Radical Americana @ Clay Studio of Philidelphia
Philadelphia has always been a center for art and civic dialogue. This year, we’re honoring that legacy with Radical Americana. 🏛️✨
We are so proud to be the organizer of Radical Americana, a citywide initiative that unites Philadelphia’s leading artists and culture organizations in a series of 25 exhibitions.
Explore how artists are responding to the Semiquincentennial with artwork inspired by Philadelphia’s history in 1776, 1876, 1976, and today.
We’ll be launching a Welcome Hub in our Featured Artist Space, spotlighting partners and artists, alongside our exhibition American Crib: What’s Happening? by Roberto Lugo.
📍Visit our partner sites and experience how the past is shaping our future:
@historicalpa @museumforartinwood @andalusiapa @tallerpr @inliquidart @stentonmuseum @glenfoerd @freelibrary @dinawindartfoundation @no_5_butchie_alley @michael.biello @thecoloredgirlsmuseum @cliveden1767 @visitpham @waygayphilly @audubonphilly @plannedparenthood @historicyellowsprings
It’s been a while…. blogging, career pivots and ceramics.
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In all that has been happening in the world as of late, I’ve found myself more and more tempted to push against the speed of swipes and algorithms to engage in deeper conversation.
So much of my practice in the last few years, since putting my blog on pause, has evolved in a variety of ways that aren’t always easy to sum up in an image or short text. Instagram once provided supportive connection and community, but it has become something else as of late. I go to post an image, a reel, and I constantly end up deleting the draft post as it just feels disingenuous. I’ve wanted to find a way to better record my research and practice while sharing all the layers and threads that run through my work.
Musing About Mud blog had evolved to be more of a notice board of upcoming events and opportunities. I want to keep some of that aspect alive here as well. It’s always been an honour to serve our clay community internationally in this way.
Some things go quiet before they come back stronger (fingers crossed here). The blog is returning because the world needs more clay — more slowness, more community, more art that gets its hands dirty with the questions that matter. Consider this a gathering place: for makers, thinkers, and anyone who believes a vessel can hold more than water and that ceramics is integral to our recording of human history.
Thinking about the format for the blog coming back, I realize that I want to make a few changes, tweaks to the old way of doing things. This time I want to be providing something that goes above and beyond what can be found easily online, and which will provide greater engagement in our field of ceramic research and creation.
I need to talk about what scares me;
I’ve had a long time to think through the things that hold me back creatively and professionally. At 47 I’m ready to admit that the most complex hurdle I’ve created for myself is how to confidently assert my value as artist, designer, mentor and contributor in our sector. Awkwardly a substantial part of this hurdle is how to make a living through the various projects I’m contributing to.
Musing About Mud being accessible and for everyone in the community is a core belief of mine. I don’t agree with gate-keeping information. Alas a horrible business plan though financially. With the reinvestment of time back into this blog I need to consider how to find a means for it to be sustainable. I ran the blog for over 15 years as a volunteer and the economy as it is currently, that isn’t an option any longer. I’ve had the unwavering support of Erin and Jared of Finelite Photography and Design for the blog’s web hosting and consulting over the years, but this time I’m looking outwards for other sponsors. Putting myself out there and asking for that financial support is one of my biggest fears. (And yes my therapist is helping with it! LOL)
Some of you might have been long time readers of Musing. Some of you might wonder who the hell I am and what’s my story and credentials. No matter how you got here, I’m so happy to have your attention and precious time.
Here’s a sense of what I’m planning and what you can expect:
Monday Morning Eye Candy! Yes this must come back! So many inspirational artists out there creating ceramics that I want to share with you. And as always I’ll be hoping you all send in your latest and greatest works so I can share them with the Musing community.
Technical Info! Tips, tricks, videos and lists of upcoming workshops / lectures internationally that you can join.
Calls for entry for EXHIBITIONS, RESIDENCIES, EMPLOYMENT, and so much more.
All the above will be posted on Musing About Mud weekly with FREE access.
For those that have the financial means to support the blog there are the following new options to show your support:
Paid subscriber benefits:
Monthly plan price of $7 CDN (about $5 USD) or Yearly at $75 CDN (about $54 USD)
- Subscriber-only posts. Go behind the scenes including deeper insight into Carole’s research and process, educational documents, creative and professional resources, and full blog archive.
- Bi-weekly newsletter digest of upcoming deadlines, etc.
- Minimum 2 long format posts per month.
- Post comments and join the community.
- Access to Pre-sale /Pre-orders and discounts in my online shop.
- Digital freebies: Colouring pages, screen savers, downloadable prints.
Founding Member benefits:
Price $350 CDN (About $254 USD) Annually
- Access to Free and Paid subscriber benefits;
- Acknowledgement in newsletter and on blog of sponsorship with direct link to your website.
