Formative Narratives

2024 ClayHouston Members’ Show

In celebration of 20 years as an organization, Formative Narratives showcases individuals who help shape ClayHouston in the past, present, and into the future.

As clay is shaped, it shapes the maker. This malleable material connects creators from diverse backgrounds, forging bonds that make ClayHouston the community it is today. This exhibition showcases objects that encapsulate moments in time displaying the marks of makers, decisions pondered over, and lessons learned; with each narrative form, we honor their place in our formative narrative.

The ClayHouston annual Members’ non-juried show includes diverse works from current ClayHouston members who reside in and around the Houston area. Ranging from sculptural to functional ceramics, this showcase represents artists from varying levels. 

Eligibility and Media
This exhibition is open to all current ClayHouston members. Work must be completed within the last 2 years, and not previously shown with ClayHouston. Each work must be made mainly of clay with other media taking a minor role in the piece. Each artist can submit 1 piece (diptych and triptychs included) for the exhibition. Wall-mounted work must not exceed 48”x 48” and must weigh less than 50 pounds. All wall-mounted work must be delivered ready to hang and be accompanied by appropriate hanging hardware (no adhesives like command strips, or tape, and no butterfly bolts or large bolts). Pedestal work must be no larger than 3’Hx2’Wx2'D and be ready for exhibition. Please note on your submission page if any stand is included in the price.

• Please submit a high-quality, professional image, at least 300 dpi, sized so the largest dimension is 6 inches (1800 pixels), as a JPEG file.

• Name image files with the surname of the artist, followed by the first name, and name of the work. (example: smith_john_bluevase.jpg).

• Each entry must have a title, materials, and techniques description, dimensions, and, if applicable, a retail price.

• Please check to make sure all files are complete and will open in their respective software. Please adhere to all format/file type requirements.

• By submitting an entry into the Members’ Show, each artist gives ClayHouston permission to use submitted digital images (including any variations of) for publicity purposes.

• Wall works will be accepted based on available space.

• Hanging work cannot weigh more than 50 lbs.

• If your artwork is challenging to hang/site or too delicate to handle, you will be scheduled to assist.

• Artists will be contacted if the work does not meet the specified guidelines. If issue(s) seem readily resolved, the Exhibition Coordinator might schedule time for you to remediate. It is best to double-check the guidelines before dropping off work. Any work with unresolved issues will need to be picked up prior to the opening of the exhibition.