2017 Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics

The Zanesville Prize for Contemporary Ceramics, presented by Appalachian Hills of Ohio Territory, The Muskingum County Community Foundation, Seilers' Studio & Gallery, the Artist Colony of Zanesville, with support from the Ohio Arts Council, Mayco, and the Pioneer School of Zanesville Clay Center, is the largest best of show prize in ceramics in the Western Hemisphere. The 2017 Best-of-Show award is $20,000, with an additional $11,000 in prizes awarded to other successful competitors. This is the third competition held every two years.

Jurors will select up to 100 entries into the exhibit from images of works submitted worldwide. The three jurors are Mary Jo Bole (past professor of art at The Ohio State University), Leslie Ferrin (director of FerrinContemporary and Project Art, North Adams, Massachusetts), and Tony Marsh (Ceramics Program Head, California State University, Long Beach). Artists may enter work in four categories: Functional, Sculptural, Mixed Media, and Vessel. The jury will select a top winner in each category, with one awarded the $20,000 Best of Show Purchase Prize. Additional awards include $2,000 for the top piece in each of the remaining three categories, $1,000 Honorable Mention awards to runners-up in each category, and a $1,000 People's Choice prize.

The competition is open to all artists over 18 working in ceramic media worldwide. Entry fee is $45 (USD). Up to three works may be submitted with a maximum of two views per artwork. All works must be original, completed in the past two years, and not previously exhibited at the Zanesville Prize. All artworks must be for sale. Works must be primarily ceramic and not exceed 60"W x 60"L x 60"H or 150 lbs. (outer crate/packing dimensions must not exceed 80"W x 80"L x 80"H). Floor and pedestal works must be self-supporting. Wall-supported works are limited to 35 lbs. No ceiling-supported works will be accepted. Artists are responsible for all shipping, delivery, and insurance costs. Accepted works will be covered by Fine Arts Insurance while on display. A 40% commission will be taken on all sales except the Best of Show purchase prize. Exhibition dates: October 8 – November 18, 2017. Notification of acceptance: August 21, 2017. Delivery of accepted artwork: September 11-16, 2017. Reception: October 7, 2017. For installation questions, contact Michael Seiler at [email protected].