Cups of Contemplation

Cups of Contemplation is an exhibition celebrating contemporary ceramic cup forms made by artists and potters from across the U.S. The exhibition runs October 14 - November 8, 2024, at the University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art. Cup forms are intimate ceramic art objects offering both visual and tactile experiences. Held in the hands, they connect you to the maker through their weight, volume, size, and texture. Drinking from a thoughtfully hand-made cup can transform a mundane moment into a meaningful experience of pause, reflection, and contemplation.

This exhibition will be shown in tandem with the Southern Miss Ceramics National, 2024. Jurors are Tom and Elaine Coleman, highly recognized ceramic artists whose works are included in museums and collections throughout the U.S. and abroad, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery and the Racine Art Museum.

Eligibility: Open to all US residents, 18 years of age or older. All cup forms are eligible (mug, yunomi, chawan, tumbler, goblet, pilsner, high ball, low ball, cocktail, sniffer, or flute, etc.). Cup size should not exceed 8x6x6 inches (HxWxD). Entry fee: $20 for up to three entries. Each entry requires one digital JPEG image (72 dpi, no more than 5 MB, no smaller than 1920 pixels on the longest side). All entries must be original and available for the duration of the exhibit. Accepted works cannot be substituted. Cup sales will be encouraged with no commission taken. The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art will provide insurance coverage for all artwork while on campus; artists are responsible for insurance during transit. Timeline: Entry deadline August 1, 2024; jury notification September 1; receipt of works September 9-23; installation begins September 25; show opens October 14; closing reception November 7 or 8; return of works November 9-15, 2024. Both monetary and non-monetary awards will be presented. For questions, contact Museum Director Mark Rigsby at [email protected] or (601) 266-5200.