Watermark Art Center jurying criteria for It’s Only Clay Exhibit:
The It’s Only Clay (IOC) exhibit is a juried ceramics competition focusing on, and dedicated to, functional clay vessels. Each submission for IOC is judged in four areas: function, form/aesthetic, craftsmanship, and surface design.
Prospectus
It’s Only Clay 2026 Prospectus and Application
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS:
• All work must be functional ceramics.
• Submitted works must be original and produced after January 2025
• All entries must value $900 or less. NFS must be marked as such on jury application.
• Accepted works that differ from the juried image will be disqualified. NO EXCEPTIONS!
• $10 FEE for each item submitted, up to 4 maximum per artist
• If accepted, art must be prepared and ready for install/hanging.
• No accepted entry may be withdrawn prior to the close of the exhibit.
2026 ITS ONLY CLAY TIMELINE: UPDATE
• August 30 – Applications Due
• September 27 – Jury completion
• September 28-30 acceptance email notification sent to artists
• October 26 – Delivery of work on our before to Watermark Art Center
• November 6 – Exhibit Opening Reception & Awards – 5 to 7pm – Watermark – Kaul Gallery
• November 6 – December 23 – Exhibit
• November 7 – Saturday Workshop – “ TBD ” 9am to noon, WAC Ed Studio
• Award Checks sent from WAC – BSU is sent info on their purchase awards
• Dec 31, 2026 Exhibit sale payments made to artists
• Jan 11, 2027- Begin return shipping of work
2026 JURY AWARDS:
First Place: $1,300.00
Second Place: $1000.00
Third Place: $500.00
BSU PURCHASE AWARDS:
Purchase awards for the full value of work will be made by the Bemidji State University Visual Arts Department. These works will be included in the Margaret Harlow Vessel Collection, a permanent functional ceramics collection at Bemidji State University. (All other sales will be subject to a 50% commission to the Watermark Art Center. See SALES.) Awards will be announced at the November opening reception and be posted online by midnight, CST.
JURY PROCEDURE:
Artists may enter up to four submissions for jury. Please refrain from using multiple applications as this application can accept up to four items. This application will accept images each with a maximum size of 10MB. Clear, high quality photos with plain or solid color/black/white backgrounds are best. We advise you to check your photos on different devices with laptop-sized screens or larger.
Submissions are only accepted using this online application. Do not send or submit applications in person, via email or regular mail. Contact Lisa Seter at lseter@watermarkartcenter or 218-444-7570 if you have problems or questions regarding the submission process.
Accepted image file types are jpg, jpeg, and png. Please convert HEIC file types to an accepted file type.
IMPORTANT! As judging is blind, do not include any additional information about you or your piece that is not requested. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
SALES:
A 50% commission will be retained for all works being sold by the Watermark Art Center and artist retail prices should reflect this commission. Indicate NFS for works not for sale (we will still need a value for insurance purposes). You will be notified of any sales at the end of exhibit with payment made on or before December 31st, 2025.
DELIVERY & RETURN OF WORK:
• Work may be hand delivered or shipped in sturdy, reusable cardboard cartons.
• All artwork is shipped to and from the Watermark at the artist’s expense.
• All artwork shipped must be double-boxed with label on interior box to include: image of work sent, title, artist name and address.
• All artwork must be clearly labeled with the title of the work and artist’s name.
• Please include adequate postage or shipping label for return of your work if possible.
LIABILITY:
All reasonable care will be exercised with original work and work sample images. However, the hosting organizations /or individuals assume no responsibility and shall not be held liable for damages of any kind which may occur while work is in transit. Upon acceptance, the sponsors retain the right to reproduce images, regardless of copyright, for promotional or educational purposes. Images may be placed on the Watermark website.
IOC PARTNERS:
IOC 2026 is a collaboration with Bemidji State University Department of Technology Art & Design and the BSU Foundation.
When you submit this application, you agree that you have read the Prospectus, including that artwork accepted will be available for the exhibition and that shipping costs and shipping insurance are the artist’s responsibility.
