Please read these guidelines thoroughly before applying!

 Application Deadline for ENTRIES DUE BY Sunday May 18, 2025 @ midnight

GoggleWorks is excited to announce the 2025 National Open Call of Ceramics for the “Sculpted Stories: Visual Narratives in Clay” Juried Exhibition. Open to all ceramic based professional artists, age 18 and up, who design and produce their own work. This exhibition aims to showcase ceramic artworks shaped by narratives that transcend language - stories told through gesture, symbolism, and the tactile nature of ceramics. By incorporating figurative elements, symbolic imagery and detailed design, viewers will be able to interpret a narrative through the form and decoration of the ceramic artwork. 

A digital catalog will be created by GoggleWorks Center for the Arts with artists provided statements and images of work(s), together with the juror’s bio and statement.
 

Juror: George Rodriguez

Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, TX, George Rodriguez creates highly ornamented, figurative ceramic sculptures, often underlined by a connection to the sociopolitical issues the artist explores. Rodriguez holds a BFA from the University of Texas El Paso and an MFA in ceramics from the University of Washington, Seattle. His world curiosity grew as a recipient of a Bonderman Travel Fellowship where he traveled the world through most of 2010. His work has shown at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Bainbridge Island, WA; Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA; Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA; Canton Art Museum, Canton, OH; amongst others. His sculptures are part of the collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL; the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen College of Computer Science and Engineering, Seattle, WA; the Hallie Ford Museum of Art at Willamette University, Salem, OR; Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C. and the National Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. George was featured on PBS Craft in America "Storytellers" episode and has created a large public sculpture for the new Kansas City Airport which opened March 2023. George is currently an Assistant Professor at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia, PA. 

Important Dates

May 18, 2025: All entries due by midnight

June 11, 2025: Acceptance/Rejection emails will begin 

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July 18, 2025: Mail delivered artwork due at GoggleWorks

In-Person Artwork Drop-Off: Cohen Gallery, West

- Mon. July 28 (10am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm)

- Tues. July 29 (12pm - 3pm)

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August 8 - October 12, 2025: Exhibition on-view to public

August 15, 2025: Gallery Reception & Award Ceremony, 6-8pm

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In-Person Artwork Pick-Up

October 13 - 14: In-Person Artwork Pick-Up (times TBD)

Week of October 20, 2025: Artwork shipped back begins
 

Awards

Awarded by the Juror:

-“Master Storyteller Award” - $350

-“Innovation in Narrative Award” - $250

-“Jurors Choice Award” - $150

Awarded by GoggleWorks:

-"GoggleWorks Choice Award" - $50

-"Community Choice Award"

Eligibility

Open to all professional artists, ages 18 and up, who design and produce their own work.

Work must have been created within the last three years and may not have been previously shown at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. 

Specific artwork(s) selected must be available for the entire exhibition, no substitutions will be accepted. 

Clay must make up at least 75% of artwork materials.

All work must be for sale.

Display/Size Guidelines

All 2D work must be securely wired and properly ready to hang. All 3D work must be free standing and sit flat for display. 

Work exceeding 35 lbs. must be installed by the artist or by special arrangements with the gallery. 

Artwork must not exceed 48" in height and width unless special arrangements have been made with Gallery Manager.  
 

Insurance

Coverage begins upon the physical acceptance of the artwork. Artists are responsible for insurance during shipping and for work left after the return deadline. Artworks will be covered for the sale price, minus the commission, up to $5000.

Delivery/Shipping

Detailed instructions will be emailed to all accepted entrants. Shipped work must include prepaid box(es) and return labels. Artists are responsible for insurance and shipping costs to GoggleWorks and from GoggleWorks if unsold by the end of the exhibition. Airfloat boxes are strongly recommended. 

Sales

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts retains a 40% commission on all sales. 

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 three artworks per application. Images must be in .jpg format - max. 1500x1500 pixels, at 300dpi. Video submissions must be uploaded as MP4. Please label digital submissions file names: LAST NAME_FIRST INITIAL_TITLE_SEQUENCE#. All applicants must submit a 75-200 word artist statement that will be published in the online catalog. Please note that entries will be disqualified for failure to follow the submission guidelines/instructions.
 

Fees

$35 per application. Application submissions can include up to three artworks.
 

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 theater, 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 Manager

ehutchins@goggleworks.org

Apply today to become a GoggleWorks Studio Artist! All artists serious about pursuing their art in the professional setting of a community facility are encouraged to apply. While artists may display and sell work from their studios, the primary purpose of GoggleWorks studio space is to create new work. Artists awarded studios at GoggleWorks can request to renew their lease each year for up to a 3-year term.

GoggleWorks is looking for artists who:

• demonstrate a commitment to their career through a strong body of original work 
• have achieved a high degree of creative ability, technical facility, and professionalism
• have nurtured an individual artistic vision and the ability to articulate it clearly in conversation and writing
• share GoggleWorks’ commitment to creating greater access to art, culture, and educational programs
• are committed to engaging with the Reading area community through open studios and public educational programming. 

Terms and Conditions

Artists have access to the GoggleWorks' facility 7 days a week, 24 hours per day. GoggleWorks is open to the public daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Studio sizes begin at 150 sq./ft. Rent includes heat, electricity, air conditioning, and parking. Wifi is provided throughout the building. The building has wifi, a security system, a 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 daylight bulbs. Artists are responsible for any additional lighting installation. Studio windows do not open and there are no studio-specific ventilation systems so the use of hazardous or odorous chemicals is prohibited.

Studio artists are expected to:

• Sign and comply with GoggleWorks' Studio Artist Expectations and Code of Conduct.
• Participate in at least 9 out of 12 Second Sunday Open Studio Crawls a year.
• Comply with GoggleWorks hallway wall and gallery policy.
• Work in their studios on a consistent and ongoing basis. Non-use of studio space is cause for eviction or non-renewal of lease.

Additional conditions for artists renting studios at GoggleWorks include: 

• 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 can request to renew their lease two times for a total of 3 years. After 3 years, artists can reapply.
• At the end of the artist’s lease, the studio space is to be left in the same condition upon departure from GoggleWorks as upon arrival. 

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 2-3 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 Bi-annually: Spring/Fall

The submissions are reviewed by GoggleWorks' Exhibitions Committee. 

About Cohen Gallery:

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 an adjustable LED track light system. 

About the Schmidt Gallery:

Located on the second floor, the Schmidt Gallery has approximately over 1,500 square feet of space, wood floors, movable walls that are 4ft. wide and 8ft high, windows for natural light and an adjustable LED track light system. 

GoggleWorks presents prominent juried exhibitions including those with a particular focus on installation, experimental work, community, and immersive or interactive experiences. GoggleWorks also presents curated touring and rental exhibitions in the Schmidt Gallery from time to time. Exhibitions in the Schmidt Gallery are by special invitation, with some limited exceptions.

Submission Guidelines: Any artist interested in exhibiting in one of the GoggleWorks Galleries should submit a proposal for consideration. Normally only large shows utilize both sides of the Cohen Gallery. Artists/Exhibitors are responsible for the shipping/delivery of artwork. 

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. 

 Questions? Contact the Gallery Coordinator

Erica Hutchins - ehutchins@goggleworks.org
 

Community Galleries / Hallway Spaces on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floor. 

Community Galleries are hallways and lounge areas throughout the GoggleWorks building that are able to hold approximately 12-30 wall mounted artworks (depending on the size and space available). These spaces can be rented out for four weeks (28 days) at a time and range in price from $40- $120, per gallery, with a two month limit. 

Availability for these spaces depends on the gallery calendar and is by a first come first served basis. As an artist/exhibitor you may suggest when you would like to show your work, but ultimately it depends on the schedule. 

