Call for Entries

Please Elaborate: An Exploration of the Ceramic Surface

​exhibit dates: October 2-31, 2026

Entries due by June 25, 2026

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This exhibition invites ceramic artists whose work begins with function or references it, while extending beyond utility as a fixed outcome. We seek objects where form and implied use establish an entry point, and surface treatment carries substantial conceptual weight. Guest curator Eva Champagne has included three Montana based artists in this exhibition, and is inviting submissions that will both complement and contrast the works of these invited artists: George Metropoulos McCauley, Kelly Stevenson and Sue Tirrell.

 

Submissions from prospective artists should demonstrate intentional, thoughtful surface handling that adds narrative, depth, and meaning through material, technique, and 

composition—well beyond decoration or embellishment.

 

Artists are encouraged to submit work that honors ceramic tradition while advancing it through innovation and experimentation. In this exhibition, form and surface are equal partners: function grounds the work, but surface carries at least half the story. We are interested in ceramics that transform familiar forms into layered, resonant objects through the seamless integration of form, surface, and process.

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Applications must be submitted no later than June 25, 2026
Notifications to artist will be made before or by July 20

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Learn about exhibition parameters and enter online on our submittable call for entry site:

https://theclaystudioofmissoula.submittable.com/submit

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ABOUT THE GUEST CURATOR​

 

Eva Champagne is an American ceramic artist and educator, raised in the great cultural melting pot of Hong Kong. She has taught in colleges and university in the U.S, as well as in workshop settings in the U.S, Asia, Europe, the UK and Australia. Workshop topics include soda firing, soda kiln building, ceramic surface techniques for all temperatures and firings, wheel throwing, and a wide variety of hand building methods. Her work and writing have been featured in Ceramics Monthly and Pottery Making Illustrated, among other publications. Eva’s ceramic work is exhibited in the US and internationally. She received her B.A. in Studio Art from Humboldt State University, completed Post-Baccalaureate study at the University of Florida, and earned her M.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of Montana-Missoula. Eva has traveled extensively for artist residencies including AIR Vallauris in France,  Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark, Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Maine, Red Lodge Clay Center and The Clay Studio of Missoula in Montana, and Gaya Ceramic Art Center in Bali, Indonesia. She returned to Gaya Ceramic Arts Center twice after her residency to lead workshops, before joining to serve as Managing Director for five and a half years. Recently, she returned to western Montana where she continues her studio practice and continues to travel for workshops.​