FUSION: The Ontario Clay and Glass Association is pleased to invite emerging clay and glass artists to participate in the inaugural THE HENRY GOODMAN EXHIBITION FOR EMERGING ARTISTS.

The theme for this exhibition is GATHERING with functional or sculptural work completed since January 2024.

What does “gathering” mean to you? Show us pieces that reflect the theme and apply your artist statement to share the meaning in your work. 

Work will be juried by 2025 Sobey's Art Award finalist Chukwudubem Ukaigwe. 

The exhibition will open at the 2026 FUSION Conference on Friday, May 22, at the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington, Ontario.

Touring locations:

• Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington, Ontario (May-June) 
• The Rails End Gallery, Haliburton, Ontario (July - September)
• Neilson Park Creative Arts Centre, Mississauga, Ontario (September - October) 

The exhibition will be accompanied by a digital catalogue.

Are you wondering if you are an emerging artist? Here is FUSION's definition: 

An emerging artist is an artist in the early stages of their professional career who is developing an artistic voice, building a focused body of work, and committing to a sustained practice in clay or glass.

Emerging artists may be formally trained or self-taught and are actively working toward presenting their work publicly through exhibitions, sales, commissions, residencies, teaching, or other professional opportunities. They are beginning to gain visibility and recognition with a goal to have a presence in galleries, collections, or the broader art market.

Emerging status is not tied to age and is inclusive of artists at any stage in life who are newly establishing a professional practice.

Cost for entry: $60 plus HST for up to three pieces. 

Open to all FUSION members who are emerging artists. Not a member? Join today. 

 TIMELINE
• APRIL 7, 5 p.m.: Submission deadline
• APRIL 20: Applicants will be informed of the jurors' decision via email
• MAY 14: Accepted works must be delivered to the Art Gallery of Burlington 
• OCTOBER 10: Work to be collected by the artist at the closing reception at Neilson Park Creative Arts Centre or it will be shipped back to Pottery Supply House to be collected in Oakville, Ontario, after October 14, 2026.

The delivery of work sold during the exhibition is the responsibility of the artist. 

 

  

PREPARING YOUR ENTRY

1. Make sure you are a current FUSION member by emailing communications@clayandglass.on.ca or checking on the FUSION website under your member profile.

2. Prepare digital images (see Image Specifications / Labeling below). Please note that wall space is limited for installations and objects should not be larger than 26" tall. 

3. Write an artist statement (100 words or less). This will be used in the catalogue and online. We ask you to reflect on the theme in both your submission and statement. 

4. Complete your submission payment of $60 plus HST for up to 3 works.

 

Conditions of Entry
For Emerging and First-Time Exhibitors

These guidelines are here to help your submission go smoothly. Submitting is part of building confidence and visibility. Questions are always welcome.

First-Time Exhibitor Tips

Choose work that reflects where your practice is right now and engages with the exhibition theme, and remember that strong, properly labelled images are essential.

Important Notes
Late or incomplete entries cannot be accepted. All juror decisions are final. Accepted work must remain in the exhibition for the full touring schedule. Submitted images may be used for promotional and documentation purposes.

Eligibility
The exhibition is open to artists who are members in good standing of FUSION. Submitted work must be original and completed after January 2024. Collaborative works are welcome, provided all participating artists are FUSION members. Clay or glass must be the primary material.

The Work
All submitted work and artist statements must respond to the exhibition theme. Sets or multiples, such as place settings or grouped works, are considered a single entry and must be priced as one set. The work delivered for exhibition must match the images submitted and be exhibition-ready. Work must sit safely on a plinth, and please ensure the bottoms of pieces are properly finished. 

Size, Weight & Display
Work must fit through a 30-inch doorway and be no taller than 26 inches. The maximum weight is 60 pounds, including packaging. Wall space is limited, and some work may be displayed on plinths rather than hung. Artists are responsible for providing all supports, hanging hardware, and clear installation instructions. All work must be packed in clearly labelled, reusable packaging.

Pricing, Sales & Insurance
Work should be priced to reflect current market value. FUSION manages all sales and applies a 40% commission, with 60% paid to the artist. Artists are responsible for arranging insurance if desired. Unsold work will be collected at the end of the exhibition, and artists are responsible for shipping sold work to buyers.

Image Specifications & File Naming
Images are used for jurying and publication. Please submit JPEG images saved in the correct orientation and photographed against a neutral background. Images must show the exact work being submitted.

Artists may submit up to two images per work: one full view (A) and one detail image (B).

Image files must be named using the following format:

FirstNameLastNameTitle1ANameofPhotographerjpg

FirstNameLastNameTitle1BNameofPhorographer.jpg. 

Please also add the photographer's credit so we can recognize their work. If you took the photos yourself, add Image by the artist. 

Photo Tips
Use natural light and simple backgrounds to ensure clarity and accurate colour. Include both a full view and a detailed image (if you wish).

Avoid filters or dramatic lighting effects. Phone photos taken in good light are perfectly acceptable. Ask yourself if the image is strong enough to be published online (focus, colour, cropping etc.)

 

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

Entrants are required to submit an artist statement (100 words maximum) in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe PDF (.pdf) format.

Please reflect on the theme of gathering in your submission. This will be published online and on-site as part of the display and catalogue. 

I have read the Conditions of Entry and agree to the condition and terms.

The artist’s signature on the registration form confirms acceptance of these Conditions of Entry.

Artists are expected to comply with these guidelines for this and future FUSION exhibitions.

FUSION may use submitted images, promotional materials, and photographs taken during the exhibition for promotional and documentation purposes, without additional notice or compensation.