2016 NCECA Invitational: Unconventional Clay - Engaged in Change

Unconventional Clay: Engaged in Change is the 2016 NCECA Invitational, a themed, curated exhibition featuring leading edge, large-scale and often challenging art incorporating clay as its primary medium. The exhibition will be held at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri from February 12 – May 8, 2016, in conjunction with the 50th Annual NCECA Conference (March 16 – March 19, 2016). The exhibition is co-curated by NCECA Exhibitions Director Leigh Taylor Mickelson and Catherine Futter, Helen Jane and R. Hugh "Pat" Uhlmann Senior Curator of Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

The exhibition explores connections between art, social issues and process in contemporary ceramics, seeking dynamic and engaging works responding to contemporary issues while employing innovative approaches to the medium. Artists working at all scales—from vessels to large scale installations—are encouraged to submit works that employ clay in new ways. Projection, 3D modeling and advanced materials may be combined with ceramic work. The exhibition is especially interested in community-oriented working models with projects that address audience interactivity as a primary goal. Works selected will be displayed in gallery spaces within Steven Holl's Bloch Building.

All works must incorporate clay as their primary medium, although integration of additional media including video and/or photography will be considered provided that ceramic materials, processes and/or history are integral to the work. Work must have been produced within the last two years and not have been shown in previous NCECA sponsored exhibitions, The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum or the greater Kansas City area. Large-scale work can be accommodated; floor works must be firmly stable, wall-mounted pieces can be accommodated, and works may be hung from the ceiling in specific places. Artists may submit up to three distinct works with no more than two media files (images, video, or audio) per work, not to exceed six total media files. Entry fee is $20 for NCECA members and $35 for non-members. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will insure all accepted work after an incoming condition report has been completed and until departure under its fine arts policy. Artists are responsible for shipping their work to and from the museum and insuring it while in transit.