Description

Peters Valley School of Craft is thrilled to invite submissions for Bespoke Blacksmithing, a unique exhibition-in-print (EIP) opportunity that celebrates the artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation of blacksmithing. This exhibition seeks to showcase works that push the boundaries of traditional blacksmithing while honoring its rich history. We invite blacksmiths, artisans, and metalworkers to submit pieces that demonstrate skill, creativity, and a personal interpretation of the craft, whether through functional, sculptural, or experimental forms.

Mediums Revealed is an exciting exhibition-in-print series hosted by Peters Valley School of Craft, designed to give inspiration to potential students by spotlighting the diverse creative outcomes that can be gained through taking workshops in each of their specialized studios. This series will have multiple volumes focused on Ceramics, Blacksmithing, Fine Metals/Jewelry, Woodworking, Fibers, Glass, and Printmaking/Photography, reflecting the various studio offerings available at Peters Valley School of Craft.  Works submitted do not need to be created on campus or as a direct line from a workshop taken at Peters Valley.

Any works made of hard metals or blacksmithing techniques are welcome to apply.  

One artist will be chosen for a special Artist Feature blog.
 

Venue

This is an Exhibition-in-Print (EIP) opportunity.  Works do not need to be delivered to our physical location as there will not be an in person display for this exhibition, rather a high quality publication will showcase the works selected.  Selected artists will have to opportunity to purchase the publication at a discounted rate for a period of time.

Eligibility 

As part of our mission to enhance the learning, practice, and appreciation of craft by pioneering opportunities for America based artists, we limit eligibility to makers who reside in the United States of America.  Works submitted do not need to be created on campus or as a direct line from a workshop taken at Peters Valley.
 

Entry Fee

$25 for up to 3 pieces per submission.  You may submit multiple times, and pay $25 per submission.

Sales

Works do not have to be available for sale.  Interested parties will be able to contact you via the contact information you provide (Instagram or Website).

Image Specifications

Please provide 2 to 5 images for each piece.  Between 1200 and 1920 pixels on the longest side, minimum 300 PPI/dpi (standard print resolution), 5 MB maximum file size.  CMYK color profile will ensure your colors are most accurate through the printing process.  If selected, you are guaranteed one printed image with your full piece displayed. If your work is three-dimensional, at least 2 images will be used to help provide context to viewers in a print publication.  Additional detail shots will be used as need for layout. 

An optional audio description can be included in submission; this would be used to allow visitors to hear about your piece directly from you as the maker.  Audio descriptions will be provided via QR code in the publication.
 

Jury

Submissions will be juried by a group of talented, working artists:
 

Sean Fitzsimmons is a bladesmith and artist blacksmith from Sussex county New Jersey. He draws inspiration from fantasy and historical sources, and seeks to make objects of arcane significance with positive intentions. He has a deep appreciation for handmade things of any variety and loves to trade with other craftspeople. You can find him in the water when he is not in the forge.

Leslie Tharp is a Florida based metal artist, specializing in large-scale ironwork. The unique combination of forged and fabricated metal inspires creative expression as well as structural solutions. This perspective on the material has encouraged an abundance of applications, from public art to architectural metalwork, and so much more. In addition to her studio practice, Leslie offers hands-on blacksmithing and welding classes through her teaching facility [Fe]ver Metal Art Center in Gainesville, FL.

Erika Hewston earned her Masters in Arts Administration from Kutztown University in 2024 and received her BFA in Textiles and Material Studies and BSBA in Business Management from Kutztown University in 2018. Erika currently serves as the Retail and Gallery Exhibitions Director for Peters Valley School of Craft in Layton, New Jersey.  In this role, she gets to develop and coordinate exhibitions and special events as well as work with artists to showcase and sell their work in the gallery storeroom.  She is striving to increase accessibility to the traditional exhibition space by incorporating touch elements and audio descriptions whenever possible. Her woven work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.  Along with exhibitions, she has sold her work at in person fine craft fairs in the Northeastern United States including at the American Craft Council Baltimore Craft Show, Smithsonian Craft: Fashion & Home, and the Academy Art Museum Craft Show.  Find more information at www.erikahewstontextiles.com
 

Event Calendar

March 31, 2025: Submissions Open

June 8, 2025: Submissions Close

June 30, 2025: Notification Deadline

July, 2025: Publication will be available for purchase

Questions?

