2026 ClayHouston Members’ Show

When we work with clay, we’re working with a material created slowly though processes that weather, sift, and refine. Tiny particles accumulate and are joined into a new form that in turn can be shaped by hands and frozen in time by the fires of a kiln. There’s an alchemical transformation that attracts us all to the mud, and unites us in communities touched by water and earth.

Situated at the confluence of multiple waterways and bayous, Houston is a city that invites sediment. Just like clay, the city is shaped by the interactions of water and earth, creating the mud of our riparian home. In life and in art, we are shaped by these connections and work to respond to them as best we can. The choices we make form the basis of our existence, and solidify our clay into vitrified, finished ceramic.

In this spirit, ClayHouston is proud to present its annual members' show, Bayou Mud! Please join us from 6 – 8pm on Saturday, September 26th, for our opening reception at Bay 100 of the Silos at Sawyer Yards. During the opening, we will celebrate three awards presented by this year's juror, June Woest. Bayou Mud will be on view at The Silos at Sawyer Yards from September 26th to October 31st.

The ClayHouston annual Members’ show is non-juried and 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 and is designed to be as inclusive and reflective as possible of our membership.

Juror:
June Woest

June Woest is a Houston-based artist and educator born in Kansas. Her heritage continues to inform her interest of place and landscape as subject matter. As a juror, she brings the perspective of a working artist deeply engaged with material sensitivity, originality, and the power of visual communication.

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.

Timeline
June 5th: Submissions open 
August 20: Submissions close 
September 20-21: Drop off at Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards
September 26, 6pm - 8pm: Opening Reception
October 31: Exhibition closes
November 1 - 2: Work pick up Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards

A sign up sheet will be sent to all participants to indicate their time to drop off and pick up the artwork.

Size Specifications

• Due to space restrictions, size restrictions will be enforced.

• Wall mounted work must not exceed 24”x 24” 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). If necessary, please include a guide or hanging instructions.

• Pedestal work must be no larger than 18” W x 18” D and be ready for exhibition. There is not a restriction on the height of artworks. Please note on your submission page if any stand is included in the price.

• Freestanding work must not exceed 24”W x 24”D. 

Submission Requirements
• Must submit a high quality, professional image, at least 300 dpi, sized so that 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 work. (example: smith_john_bluevase.jpg).

• Each entry must have a title, materials and techniques description, and dimensions.

• 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 entering the Members’ Show, each artist gives ClayHouston permission to use the submitted digital images for publicity purposes.

• Wall and freestanding works will be accepted based on available space.

• Hanging work cannot weigh more than 50 lbs.

• If your artwork is difficult to hang/site, too delicate to handle, you will be contacted for assistance.

• Artists will be contacted to pick up their work if it does not meet the specific guidelines. If it is an easy fix, the Exhibition Coordinator may allow you time to revise. It is best to look over the guidelines before dropping off work.

• Artist provided pedestals must be made of wood and painted a matte white. We cannot accept metal or colored pedestals at this time. Upon providing a pedestal you agree to the understanding that your piece may be placed on a different pedestal (unless custom to piece) and/or may be shared with another piece. 

Rules

All works must remain for the duration of the show. ClayHouston reserves the right to photograph work for publicity purposes. Submission of the entry application signifies the artist’s understanding and acceptance of the rules and conditions of the show.

Awards
Best of Show $200
Best Vessel Category $150
Best Sculpture Category $150

Artwork Drop-off:

• Sunday, Sept 20

• Monday, Sept 21

Artwork Pickup:

• Sunday, Nov 1

• Monday, Nov 2

Gallery Visiting Information

Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards
Viewing hours: Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm