.
Artwork Sales
Artwork may be offered for sale during the exhibition.
The Collective does not take a sales commission and does not process artwork sales. There is no gallery point-of-sale system. Artists are responsible for communicating directly with interested buyers, arranging payment, and completing their own sales transactions.
Artists are responsible for understanding and paying any applicable Lafayette City sales tax on artwork sold during the exhibition.
Sales & Artwork Release
Artwork sold during the exhibition must remain part of the exhibition through March 14, 2027, or may be replaced by a similar work in consultation with the curator.
Purchased artwork may be collected after the exhibition closes unless an alternative arrangement has been approved by the exhibition curator and The Collective.
Artists will be notified promptly of any sales.
Application Process
Artists will submit an application through the Artist Application Google Form.
The application will include:
One PDF containing:
Page 1 — Artist Information
- Short artist biography — maximum 4 sentences
- Artist statement
Page 3 — Artwork #2
Page 4 — Artwork #3
For each artwork, please include:
- One primary image of the sculpture, approximately 5 × 6 inches
- Up to two additional views, if needed
- Title
- Year created
- Materials
- Dimensions (H × W × D)
- Weight, if applicable
- Sale price, if the work is for sale
- Display format
- Installation requirements, if applicable
Image Requirements
Please use clear, high-quality images that accurately represent the artwork.
For the application PDF, include the required artwork images as described above.
High-resolution images for exhibition publicity will be requested only from artists whose work is selected.
Selected artists will receive instructions for submitting their high-resolution images after acceptance.
Application Fee
No application fee is required.
A $10 non-refundable exhibition participation fee will be requested only from artists whose work is selected
for the exhibition.
Selected artists will receive payment instructions with their acceptance notification on November 28, 2026.
Participation fee due: December 7, 2026
The fee helps support the administrative and curatorial work involved in organizing the exhibition, as well as materials
for the Community Clay Program for children.
Artist Engagement & Public Programming
The exhibition will offer opportunities for participating artists to engage with the public and share their work beyond the gallery walls.
Possible activities include:
- Artist Talks
- Demonstrations of techniques or studio processes
- Panel Discussions
- Artist Presentations
- Other artist-led activities
Community Clay Program
As part of the exhibition, a portion of the $10 participation fees will support a hands-on ceramics experience for children.
The program will connect the exhibition with the next generation of makers and invite young people to experience clay as a medium for creativity and expression.
Both selected and non-selected applicants are welcome to express interest in volunteering for this program. Artists may participate by demonstrating techniques, sharing their artistic process, helping children work with clay, or assisting with another hands-on activity. Participation is voluntary and is not a requirement for exhibition selection.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
Artist Notifications: November 28, 2026
Artist Confirmation Deadline: December 7, 2026
$10 Participation Fee Due: December 7, 2026
Artwork Drop-Off: Monday & Tuesday, January 11–12, 2027 / 9 AM– 3 PM
Installation: Tuesday & Wednesday, January 12–13, 2027 / 9 AM– 5 PM
Exhibition: January 14 – March 14, 2027
Opening Reception: Friday, January 15, 2027 / 6 – 8 PM
Artwork Pickup & De-installation: Sunday, March 14 after 4PM and Monday, March 15, 2027 from 9 AM–3 PM
Insurance & Installation
All selected artists will complete an Artist Agreement Form.
Artwork will be covered under City insurance for the duration of the exhibition, according to the terms of the Artist Agreement.
The Collective will have 3–5 staff members available to assist with installation, depending on the needs of the installation. Collective staff will handle ladders and climbing.
Artists may bring additional people to assist with installation.
Artists must identify any special installation requirements, hardware, suspension systems, tools, or other needs in their application. NOTE: Artwork meant to hang should have D-rings and/or a wire
Exhibition Commitment
If selected, artists agree to leave their artwork on display for the full duration of the exhibition, January 14–March 14, 2027.
If an artwork is sold during the exhibition, it must remain on display through the closing date or be replaced by a similar work in consultation with the curator.
Selection Process
This is a curated group exhibition. Submitted work will be reviewed with consideration given to:
- Strength and originality of the work
- Hand-built sculptural practice and thoughtful use of clay
- Material and mixed-media exploration
- Concept and artistic expression
- Craftsmanship and quality of execution
- Suitability for the exhibition and gallery space
- Contribution to a diverse and cohesive group exhibition
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the exhibition.
Applications must be submitted by:
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
The Artist Application is completed through Google Forms.
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
The Artist Application is completed through Google Forms.
Thank You for your interest in the Hand-Built Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition and
for considering sharing your work with our community.
We appreciate the time, creativity, and care that goes into every submission.
We look forward to discovering the diverse voices and approaches of Colorado artists working with
hand-built sculpture.
Thank you for being part of this artistic community.
for considering sharing your work with our community.
We appreciate the time, creativity, and care that goes into every submission.
We look forward to discovering the diverse voices and approaches of Colorado artists working with
hand-built sculpture.
Thank you for being part of this artistic community.
Curator & Organizer
Download Hand-Built Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition Poster below