Contact the Erika Hewston, Gallery Director, at gallery@petersvalley.org or by calling 973-948-5202

Peters Valley School of Craft is proud to open the call for our annual Members Showcase, an exciting exhibition-in-print celebrating the talent, creativity, and diversity of our community of makers. This exhibition provides our members with a unique opportunity to showcase their work in a print catalog, highlighting the incredible craftsmanship and innovation of our supporting community. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a new member, this is your chance to share your work with a wider audience! 

If you are not currently a member, you will be able to sign up upon submitting your submission form.
 

Theme

Open to all forms of craft, from fine art to functional design, the Member Showcase invites members to submit work that represents their artistic journey and practice.
 

Venue

This is an Exhibition-in-Print (EIP) opportunity.  Works do not need to be delivered to our physical location, rather a high quality publication will showcase the works selected.  
 

Eligibility 

This open call is for our supporting members. Not a member yet? No problem! You can sign up as part of your application and submit your work simultaneously.  

Additional membership information can be found here.  
 

Entry Fee

There is no fee for current members. If you are not yet a member, you will be able to select a membership level within the application form and pay your membership fee upon submission.
 

Jury

The Member Showcase is a non-juried exhibition. If you submit your work, it will be included in the catalog!

Image Specifications

Please provide 2 to 5 images for each piece.  Between 1200 and 1920 pixels on the longest side, minimum 300 PPI/dpi (standard print resolution), 5 MB maximum file size.  CMYK color profile will ensure your colors are most accurate through the printing process.  If selected, you are guaranteed one printed image with your full piece displayed. If your work is three-dimensional, at least 2 images will be used to help provide context to viewers in a print publication.  Additional detail shots will be used as needed for layout. 

An optional audio description can be included in submission; this would be used to allow visitors to hear about your piece directly from you as the maker.  Audio descriptions will be provided via QR code in the publication.
 

Sales

Works will not be available for sale.
 

Catalog Purchase

Catalogs will be available for purchase in July 2025. This beautifully designed catalog will include full-color images of all accepted submissions, artist bios, and other special features. It will be a keepsake, honoring the diverse voices and talents of the Peters Valley School of Craft community. 

Selected artists will receive a special link to purchase catalogs at a discounted rate for a limited time following catalog completion. Notification of availability, along with the link, will be made through the Submittable platform, so please ensure you have your email notifications turned on.
 

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
• Catalog Available: July 2025
• Virtual Artist Reception: July 2025 via zoom - date TBD

Questions?

If you have questions about the exhibition, please contact Erika Hewston, Gallery Director, at gallery@petersvalley.org

For technical concerns using Submittable, please contact their customer support team here 

We look forward to celebrating the vibrant work of our members in this special exhibition. Thank you for being a part of the Peters Valley School of Craft community!

Thank you for your interest in showcasing and selling your work through the Gallery at Peters Valley School of Craft.  We are a non-profit organization whose mission is to enrich lives through learning, appreciation, and practice of fine crafts. The gallery supports this mission by supporting living artists through the facilitation of sales of their work and creating opportunities for them to exhibit their work in a professional setting.

Jury Process: professional and emerging craft artisans working in ceramics, textiles, woodworking, blacksmithing, fine metals, glass, and other special topics are welcome to apply. All media is considered.  All artists must be juried in for acceptance.  Acceptance is based on quality, continuity, and space availability within the gallery.

Details: items are sold on consignment at a 50% commission rate.  There are no addition fees!  We do not charge a submission fee, space rental, or any other hidden fees.  Only once your items sell do we retain the commission fee to help cover these expenses.

