Bayou Mud 2026 ClayHouston Members’ Show

About the Exhibition

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 for Bayou Mud: 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.

Application Fee and Entries
All membership levels: $30

Number of Entries: 1 (each artist may submit one piece - diptych and triptychs included)

Fees from applications are used to cover exhibition expenses, juror stipend, and awards to selected artists.

Awards
In celebration and recognition of the talent of our region, ClayHouston and our juror June Woest will award three prizes to exemplary artworks, representing the following categories:

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

Exhibition Timeline
June 5: 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

Any questions please email: info@clayhouston.org

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

What kind of piece are you submitting?

If you chose pedestal: Do you have a white wooden pedestal that can be used for the show?

File Upload Work 1

You may submit 2 images of 1 work. Must be 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).

Title Work

Year of completion Work

Dimensions Work

Materials Work

I accept that I will be responsible for delivering my work to the gallery September 20-21 and picking up November 1-2, 2026.

Loan Agreement • The Lender is aware that ClayHouston, Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards or any related managing entity does not insure nor agree to be responsible for any theft, damage, or loss of any article. The Lender freely chooses to exhibit at Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards. Lender agrees to accept any and all loss, theft, or damage resulting directly or indirectly from participation in these activities. • The Lender understands that this release is intended to protect all managing entities, their directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers from any claim of negligence (the failure of reasonable care). Lender agrees both not to sue or to hold ClayHouston, Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards, or any managing entity, their directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers for and from liability and responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage connected with Lender’s participation in the exhibition. • Lender understands that this release is intended to protect all managing entities, their directors, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers from any claim of negligence (the failure of reasonable care). • Lender understands that this is a release from liability, a hold harmless agreement, and an assumption of risk agreement. • Lender understands that this is a legally binding contract between ClayHouston, Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards, and myself and that it is binding on myself, my heirs, or anyone making a claim. • The Lender has carefully read this agreement and fully understands its content. I agree with my own free will. • The lender authorizes ClayHouston, Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards or any related managing entity to use, duplicate, and distribute Photographic Materials of the Work in print and electronic media to promote and publicize the Exhibition, for archival and other non-commercial educational purposes connected with the Exhibition, and for the Exhibition Catalog, provided that the Lender includes the credit and any required copyright or other language provided by ClayHouston and Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards. Appropriate credit will accompany all such uses of the artist’s image(s). Artists retain copyrights on all Work. ClayHouston and Silos Bay 100, The Silos at Sawyer Yards will not be held responsible for the improper crediting or use of such images by other exhibition venues. By clicking this box, I understand and agree to the loan agreement

Application Fee and Entries

All Memberships Levels

each artist may submit one piece (diptych and triptychs included)

$30.00 Quantity

Total

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