In Bloom | A Ceramics Exhibition at Stove Works

Open Call Submission Period: May 26, 2026 - July 5, 2026

Exhibition Dates: August 7th, 2026 - August 29th, 2026
Opening Reception: August 7th, 2025 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Venue: Stove Works, 1250 E 13th Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37408  

Scenic City Clay Arts invites ceramic artists to submit work for In Bloom, an exhibition exploring one’s personal journey to embracing the labor of growth. This show seeks ceramic work that challenges the narrative that development is linear and encourages an exploration of how the push and pull of societal obstacles serve as reflection points. 

This exhibition draws inspiration from the life cycle of a flower: from bud to bloom. Blooming does not demand flourishing; it suggests a new beginning–trusting that a quiet transformation carries the same weight as an exuberant renaissance. 

We seek work that considers:

• How your piece(s) communicate a willingness to learn and trust your intuition: displayed either visually or conceptually.

• The emotional, political, or conceptual weight of form, surface, and material.

• The ways in which expectation versus authenticity can shape or stifle a path to potential.

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines:

• This Call for artists is open to all ceramic and mixed media artists who possess a clear emphasis on ceramic.

• However, artists currently residing or working within Chattanooga and neighboring cities will be given priority in the selection process to support the growth of the local arts community.

• Both utilitarian forms and sculptural/ non-functional forms are welcome, as long as they carry a conceptual underpinning. Whether through symbolism, surface design, altered forms, or material exploration, we encourage submissions that present ceramics as vessels for thought and dialogue.

• Artists may submit up to 5 pieces for consideration.

Applications will open on May 26, 2026.
Check back here for more details!