Established in 1971, Ink & Clay is an annual competition of printmaking, drawing, ceramic ware, clay sculpture and mixed media utilizing any variety of "ink" or "clay" as a material. The exhibition is sponsored by the W. Keith and Janet Kellogg University Art Gallery of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and is underwritten by the generosity of the late Col. James "Jim" H. Jones with additional support from the Office of the University President.

For the second time, Ink & Clay was open to artists working in all 50 states, making this a National Competition! The exhibition is documented through an online catalog and a printable PDF file. Unique among juried exhibitions, Ink & Clay is celebrated by artists and collectors, both locally and nationally, for its quality and diversity.

Media Eligibility
Any artist working in the United States may enter this competition. The Jurors make the final decision on which works are acceptable. Artwork Submissions must have been completed within the last 3 years. Generally, any work utilizing any type of ink or clay, in whole or in part, is acceptable. Works must be original. The focus is on artworks that have been created by the artist’s hands in some way, shape or form. There are no size restrictions. Past exhibitions have included full-­?blown installations, freestanding sculptures and mixed media.

Awards
The Kellogg Art Gallery is pleased to offer $8000 in cash awards this year. This includes (2) $1000 Purchase Awards: The James H. Jones Memorial Purchase Award, generously sponsored by Mr. Bruce M. Jewett, and the University President’s Purchase Award, sponsored by the Office of University President, J. Michael Ortiz. Remaining awards include (11) $500 Juror Awards and (5) $100 Director’s Choice Awards.

Criteria for Accepted Works
Judging by the Jurors was completed by July 26, 2014. This year’s jurors – Phyllis Green, Dave Lefner and Jeannie Denholm –? worked very thoughtfully to select the artworks for this year’s exhibition. They spent a lot of time and effort in making careful selections. There were difficult choices to be made, and these jurors utilized their expertise, objective criteria and personal preferences to select the work. Juroring criteria were left up to each of the individual Jurors. The juroring consensus, for the most part, was based on both technical skill and uniqueness or originality. After much deliberation, both individually and as a panel, the Jurors awarded 11 winners. Additional prizes awarded by the University President, Guest Donor and Gallery Director.

Jurors: Phyllis Green, Dave Lefner and Jeannie Denholm

Phyllis Green
First, I look for a sense of uniqueness or originality – I have looked at so much artwork, by both professionals and students, in my years as an artist, and a teacher. What grabs me most is seeing something I have never seen before, or something that provides a fresh perspective to a familiar form or theme. Second, I seek a sense of technical competence – to me, "craft" equals control. I look for a reasonable amount of proficiency by the artist with materials and technique, enough to convince me of the artist’s intention. This criterion is hardest to access when looking at images of artwork, but easier when viewing the actual artwork in person.

Dave Lefner
I believe most TRULY great art comes out of hard work and process, even if the end result may look simple… especially in ink & clay. Therefore, for my first and most important criteria, I look for technical skill and how it is applied within the piece. I think of how the factor of time and energy may have helped the full development of the work of art. However, conversely, I also trust in my second criteria, which is the initial response to a piece that “just works” somehow; whether it be compositionally, use of colors, concept, etc. Part of this feeling may be from decades of study, or intuition.

Jeannie Denholm
My criteria when looking at artwork is first to look for art that is the most innovative, least common, fresh, and most unique. Next, I seek out how well the technical skill is exemplified – how quality is revealed in terms of materials and execution. Pushing the media in new directions, outside of the norm. Last, but not least, the “deeply personal” interests me.

The Kellogg University Art Gallery and the Cal Poly Pomona community welcome all of this year’s Ink & Clay participating artists, and thank them, the jurors and award judges for their time and thoughtful dedication. Ink & Clay 40 opens Saturday, September 13th and runs through October 23rd, 2014. The opening reception is Saturday, September 13 from 6-9pm, with an artists’ talk at 6:45pm. The opening reception is open to the public and admission is free.
Music, food and refreshments are included.

Exhibit Coordinated by:
Michele Cairella Fillmore, Curator/Director
Kellogg and Huntley University Art Galleries