Devote yourself to your work on Peters Valley’s beautiful campus located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! This location provides tranquility and inspiration in a supportive artistic community. Come spend uninterrupted time in one of our fully-equipped studios. Two to four-week residencies may be available in the following studios on a very limited basis:

• Ceramics: November - April

Unlimited access to our fully equipped printmaking studio (all utilities included) and a private room in a fully furnished shared house will be provided for a fee of $500. All materials and supplies are the responsibility of the resident artist. Due to the rural nature of our campus, a personal vehicle is required. The guest artist residency program is open to all artists, from emerging to professional however you must have experience with all of the tools and equipment and be able to work independently. In ceramics, the Studio Head will oversee the studios and be available for a studio orientation. Private instruction for particular equipment and techniques may be available for an hourly rate on a case by case basis. This should be discussed with the studio head prior to arrival.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. There is a $5 application fee for this program.

Through the incredible generosity of the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation, Peters Valley is excited to offer fully funded guest artist residencies for the fall of 2025! A limited number of artists will be selected to spend either two weeks or one month each in our fully equipped studios immersing themselves in time dedicated to their craft.

We are currently seeking artists who work in Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Fibers, Jewelry/Fine Metals, Wood, or Printmaking (2-week residency only).

Two week residencies will take place November 1-15, 2025 and full month residencies will run November 1-30, 2025. (Guest Artist should plan on arriving at Peters Valley on Friday, October 31st.) This program is open to all artists, from emerging to professional however you must have experience with the tools and equipment and be able to work independently. Due to the rural nature of our campus, a personal vehicle is required.

A private room in a fully furnished shared house and unlimited access to a fully equipped studio (all utilities included) will be provided at no cost to the artist. This residency opportunity also pays the artist a stipend of $500 for two-week long residencies and $1,000 for month-long residencies to help off-set the costs of materials and travel. The acquisition of all materials and supplies are the responsibility of the artist.

There is a $10 application fee for this program.

Peters Valley will offer tuition scholarships to a limited number of art educators. These educators will receive 50% off of tuition for a workshop of their choice in 2025. Recipients will be responsible for all other associated costs such as the balance of tuition, material fees and room and board if needed (lunches are included). Peters Valley offers this opportunity in an effort to encourage art teachers to learn new skills or enhance existing ones.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a panel of Peters Valley staff. The panel will review the applications and select those that reflect the strongest need and desire to further develop their skills and understanding of craft media. The panel will take into consideration the applicant's experience and the contents of the letter of intent. While we feel it is important that the applicant show active involvement in their field outside the classroom, we also feel that a strong desire to enhance their school program and learn by doing is equally important. It is our hope that by taking a workshop at Peters Valley the recipients will be inspired to grow creatively in their personal work and pass information along to their students.

Applications are accepted throughout the workshop season, with no deadline to apply.

There is a $5 application fee for this scholarship.

Peters Valley will offer a limited number of half-tuition scholarships to college students during the 2025 workshop season.

Scholarship recipients will receive 50% off of the workshop tuition as well as 50% off of the cost of Room & Board. The balance of the tuition, room & board, and the Studio/materials Fee will be the responsibility of the student. 

A panel of Peters Valley staff will choose the scholarship recipients. The panel will review the applications and select those that reflect the strongest need and desire to further develop their skills and understanding of craft media. The panel will take into consideration the applicant’s experience and the contents of the letter of intent. It is our hope that by taking a workshop at Peters Valley, the recipients will be inspired to grow creatively in their personal work and push themselves into new artistic territories.

Applications are accepted throughout the workshop season, with no deadline to apply.

There is NO application fee for this scholarship.

Peters Valley is pleased offer full scholarships to students ages 13-17 who show financial need to take one of our teen workshops. Students age 17 can apply for an adult workshop in any studio except blacksmithing. This scholarship is offered in honor of Dorothy Godlewski, who was a youth art educator for 54 years. The recipient will receive free tuition and materials for a workshop of their choice.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen by a panel of Peters Valley staff. The panel will review the applications and select those that reflect the strongest financial need. It is our hope that by taking a workshop at Peters Valley, the recipients will be inspired to develop a life-long passion for craft.

There is NO application fee for this scholarship.