e-merge 2008

e-merge 2008 is a juried kiln-glass exhibition for emerging and intermediate-level artists, running May 5 through July 25, 2008, at the Bullseye Resource Center in Portland, Oregon. Sponsored by Bullseye Glass Co., this is the fourth biennial exhibition recognizing students, early-career artists, and others rising through the ranks of kilnformed studio glass who are not yet represented by top-flight international galleries. Accepted works are judged for excellence of craftsmanship, design, and creativity.

The competition offers over $5,000 in prizes in the form of Bullseye product gift cards: Gold Award ($1,000), Silver Award ($750), Bronze Award ($500), Academic Award ($1,000 to artist plus $1,000 to school), Newcomer Award ($500), Kilncaster Award ($500), and Popular Award ($500). Finalists are represented in a full-color catalog documenting each qualifying piece with a photo and recognizing each artist with a photo, bio, and artist statement.

Entrants must be emerging artists in the early-to-intermediate stage of their career who have not been shown at major international art or design fairs such as SOFA. All works must be made of at least 70% Bullseye glass and be predominantly kilnformed or kilncast, created since January 1, 2006. No component may weigh more than 50 pounds. Works must be available for exhibition in Portland from April through September 2008. The application fee is $35.00 (30% student discount available). Entries must be submitted through the CaFÉ website with six images, a biographical profile (500 characters or less), and an artist statement (1,000 characters or less). The entry deadline is February 22, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Finalists will be notified by March 21, 2008, with artwork due by April 25, 2008. The opening reception and awards event is May 17, 2008, 6:30-8:30pm.