The Botanical Vessel

Saratoga Clay Arts Center seeks submissions for its 7th annual national juried exhibition,  The Botanical Vessel. 

Juried by NY potter Brenda Quinn,  we invite submissions of utilitarian and decorative ceramic artwork that reflect the beauty, complexity, and vitality of plant life. 

Quinn states, “While the emphasis is on functional vessels, both utilitarian and decorative works will be considered. I am especially interested in pieces that thoughtfully explore plant-inspired form, surface, texture, or concept in innovative ways. This might include work that celebrates the rhythms of nature, evokes botanical imagery, or reimagines how clay can embody the essence of growth, bloom, and regeneration. Whether your practice leans toward tradition or experimentation, I welcome interpretations that highlight the enduring dialogue between clay and the natural world.”

Saratoga Clay Arts Center seeks submissions for its 7th annual national juried exhibition,  The Botanical Vessel, to be juried by New York potter Brenda Quinn.

For millennia, ceramic artists across cultures have looked to the natural world as a source of inspiration—drawing from the beauty, symbolism, and life-giving qualities of plants. From ancient storage jars adorned with leaf motifs to contemporary vessels echoing organic growth and structure, botanicals have remained a vital wellspring of creativity in clay.  

For this exhibition, The Botanical Vessel, Brenda Quinn invites submissions of ceramic artwork that reflect the beauty, complexity, and vitality of plant life. She states, “While the emphasis is on functional vessels, both functional and decorative works will be considered. I am especially interested in pieces that thoughtfully explore plant-inspired form, surface, texture, or concept in innovative ways. This might include work that celebrates the rhythms of nature, evokes botanical imagery, or reimagines how clay can embody the essence of growth, bloom, and regeneration. Whether your practice leans toward tradition or experimentation, I welcome interpretations that highlight the enduring dialogue between clay and the natural world.”

ELIGIBILITY  
THE BOTANICAL VESSEL  is open to all artists over 18 residing within the United States and Canada.  Works must be primarily ceramic.

FEES $30 per entry (for up to 3 works) 

PRIZES  There are two monetary prizes. Juror's Choice ($300) and Director's Choice ($100). Winners will be chosen and revealed at the opening reception and on social media.

ENTRY PROCEDURES Applications will be accepted online only; www.callforentry.com Submission begins October 1, 2025 and ends January 15, 2026.

Applicants are asked to provide a biography, artist statement, and for each work, title, description (medium/process), and dimensions.

NOTIFICATION will be sent through callforentry.com after February 15, 2026. Accepted artists will also receive follow up communication from leigh@saratogaclayarts.org after acceptance letters have been emailed from Café.

THE BOTANICAL VESSEL is open to all artists over 18 residing within the United States and Canada.  Works must be primarily ceramic.