Call for Entries
Call for Entries
International Museum of Dinnerware Design’s Seventh National Biennial Juried Exhibition
Chopsticks
A person remembers special moments that may involve some new-learned physical skill. A person probably remembers when they first learned to ride a bike. They might remember when they learned to swim, or ice skate or fly a kite. They remember when they had the dexterity to tie their own shoes or tie their own necktie.
Dining memories work in the same way, sometimes they involve dexterity as well. A person may not remember when they first held a spoon and could feed themselves, but they will certainly remember when they learned to use chopsticks properly. Often the person was shown how to properly hold and manipulate chopsticks by a friend or family member. They also might have learned by looking at the instructional diagram on the disposable chopsticks wrapper itself.
The International Museum of Dinnerware Designs 7th National Biennial Invitational and Juried exhibition is Chopsticks. It will highlight the best designs in functional, sculptural and 2D design celebrating this dining implement. Actual chopsticks may be one element in the finished work, but it is not required. The exhibition is about all aspects of the dining experience for the types of cuisine where chopsticks might be used.
We invite you to submit that artwork to the International Museum of Dinnerware Design’s 7th Biennial Invitational and Juried Exhibition with the theme Chopsticks. Please carefully read the “Call for Entries.” There is an entry fee. There are rules and deadlines.
Exhibition dates: April 10 to July 11, 2027
Opening reception: Saturday, April 10, 2027, 1 – 4 p.m.
Location: The International Museum of Dinnerware Design, 524 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 (please note, this is not the shipping address for artwork******)
Entry Deadline: January 31, 2027
Entry Fee: $35 for up to 3 entries (with a maximum of 3 images per entry*) payable by check or PayPal
The intention of this juried exhibition is to showcase the best in contemporary dinnerware as it relates to the theme Chopsticks. This is explored through the creation of specialized dinnerware, 2D and 3D work relating to the topic, in all media, created by artists and designers from the United States. Dinnerware and 3D work should be no larger than 18″ in any dimension. Design drawings, paintings and photographs should be no larger than 18” x 24” and mounted or framed to be ready for installation. The International Museum of Dinnerware Design is the only museum in the world devoted to the subject of dinnerware. It is international in scope and has no material limitations. It includes functional ware, ancient to futuristic, and fine art referencing dining.
*if the work is functional, at least one of the images should show the appropriate chopstick cuisine in use on the dinnerware.
Eligibility and Rules:
No media restrictions. Open to artists and designers over 18 years of age and residing in the United States. Each entry must demonstrate the artist’s/designer’s personal interpretation of the theme Chopsticks whether that be in the form of a functional piece or sculpture or design concept model or drawing, painting or photograph. Work should be no larger than 18” in all directions (except in the case of design drawings, paintings and photographs which may be 18″ x 24″). Entries will be juried on creativity/innovation and artistic merit/aesthetics. If an entry is a functional piece, then it is strongly suggested that one of the images include chopstick cuisine. No wall pieces will be accepted except in the case of accepted design drawings, paintings and photographs, which must arrive appropriately mounted and framed to be ready for installation. All work must have been completed in the last two years. Work submitted may not include perishable materials. Please include the dimensions of the work, materials, and a brief biography and artist’s/designer’s statement about this particular work. The work must be for sale. The International Museum of Dinnerware Design will retain a 30% commission on any work sold during exhibition.
Juror: Beth Lo
About the Juror: Born in Lafayette, Indiana to parents of Chinese nationality, ceramicist Beth Lo makes work about family, culture and language. Her Good Children vessels and sculptures have been exhibited internationally, and her work has been recognized by fellowships from United States Artists, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Montana Arts Council and the American Craft Museum. She is a Professor Emeritus of Art and taught Ceramics at the University of Montana from 1985-2016. Beth is also an award-winning children’s book illustrator and professional bass player for several musical ensembles.
Application deadline and fees:
Application forms (which include information such as artist/designer name, contact information, description of the work, materials, dimensions, and selling price) can be submitted via mail or scanned into an email.
Submit with (a) high resolution digital image(s) (via email) and include information about each image. Also include an artist’s/designer’s statement and brief biography. Deadline for submission 5 p.m. EST, January 31, 2027. Artists/designers will be notified of acceptance of work by February 15, 2027. Accepted work must be received between March 1-5, 2027.
Juried from digital image(s) (email director@dinnerwaremuseum.org) Images must be high resolution. Images should be labeled “ArtistName_ShortTitle_ImageNumber,” for example “DaVinci_MonaLisa_Image1.jpg.”
Entry fee: $35 for up to three entries
Artists/designers must maintain their own insurance. Artists/designers are responsible for insurance on in-bound and out-bound shipping as well as while on the exhibition site. Every reasonable precaution will be taken during the receiving, installation, exhibition, and return of work. The International Museum of Dinnerware Design will assume no responsibility for any loss or damage.
Receipt and return of artwork:
Shipping Address:
International Museum of Dinnerware Design
80 Westbrook Place
Kingston, NY 12401
Artwork must be shipped (at the artist’s/designer’s expense) via UPS, FedEx, or USPS in a sturdy reusable container. No COD shipments will be accepted. No loose Styrofoam packing peanuts will be allowed in packaging. All accepted work shipped and hand delivered must be received between March 1-5, 2027. Hand delivered work must be delivered to Kingston by prior appointment during Museum hours Wednesday – Friday noon – 5 p.m. to the museum location at 524 Broadway, Kingston. Accepted artists/designers shipping their work must include prepaid charges for return shipping.
Prizes:
Prizes TBA
Online catalogue:
An online catalogue will be created from images and label copy submitted by the artist/designer and will be available at the International Museum of Dinnerware Design’s website at www.dinnerwaremuseum.org
Rules:
- All work must remain for the duration of the exhibition April 10 – July 11, 2027.
- The museum reserves the right to photograph works for publicity and other purposes.
- Payment of the entry fee signifies the artist’s understanding and acceptance of the rules and conditions of the competition.
- All entrants must include their name, address, city, state, zip code, country, phone, email, title of work, date of work, materials and techniques, dimensions, and price.
Calendar:
January 31, 2027 – Deadline for entries
February 15, 2027 – Notification of accepted work
March 1-5, 2027 – Receipt of accepted artwork
April 10 to July 11, 2027– Exhibition dates
July 15, 2027 – Return of all work will begin
Contact:
Dr. Margaret Carney, Director
The International Museum of Dinnerware Design
607-382-1415
director@dinnerwaremuseum.org
www.dinnerwaremuseum.org
Please email or phone if your questions aren’t answered here.