Times are weird and challenging out there. It’s getting exceptionally harder to make a living as an artist. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about our international clay community and insights into how myself and others are making it work.
Much Love,
Carole
I’ll be back as soon as I can; and as always thanks for all the support.
call for entry: Clay Bash 2023
Hunterdon Art Museum invites applications to our first triennial juried exhibition of ceramics. The form and content of your work will be up to you, the artist/maker. We are seeking lively and interesting interpretations of clay as material and idea. Your work may – or may not – fall within the traditional terms of description as “functional” or “sculptural”.
Juror – Jennifer D. Martin is the Executive Director of The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, and is also an accomplished artist. Her ceramic work is nationally recognized in numerous exhibitions and publications.
Awards – First Prize: $1,000
Second Prize: $500
Three Honorable Mention prizes will be awarded.
Entry Fee $40 for up to four entries
Entry fees are non-refundable
Submission Deadline – February 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Artist Notification April 5, 2023 (by email)
In-Person Delivery
May 3-5, 2023 during office hours (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Deadline to Receive Shipped Artwork
May 5, 2023
Exhibition Opening Reception
Sunday, May 21, 2023
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Pre-paid Artwork Return and In-Person Pick-up
September 7-12, 2023 during office hours
www.hunterdonartmuseum.org/exhibitions/claybash
call for artists: Banff Artist in Residence Spring 2023
Overview
The Banff Artist in Residence program is designed for visual artists to focus on their practice in a supportive learning environment. Within this residency, you are encouraged to self-direct your research and time, as well as cultivate new directions in your work. Your artist in residence experience, is further supported through individual studio visits with guest faculty and dialogue amongst peers.
The program encourages experimentation and risk-taking via access to shared production facilities and knowledgeable staff who are available to provide technical support and assistance. In addition, you will have the opportunity to build connections, create networks, and share your work with other artists-in-residence and the public.
What does the program offer?
The Banff Artist in Residence program offers you the opportunity to delve deeply into their practice while away from the constraints of everyday life. You will be are provided with a studio, accessible 24 hours a day, as well as access to our extensive facilities.
Who should apply?
This residency is for visual artists who have completed formal training at the post-secondary level, or who have equivalent experience and recognition from their peers.
Banff Centre invites applications from anywhere in the world, and artists of all ages, backgrounds, gender identities, and expressions.
For full details on vaccination requirements, masking, safety protocols, and COVID related policies please visit: www.banffcentre.ca/covid-19-measures
Adjudication
Adjudication is based on artistic merit, the potential impact of the program on artists’ practice and careers, project feasibility and the capacity of Banff Centre to help realize the project, and the project’s fit with Banff Centre’s values and strategic directions as described in its strategic plan. Banff Centre respects the need for artists to plan ahead for their visit; applicants will be notified as soon as adjudication is complete.
International Applicants
Banff Centre welcomes domestic and international applicants for this program. Please note, Banff Centre programs do not meet Canadian Student Visa eligibility requirements, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted individuals are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. Current wait times to receive a visa are much longer than normal, so applicants who require a Visitor Visa should check the current expected processing times prior to applying.
All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Program fee is subject to applicable taxes. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of the Banff Centre. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Find more HERE.
call for entries: Fifteenth Annual Cup Show: “Form and Function”
Gulf Coast State College Amelia Center Gallery is hosting its annual juried exhibition that explores the idea of the drinking vessel. The focus of the exhibit is on the function and concept of the drinking vessel, including its relation to history, politics, craft, technology, utility, and narrative. It is a survey of the wide variety of approaches to contemporary ceramics through the lens of the most intimate and accessible vessel – the cup.
Juror
Mike Stumbras makes ceramic vessels that are inspired by 18th and 19th century European production ware. His work is created primarily on the potter’s wheel with the immediacy and individuality attributed to hand processes and alternative firing methods. Mike was born in Chicago, IL. He studied at St. Olaf College (BFA 2007), and Louisiana State University (MFA 2017). He has completed numerous residencies across the country, and is currently Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Prizes
$100 Best of Show prize will be awarded by the juror.
Eligibility
The exhibition is open to both functional and sculptural work that addresses the idea of “the cup”. Please submit only original work that has been completed in the last three (3) years. Amelia Center Gallery reserves the right to reject any work that is not suitably prepared for exhibition or that differs from the original submission.
Entries and Fees
Please submit your entries online via Smarter Entry at https://client.smarterentry.com/ACG. Each artist may submit up to three (3) images with the following specifications. Images must be saved as JPG, TIF, or PNG files not greater than 2MB. The longest side should be 1,280 pixels or greater. The files should be titled with the artist’s first and last name and entry number (example: SteveSmith1.jpg). All in one word, file names cannot have special characters. Please do not submit any other materials (CV, statement, etc.). All submissions are due October 21.
Full Prospectus HERE.














