Open Call!
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is proud to announce an open call of submissions for this year’s Art of the Cup exhibition. This juried exhibition will feature drinking vessels from artists all over the country. This is an open call for functional ceramic vessels only. This year's Art of the Cup’s mission is to celebrate the diversity and intimacy of the cup while providing the opportunity for visitors to become owners of one of a kind handmade ceramics. Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit each individual artist along with helping to sustain GoggleWorks’ community programs. 2023’s Art of the Cup will be juried by the Art of the Cup Committee.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: Friday, August 4, 2023, all entries due by midnight
- Accepted/Rejected Emails Sent: September 1, 2023
- Artwork due at GoggleWorks by: Friday, October 13, 2023
- Artwork Intake: October 13, 2023 10am-6pm in GoggleWorks Ceramic Studio
- Exhibition Dates: October 27, 2023 - December 3, 2023
- Reception/Award Ceremony: Friday, November 3, 2023 6pm-8pm
- Artwork shipped back week of: December 11, 2023
- Artwork pick up beginning week of: December 11, 2023
Submission Guidelines
- Open to all ceramic artists 18 years and older residing in the U.S.A.
- All work must be primarily ceramic. Mixed media work will be accepted only if ceramic materials are the primary media.
- Only functional drinking vessels will be accepted: cups, mugs, tea cups, tankards, tumblers, steins, tasters, goblets, etc. The jurors will make final determinations.
- All submissions must be for sale. GoggleWorks will conduct all sales through The New Store and will retain 40% commission on all sales. All proceeds will benefit each individual artist along with helping to sustain GoggleWorks' community programs.
- Work must have been produced within the last two years.
- Selections will be made from images of works. No substitutions will be allowed.
- Artists may submit up to six entries with three images (including one detail) per entry, not to exceed 18 images.
- Image files for submission should be 300dpi minimum and smaller than 15mb
- Each submission must include artist's name, title, year completed, type of clay, firing method, size (h x w x d), weight (lbs.), retail price and replacement value.
How to Apply
All submissions must be entered via our online submission form. Entrants must create a Submittable username and password, then log in to complete their submission. Applicants are allowed to submit up to five artworks. All applicants must submit a 75-100 word artist statement along with an answer to all other required fields. . Please note that entries will be disqualified for failure to follow the submission guidelines/instructions.
Image Submission Guidelines
Please be prepared to submit the following when applying online:
- Images must be in .jpg format, max. 1500 x 1500 pixels, at 300 dpi.
- Video submissions may be entered as an .MP4 format.
- File names must be labeled: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_TITLE_YEAR
- Artist must be ready to upload professional quality JPG images.
Entry Fee
$5 per entry, up to six entries
Insurance and Sales
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts agrees to hold safe the work(s) of art and agrees, if unsold upon completion of the consignment period, to return the work(s) of art in the same condition as received. GoggleWorks is responsible for safekeeping while in possession of artwork(s), if any damage or loss, GoggleWorks agrees to compensate retail price minus commission. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts will conduct all sales through The New Store. A 40% commission on sales will be taken.
Delivery/Shipping
Artists are responsible for shipping their work to GoggleWorks and insuring it while in transit. Works may also be hand-delivered with appropriate packaging. Detailed instructions will be emailed to all accepted entrants. Shipped works must be in reusable containers with reusable packaging and include a return shipping label. Airfloat boxes are strongly recommended.
NO PACKING PEANUTS. Boxes with packing peanuts inside will be returned without being unpacked.
Accepted work and contracts should be shipped/mailed to:
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Art of the Cup
201 Washington Street
Reading PA 19604
Photography and Permissions
Accepted artists agree to allow GoggleWorks to photograph work while on display for educational and publicity purposes.
Images of accepted entries will be retained for GoggleWorks archives and may be reproduced and posted on its website, social media and in printed materials. It is understood that works in the exhibition may be photographed, telecast, and reproduced for press and publicity purposes including but not limited to reproduction in newspapers, periodicals, magazines, in television programs and on the internet in connection with the exhibition and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
About GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is a place to develop skills, ask questions, experiment freely, and investigate the human spirit. Here we create dialogue between the established and the experimental, the contemporary and the traditional. Through exceptional arts education and engaging community programming, we inspire people to expand the boundaries of art making, personal growth, and appreciation for material culture.
Located in the former Willson Goggle Factory building, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts is the largest arts center of its kind in the country. The 145,000 square foot complex features seven teaching studios in ceramics, hot and warm glass, metalsmithing, photography, printmaking, and woodworking; 35 juried artist studios; and houses dozens of dance, music, arts, and other creative businesses and cultural organizations. GoggleWorks also includes several exhibition galleries, a 130-seat film theatre, café, and gift store, featuring handcrafted works by over 200 artists working within our walls and beyond. GoggleWorks is open to the public daily from 9am-9pm. Admission (excluding special events) and parking are always free. Learn more at goggleworks.org.
