Anything but a Mug

Prospectus: ANYTHING BUT A MUG

With great reverence for the beauty and utility of the mug form, Clay Pittsburgh is excited to present an exhibition focused on showcasing the endless variety of other objects—both functional and sculptural—that artists can craft out of clay. “Anything But a Mug” will offer viewers a more expansive vision of what’s possible in clay, and provide artists an opportunity to showcase the diversity of their skill sets. 

This show will be held at the Clay Place Gallery at Standard Clay from June 14th to August 9th. “Anything But a Mug” will be juried by local artist Katie Botterman* and curated by the exhibitions committee of Clay Pittsburgh. 

*Katie Botterman is a ceramic artist and instructor working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her BFA from Ohio University in 2021. Botterman recently completed a three month residency at New Harmony Clay Project, in New Harmony, Indiana, and she is currently the ceramics Artist in Residence at Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media. She works as a ceramics instructor in her hometown at the North Hills Art Center, where she shares her love of clay with others while pursuing her own new works.

Clay Pittsburgh’s exhibition committee would like to thank all artists who participate by submitting work. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Standard Clay Company, as well, for their generosity in hosting this exhibition.

Critical Dates: 

  • Application due: May 20, 2025
  • Notice of acceptance: May 26, 2025
  • Drop off work: May 29, 2025 – June 6, 2025
  • Opening reception: June 14, 2025 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
  • Closing reception / potluck and first pickup opportunity: August 9, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm 
  • Last day to pick up work: August 25, 2025
  • The show will be on view during Standard Clay’s retail store hours: Monday- Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Second Saturday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

 

Criteria:

  • All ceramic artists within a 50-mile radius of Pittsburgh may apply.
  • Works must be made of at least 50% clay
  • All artwork must be free-standing (no wall hanging pieces)
  • Extra large or complex works may be accepted contingent on whether the artist can be present during installation on June 12, 2025

 

Application

  • Applicants may enter up to three pieces
  • The application fee (for up to three works) is $20. Once you have submitted your application, please pay the fee on our website.
  • Provide up to three photos of each piece. Photo file sizes should be at least 1MB to ensure good image quality.
    • Name the files before uploading in this format: Last name, 1 or 2 or 3, a or b or c, using numbers for works and letters for different photos of the same work. (i.e. for three pictures of submission one: Smith,1,a   Smith,1,b   Smith,1,c) 
  • All artists who apply will receive a one year free membership to Clay Pittsburgh. 

 

Pricing of Work (with shipping and without shipping, click here for clarification) 

  • Artists will set the price of their work, or indicate that the work is NFS (not for sale).
  • “Pick-Up Price”—This is the price if the buyer agrees to pick up the work from the artist. Clay Pittsburgh will provide the artist’s zip code for pick-up on the shopping page, and the full address will be provided by the artist when making arrangements after the show closes. Artists will be responsible for getting the work from Clay Pittsburgh to the buyer in a timely fashion.
  • “Price with Shipping”—This is the price if a buyer requests the piece be shipped to them after the show is taken down. Artists must choose a preset price for the piece plus shipping costs. 
  •  Artists do not need to offer a shipping option, and can designate work as “pick-up only.” 

 

Sales

  • Each artwork that is available for sale will have an individual product page on the Clay Pittsburgh webshop. To view a sample of the product page, click here.
  • QR codes posted around the gallery will take potential buyers to the webshop. If a work has already sold, the product will be marked “sold” on the product page. If not, the buyer may purchase the piece directly through Clay Pittsburgh’s website. 

 

Drop-off of Work 

    • Please pack work in a box that fits your piece neatly and compactly. (Don’t put a tiny pot in a giant box.)
    • Boxes must have flaps closed and be taped shut. Do not use packing peanuts. 
    • The artist’s name and the title of the work should be written on the top of the box
  • Drop-off locations and times:
    • Fireborn Studios (2338 Sarah Street, 15203) 
      • May 29, 30, 31 from 12:00 – 5 pm
      • June 3, 4, 5 & 6 from 12:00 – 5 pm
    • Additional drop-off times available at 7800 Susquehanna St. in Homewood by appointment. To coordinate drop-off at this location, email [email protected]

 

Pick-up of Work (after the show)

  • If a piece has sold, the buyers may attend the closing potluck and pick up their work at that time. Otherwise, the artist must pick up their own work and coordinate pick-up or drop-off logistics with the buyer.
  • Work not picked up at the closing will be available for pick-up by the artist at:
    • Fireborn Studios (2338 Sarah Street, 15203) 
      • Saturdays, August 16 or 23 from 12:00- 5:00 pm
    • 7800 Susquehanna St. in Homewood 
  • Clay Pittsburgh will hold the work in storage for up to 20 days. All work not retrieved within that time frame will be forfeited, and become the property of Clay Pittsburgh.

 

Getting Work to the Buyer

  • Note: all the terms and conditions listed below will be emailed to the buyer as soon as they have made a purchase. Clay Pittsburgh will provide the buyer’s contact information to the artist.
    • Buyers may attend the closing potluck and pick up their purchase at that time.
    • If the buyer cannot attend the closing reception, the artist must retrieve the work (either from the reception, or from the pick-up locations listed above). 
    • Buyers may not pick up work they’ve purchased from these locations. All work must be picked up by the artist, who will then coordinate pick-up/drop-off logistics with the buyer.
  • If the buyer has indicated they would like the piece to be shipped, Clay Pittsburgh will provide the artist with the address and contact information of the buyer. Artists will be responsible for packing and shipping the piece in a timely manner.

 

Dispersal of Funds

  • Funds will be dispersed to artists after Clay Pittsburgh receives proof that the artwork has been shipped to or picked up by the buyer.

 

Liability Disclaimer

  • I understand that Clay Pittsburgh and its partner gallery sponsors do not assume responsibility for loss or damage to my artwork(s), no matter how sustained. Reasonable safety and security precautions are in place to ensure added protection of my work. I also understand that I can carry my own personal property insurance.
Click Here to apply