Off Center 2026 - An International Ceramics Competition

Blue Line Arts invites you to join our annual show: Off Center. This competition celebrates the timeless tradition of ceramic art but also welcomes your unique artistic vision. Whether you prefer classic pottery or bold abstract creations, we are eager to check the pulse of the Ceramics community and see your applications!

Blue Line Arts Presents: Off Center 2026 - An International Ceramic Competition

Blue Line Arts invites you to participate in our annual ceramics exhibition, Off Center. Ceramics is one of the world’s oldest art forms, but we believe there’s always room to explore and reinvent. We’re looking for works that are “off center” in every sense—art that challenges, surprises, and reframes the role of ceramics in contemporary art. Whether it’s a sprawling installation, a bold multi-part sculpture, or an unconventional ceramic piece that reshapes traditional expectations, we encourage you to think beyond the typical vessel.

Our focus is on highlighting ceramic works that are monumental in scale or concept, welcoming submissions that redefine the potential of clay. This includes large installations, mixed-media combinations, wall-mounted pieces, wearable objects, and any form of ceramic expression that dares to explore new territory. While we eagerly welcome submissions of all kinds—functional and non-functional pottery, sculptural works, jewelry, abstract forms, and mixed media—this year’s Off Center seeks to champion the ambitious and the avant-garde. True to its name, Off Center is all about breaking the mold. We’re searching for highly original works that challenge traditional perceptions and expand the possibilities of ceramic art on an international stage.

Prizes

1st place: $500

2nd place: $300

3rd place: $100

Important Dates

Exhibition Dates: March 21st - May 2nd, 2026

Application Deadline: January 2nd, 2026

Artist Notification: January 30th, 2026

Shipping deadline of work to Blue Line Arts: February 28th, 2026

Hand deliver work to Blue Line Arts: March 16th and 17th from 10am - 3pm

Opening Reception: March 21st, 2026

Closing Reception: April 18th, 2026

Pick up unsold work from Blue Line Arts: May 3rd and 4th from 10am-3pm 

Shipping/Delivery Information

• All shipped work will be shipped back within 2 weeks of the show's closing date.
• The artist is responsible for paying for all shipping and should have a prepaid label from FedEx or UPS (No US Mail) for the return of artwork.
• Artwork that is shipped may be picked up, however artwork that is dropped off MUST be picked up by hand.
• If you cannot make drop-off or pick-up days, you’re welcome to send someone in your place with an email confirmation.

Questions

If you have questions about submissions, please contact Blue Line Arts staff during gallery hours at (916) 783-4117 or at gallery@bluelinearts.org

You must be 18 years or older to apply. 

Free for Blue Line Artist Members to submit up to 5 works to Off Center.

Non-members: $35 submission fee for 1 artwork submission. $5 each additional submission up to 5.

Submission Requirements

• Artwork Images: at least 1, up to 5
• Artist Statement (optional)

Image Specifications:

• Between 1mb and 3mb in size
• Minimum of 1200 px on one side
• Images must be in JPG format

• Open to artists everywhere!
• All artwork must be original and completed within the last 2 years.
• Artwork cannot have been previously exhibited at Blue Line Arts.
• All wall hung artworks must be ready to hang with appropriate hardware. All frames must have a wire installed prior to delivery.
• All artwork must be individually for sale.
• No accepted entry may be withdrawn or sold outside of the exhibition prior to the closing date.
• Accepted artwork that differs significantly from image in online submission will be disqualified.
• No packing peanuts
• Blue Line Arts handles all sales transactions. Non-member artists receive a 50% commission from all gallery sales and members receive a 60% commission.

Size Limitations

• Artwork must be able to enter through the doors with a clearance of 94” h x 91” w. Ceilings in the gallery are 10 feet tall. We do have the capacity to feature installation artworks. Please note there is no heavy machinery present on site.
• Artworks over 75lbs must be installed by the artist.