Bespoke Blacksmithing
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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
All artists and makers working with hard metals or blacksmithing techniques are welcome to apply!
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