39th Materials: Hard + Soft + Digital Contemporary Craft Competition & 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. Traditionally, this exhibition has celebrated the finest artworks crafted from materials such as ceramic, wood, fiber, metal, glass, paper, and mixed media. In 2025, the accepted media list expanded to include digital art and conceptual art.

The Greater Denton Arts Council will provide Jurors Awards including two $1,000 "Juror's Choice Awards" chosen independently by each juror, and four $450 awards for "Best Quality Craftsmanship", "Best in New Media", "Most Innovative Use of Materials" and "The Storyteller" for best compelling narrative. The exhibition runs February 26 - May 9, 2026. Entry fee is $35 for the first application, with second and third entries free. Artists may submit 1-3 applications, with each application representing one artwork entry.

Eligible works include those produced in any craft media: clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of craft media, as well as conceptual art and digital media. All work must have been completed within the past three years (2023-2025) and not previously exhibited at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. Submissions are restricted to a weight limit of no more than 75 pounds, and all work must be ready for installation. Local, national, and international artists are encouraged to apply.