Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft & Conceptual Art Competition and Exhibition

The Greater Denton Arts Council presents the 38th annual International Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft & Conceptual 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. In 2025, the exhibition expands to include digital media and conceptual art that explore the themes of hardness and softness through ephemeral mediums such as light, air, and language.

Artists are invited to submit innovative works that juxtapose concepts and materials in unique and thought-provoking ways. Works produced in craft media including clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of craft media, and digital media are acceptable. All work must have been completed within the past three years (2022-2024) and not previously exhibited at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. All work must be ready for installation and restricted to a weight limit of no more than 75 pounds. Entries must be the complete work of the submitting artist; kits or commercially designed works will not be accepted. Local, national, and international artists are encouraged to apply.

The entry deadline is December 6, 2024. The first entry fee is $35.00 USD; the 2nd and 3rd entries are free. Artists may submit 1-3 applications, with each application representing one artwork entry. Work samples may include 1-3 images, 0-3 audio files, and/or 0-3 video files. The jurors for 2025 are Dallas and Denton-based artists/educators Christine Miller and Alicia Eggert. Jury dates are December 8-15, 2024. The Greater Denton Arts Council will provide Jurors Awards of $1,000 for best in show and $300 for best in media. Eight pieces will be selected for best in media and one for best in show. The exhibition runs February 21 - May 23, 2025.