Questions?
Contact Erica Hutchins, Gallery Director
ehutchins@goggleworks.org
Applications for studio space in GoggleWorks are now being accepted from artists who are serious about pursuing their art in the professional setting of a community facility. Studios are intended to be for working artists and although artists may display and sell work from their studios, the primary function of the studio is to create art. Studios at GoggleWorks will be awarded to artists as selected by the GoggleWorks Exhibition Committee.
GoggleWorks is looking for artists who:
• demonstrate a commitment to their career through an existing body of work
• have achieved a high degree of creative ability & technical facility, display obvious talent, and have nurtured an individual vision
• are creating original art- the artwork must be the artist’s original concept and produced by the artist.
• show proven ability in their chosen medium through some combination of the following:
• participation in juried shows
• professional experience
• in the case of emerging artists, references from teachers or mentors
Studio sizes begin at 150 sq./ft. Rent includes heat, electricity, air conditioning, and parking. Artists are responsible for their own phones and any other communication/computer connections. The building has a security system, loading dock and freight elevators. An additional charge will be imposed for utility use beyond average usage and/or the installation of special equipment in a studio (e.g. electricity for kiln, special exhaust system). All studios have natural light as well as fluorescent shop lights with day lighting bulbs. Artists are responsible for any special additional lighting. Because the studio rental fee is subsidized, it is the responsibility of each studio artist to contribute to the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in the following ways:
• 6 hours per month of volunteer time for and/or at GoggleWorks
• Attend artist meetings and Special Events
• Use of studio for producing artwork and having studio open to the public at least 20 hours per week during GoggleWorks' open hours of operation
• Sign and comply with GoggleWorks' house rules and commission policy
Additional conditions for artists renting studios at GoggleWorks include:
• Studio space is to be left in same condition upon departure from GoggleWorks as upon arrival.
• A security deposit of one month’s rent or $200 (whichever is greater) in addition to the first month’s rent is due upon signature of the lease.
• Rent is due on the 1st of the month. Rent paid after the 10th of the month will incur a 10% penalty fee.
• Failure to pay rent will result in eviction from the studio.
• Commencing with their initial lease, each studio artist will be offered a one year lease.
• Artists are expected to work in their studios on a consistent and ongoing basis. Non-use of studio space is cause for eviction or non-renewal of lease.
GoggleWorks is open to the public Daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Artists have access to the GoggleWorks' facility 7 days a week, 24 hours per day.
To apply for an artist studio at the GoggleWorks:
[ ] Complete this “Artist Application” form online
[ ] Submit in the online application 10-15 pieces of representative work with summary page of title, medium, size and date of execution. For 3D work, please submit 3 images of each piece. Please number images to coincide with summary page.
[ ] Submit an artist’s statement or reason for making art (one page or less)
[ ] Submit a record of artistic and work history
[ ] Submit any additional support materials you believe are relevant (i.e. reviews, recommendations, etc.)
Rolling Submission
Juried Annually: First week in October
The submissions are reviewed by the GoggleWorks Exhibitions Committee consisting of 14 voting members and several advisors.
About Cohen Galleries:
Located on the first floor, the largest gallery in the GoggleWorks is divided into two distinct spaces and is capable of hosting either one major show or two separate exhibitions simultaneously. The West side of the gallery is approx. 2,700 sq. ft. and has a wood floor. The East side is approx. 3,100 sq. ft. and has a concrete floor. Both sides of the gallery feature movable walls that are 4ft. wide and 8ft. high, large windows for natural light, and adjustable track lights.
Submission Guidelines: Any artist interested in exhibiting in the Cohen Gallery should submit a proposal for consideration. Normally only large shows utilize both sides of the gallery. Please submit the following items:
* Summary of theme or idea for the exhibition
* portfolio of 15-20 images (2400 pixels on the short side, 300dpi)
* Artist bio/CV or organization mission statement
National organizations must have an outside perspective of their member works. The organizers i.e. president, chairs, etc. may not show their own work unless it has been through the jury process. The juror may include one sample of their work for exhibition if they so desire. The juror must follow the request of the gallery as it pertains to the numbers of pieces to be exhibited.
Hallway Space 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floors
Spaces for displaying artwork holds approx. 12-20 wall-mounted pieces, depending on size and wall space available.
A variety of spaces are available to rent.
The rental fee is $50-$150 per month with a two month limit
(1st - 28th except Feb).
There is a 15% commission on any work sold.
(No commission if the sales are handled directly by the artist).
