PROSPECTUS
"Material Matters" is a Juried art show to be held at Ardest Gallery in The Woodlands, Texas, just North of Houston between February. The Deadline to apply is Friday, January 9th 11:59 PM.
"Material Matters" strives to explore the dynamic nature of mixed media, bringing together artists from across mediums and disciplines to weave together a cohesive show celebrating materials. This group show will serve as a tribute to innovative methods that push boundaries of what art can be, and the stories that can be found within the materials themselves.
The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, FEBRUARY 7TH from 6-8 p.m. with a presentation by the Juror at 7 p.m.
GUEST JUROR - Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji)
Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Houston, Texas. Born in New Orleans, he holds a BA in Art History from the University of St. Thomas and an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). His practice spans non-representational painting, sculpture, assemblage, and installation, often incorporating found and historical objects to explore materiality, form, and cultural resonance.
Stiles’ work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and he has exhibited at institutions such as the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Blaffer Art Museum, where he participated in A Way to Mend, curated by Doug Welsh. Since 2020, he has presented five solo exhibitions, including shows at Hardy & Nance Gallery (2020), Lone Star
College (2021), G-Contemporary (2022), Reeves Gallery (2023), and Sheila Riggs Gallery in Baltimore (2025). His group exhibitions include Collect It for the Culture (2021), curated by Robert Hodge, where he exhibited alongside Rick Lowe, Ann Johnson, and Jamal Cyrus; The Big Show at Lawndale (2021); and the 37th Annual VAA Juried Exhibition, where his work was recognized by Harry Cooper, Head of Modern Art at the Smithsonian, as one of the top three works in the competition.
In addition to his studio practice, Stiles has curated exhibitions including Rise and Fall (Hardy & Nance Studios, 2020), Whole in Pieces (Monterroso Gallery, 2022), and Work in Play (Monterroso Gallery, 2025). He currently maintains a studio at Hardy & Nance in downtown Houston.
NUMBER OF ENTRIES & APPLICATION FEE
Each artist is limited to six (6) entries per submission. There is a $30 (USD) non-refundable/non-transferable fee for up to six (6) images. Payment must be submitted at the time of the application.
HOW TO ENTER
Please read through all of the materials, including load-in and load-out dates to ensure that you can participate. Entries can only be submitted via JotForm.
Please LABEL all submissions as "Work Title.Artist Name.Medium.Size.Price." Should your work(s) require additional details or notes, kindly note that in the "special requests" section offered in JotForm.
ELIGIBLE MEDIA
All works must have been completed between 2021-2026 and not previously exhibited at Ardest Gallery. Eligible media includes, but is not limited to, drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, oil, chalk, pastels, ink, ceramics, sculptures, metal work, wood work, and textiles. Max size for works is 48x60.
If you have a question about whether your work is suitable for submission, please contact julieverville@ardestgallery.com.
ARTIST NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE
Accepted artists will be notified no later than January 16th EOD via the email provided in the submission application.
LOAD-IN/LOAD-OUT DATES
Load-in for will be offered both Friday, JANUARY 30TH between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday, JANUARY 31ST between 2-4 p.m. at Ardest Gallery, located at 25200 Grogan's Park Drive, The Woodlands TX 77380.
Pre-arranged shipments of artwork WITH return labels are also accepted. BUT, the works must arrive during the gallery's open hours. **Please contact us priot to shipping artwork.
ALL accepted works delivered MUST be ready-to-hang or display AND include a printed inventory sheet with title/size/medium and price alongside a thumbnail of the work(s).
Load-out will be offered on Saturday, FEBRUARY 28TH between 2-4 p.m. or MONDAY, MARCH 2ND between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
GALLERY SALES
Works will be exhibited and available for purchase by visitors to the gallery, and via an online gallery. All sales throughout the show's duration will be managed by the gallery, with a 35% commission retained by the gallery. Commission statements will be provided via email to artists that sell work along with payment via their preference of Zelle, Venmo or check.
AWARDS
Awards will be provided for one Best in Show, 1st Place & 2nd Place. Honorable mentions will also be noted.
PUBLICITY
The exhibition will be publicized locally via our social media platforms, digital media platforms and event listings, email newsletter and press releases submitted to local news outlets. Ardest Gallery reserves the right to use photographs and/or digital images for the purpose of publicity for the exhibit and/or the artist.
If you have any questions about this exhibition - please contact Julie Verville, Gallery Director/Curator, julieverville@ardestgallery.com or 832-296-6723. Thank you!