Earth & Fire 2026

Earth & Fire 2026 is a ceramics exhibition open to visual artists 18 years and older residing in the US. All works must be made of clay, be the original work of the artist, completed within the last two calendar years, and not previously exhibited at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. Artists may submit up to 2 works with a nonrefundable $35 entry fee. All works must be for sale, with the Stifel Fine Arts Center retaining a 30% commission on sales.

The awards include 1st prize: $4,000, solo exhibition, jury opportunity, and paid workshop/demo/talk in 2027; 2nd prize: $1,500; 3rd prize: $1,000; and 2 merit awards of $250 each. The exhibition will be juried by Holly Goring, Managing Editor of Ceramics Monthly & Pottery Making Illustrated, and Margaret Kinkeade, Assistant Editor of Ceramics Monthly & Pottery Making Illustrated.

The exhibition runs February 28 - April 11, 2026, with an opening reception on February 28, 2026 (6:30-8:30pm). This event is part of Ceramics Take Over Wheeling, a 4-day ceramic event from February 26 - March 1, 2026, featuring workshops, talks, 9 exhibition openings, and the signature Pottery Throwdown. Accepted works can be hand delivered January 19 - February 7, 2026, or shipped January 1 - February 7, 2026. Artists must include return shipping labels and are responsible for shipping costs and insurance.