There is a rolling submission for Hallway Space. The process goes through the GoggleWorks Gallery Coordinator. A submission response will be given as soon as possible.
Submission Guidelines: Any artist interested in exhibiting in one of GoggleWorks Auxiliary hallway spaces should submit a proposal for consideration. Please submit following the guidelines outlined below:
* Summary of theme or idea for the exhibition
* Portfolio of 5-10 images (at least 2400 pixels on the short side 300dpi)
* Artist bio/CV or organization mission statement
Handcrafted Holiday Market, presented by GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, welcomes thousands of visitors to explore our historic, post-industrial campus and immerse themselves in the arts. Handcrafted Holiday Market aims to act as a conduit for established and emerging artists to network and sell their work, while showcasing the handmade process through live art demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The one-day event also features live music and performances, locally-sourced food and craft beverages, and much more.
Event Details:
Location:
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
201 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601
Dates & Time:
December 2nd, 2023, 10am - 5pm
Set Up:
December 2nd, 2023 - specific scheduled time will be given closer to the date. Complete set up by 9:00am
Breakdown:
December 2nd, 2023 - breakdown begins at end of show (5pm) and must be completed by 9pm. Free onsite vehicle parking, use of loading dock, freight elevator if needed. Carts available on a first come, first served basis.
Artist Experience / Benefits:Handcrafted Holida
- Volunteer assistance with loading in and out
- Artist Lounge (includes complimentary water, coffee, light snacks)
- Volunteer booth sitters
- Parking (1 vehicle onsite)
- Opportunity to demonstrate process
- Listing in printed program & event map
- Booth signage & nametags
- Promotional event graphics, posts, and hashtags you can use on your website, Instagram, and/or Facebook page
- Online profile with featured product image
Festival Promotion:
Handcrafted Holiday Market's attendance grows every year and we work hard to attract both our recurring visitors and fresh, new faces. In addition to the GoggleWorks’ website (80,000+ annual visitors), digital newsletters (18,000+ subscribers), catalogs (4000 printed), Facebook (14,000+ followers), and Instagram (4300+ followers), we advertise our event utilizing the following:
- Printed collateral (postcards, posters)
- Direct mailing to GoggleWorks mailing list + EDDM
- Event Emails
- Advertising in regional newspapers and magazines and digital media
- Social media advertising
- Calendar listings in regional newspapers, online, and magazines
- Local media/community partnerships
Criteria / Guidelines:
- Applicants may choose to apply as an individual artist, emerging artist, or group (collective, studio, or gallery). Emerging artists must be 18 years or older with little to no prior experience vending. Group applicants are defined as a collective, gallery, or studio applying for one booth space that sells work from more than one artist.
- Juried selection of artists is based on creativity, quality, and originality. Items offered for sale must be the original artwork of the artist and must be representative of that which was described in the application. No craft kits or mass merchandise allowed.
- A three-sided booth is strongly encouraged. If you do not own one, professional panels are available for rent.
Applications must include 4 images of artwork, plus 1 image of booth or display. If accepted, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts reserve the right to use one or more of these images for marketing purposes, including social media and advertising. For group applicants, provide 1 image per artist. 4 images are required. If less than 4 artists, please upload multiple images from one or more artists. All images must be .jpg format at 300 dpi.
Applicants must self-identify their work in one of the following categories; for group applications choose one that best describes the majority of work to be sold:
- Ceramics
- Fiber
- Glass
- Jewelry
- Mixed Media
- Wood
Fees:
Due upon acceptance:
City Permit: $15
Electric Fee: $25 (if needed)
Professional Panels: $75 (if needed)
Policies:
Waitlist: Waitlisted applicants will be held until November 30, unless notified. Once accepted and processed.
Booth Location Requests: Booth placement is at the discretion of the festival and will be arranged well ahead of time. No booth requests will be accepted. Placement is determined by craft or art medium, pricing, and demonstrations to ensure an excellent guest experience, not on a first come / first serve basis.
About GoggleWorks Center for the Arts:
A prime example of adaptive reuse in architecture, GoggleWorks derives its name from the original structure from which it evolved—the Willson Goggle Factory, which opened in 1871 as the first factory in the U.S. to manufacture optical lenses. After a year-long renovation, and with generous support from the community and state government, the abandoned factory was transformed. One of the largest comprehensive arts centers in the country opened its doors in 2005. Today, GoggleWorks supports aspiring, emerging, and established artists through year-round arts education; including artist studios, workshops, classes, visiting artists, residencies, studio access, and exhibitions. Additionally, GoggleWorks offers a robust schedule of community programs and special events; including Handcrafted Holiday Market, Spring Iron Pour, Pumpkin Palooza and our After School Arts Program. The campus is open daily from 9am-9pm. Admission and parking are always free. Visit our website here