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Community Galleries are run on a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) style model where artists/exhibitors are responsible for the delivery, installation, promotion and take down of each exhibition. In addition to the 28 days of exhibition, a 24-hour grace period (before and after rental days) will be given for the installation and take down. Artists will need to supply their own materials to hang and must follow the agreement terms. 

Artists/exhibitors will need to complete an inventory list and label sheet (both provided by GW) one week prior to the opening date of the exhibition. Labels will be printed and cut by the Gallery Coordinator. 

Artists/exhibitors MUST notify Gallery Manager of any plans for a reception/small gathering for their hallway exhibition. This is to ensure GoggleWorks staff is able to accurately direct guests to the event. Please limit these gatherings to no more than 30 people. 

For all artworks sold, there is a 15% commission kept by GoggleWorks. The remainder 85% will be written as a check to the artist at the end of their rental period. 

There is a rolling submission for GoggleWorks Community Galleries and the process goes through the GoggleWorks Gallery Coordinator. A submission response will be given as soon as possible.

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Spaces available to rent: 

2nd Floor 

• Small Elevator Hallway (18 ft.), $40
• Artist Lounge (20 ft.), $40

3rd Floor 

• Small Elevator/Breezeway Hallway (24 ft.), $40
• Artist Lounge / Corner (30 ft.), $50
• Studio #318 - #320 Hallway (40 ft.), $50
• Studio #322 Hallway (36 ft.),  $50
• Studio #324 Hallway, with ledge (30 ft.),  $50

4th Floor

• Studio #413 - #415 Hallway (approx. 80 ft), $100
• Studio #411 Hallway (approx. 100 ft), $120

Fees are waived for Non-Profit organizations within the Reading City Limits, GoggleWorks Studio Artists and GoggleWorks Instructors. 

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How to apply: Any artist or exhibitor interested in exhibiting in one of GoggleWorks Community Gallery 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

Questions? Email Erica Hutchins, the Gallery Coordinator, at…

ehutchins@goggleworks.org

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 two-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 5th, 2025 5PM-8PM & December 6th, 2025 10AM-4PM
Set Up:
          December 5th & 6th, 2025 - specific scheduled time will be given closer to the date. Complete set up by 5 PM 12/5.
Breakdown:
          December 6th, 2024 - breakdown begins at end of show (4pm) and must be completed by 7pm. Breakdown should not start until 4 PM unless otherwise discussed. 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 Holiday
 

• Volunteer assistance with loading in and out
• Volunteer booth sitters
• Parking (1 vehicle onsite)
• Opportunity to demonstrate process
• Listing in printed program & event map
• Booth number & name tags
• Promotional event graphics, posts, and hashtags you can use on your website, Instagram, and/or Facebook page

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 (659,000+ views), digital newsletters (22,500+ subscribers), catalogs (5,000 printed), Facebook (17,500+ followers), and Instagram (11,000+ followers), we advertise our event utilizing the following:  
 

• Printed collateral (postcards, posters)
• Direct mailing to GoggleWorks mailing list 
• 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. Jurors will work to ensure there is an equal division of makers of each medium.
• A three-sided booth is strongly encouraged. We welcome you to use our black Pro-Panels if you choose to use panels.
• Please consider including works that fall under a range of prices. Based on previous years, we have found that items priced somewhere between $45 and $100 dollars work well for our audience. Of course, please feel free to bring items priced above or below this range. We just ask that you consider shoppers of all financial backgrounds! 

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
• Printmaking 

Fees:

Due upon acceptance:

  Vendor Fee (second floor)--$50 

Premium Vendor Fee (first floor, limited spots available)--$75

(Please inform the Signature Events Manager, Natalie Fenner (nfenner@goggleworks.org) if you need assistance with this fee or would like to pay it forward for another artist.)

 [As a non profit community art center, we appreciate your commitment to our mission as a vendor at our event both with your presence and your contribution with this fee.]

Policies:

          Waitlist: Waitlisted applicants will be held until August 4th, 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