Trade Design Build and Corners Gallery are accepting submissions to our collaborative event, Material Matters, a shoppable installation of art and design wares.

Exhibition Statement:

Shaped by a shared interest in art, architecture, and interior design, Material Matters will celebrate high craft and the creative impulse by featuring artists and designers using time and material to create art and objects of intriguing design, form and texture.

Exhibition Format: 

Material Matters will present a collection of works by artists invited through this open call as well as a handful of artists selected for their exceptional level of craftsmanship and unique vision.  

Exhibition Details: 

• Exhibition Title: Material Matters

• Exhibition Dates: October 11 - December 20, 2026

• Opening Event : Sunday, October 11, 2026

• Location: The gallery at Trade Design Build Architecture / 1520 Trumansburg Rd (Rt 96), Ithaca, NY. 

Eligibility and Guidelines:

Open to:  This is a national call, open to residents of the US. Call is open to artists and designers at all career stages working in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. Objects can be utilitarian or ornamental.

Works submitted:  1 - 3 works per artist (number is dependent on proposal - i.e. could be a set of cups or silverware, in which case number would be higher)

Works must be:

• Created within the last 3 years
  

Required info for each submission:

•  2-3 images per work (including detail and overall views)
  

• Each image must be labeled : Last name_first name_title (example: Smith_John_The Envelope)
  

• Include size, materials, year made, suggested retail price
  

Additional documents:

• Artist statement (max 200 words)
  

• Artist bio (100–150 words)
  

• Current CV (PDF format preferred)

Criteria: Submitting your work does not guarantee acceptance. Submissions will be reviewed by Gideon Stone, Founder and Co-Owner of Trade Design Build Architecture and Ariel Bullion Ecklund, Curator and Founder of Corners Gallery.

Works will be evaluated on:

• Conceptual strength and relevance to the exhibition theme
  

• Originality and clarity of artistic voice
  

• Quality of form, surface, and execution
  

• Engagement with tradition and/or innovation
  
  

What selected artists will receive:

• Inclusion in the in-gallery exhibition
  

• Works presented alongside a roster of established, invited artists
  

• Professional documentation and promotional exposure
  

• All works will be available for purchase at Trade Design Build, 1520 Trumansburg Rd (Rt 96), Ithaca, NY.
  

• Artists will be credited across all media and marketing platforms
  

• Opportunities for future collaborations 

Fees:

• No fee to apply.
  

• All shipping costs to be covered by selected artists.
  

• Artworks can be picked up by the artist or shipped back after the exhibition period or they will continue to be available for sale via the gallery. Commission for sold works will be 30% to the gallery.
  

Key Dates:

• Call Opens: April 28
  

• Submission Deadline: Sunday, July 12, 5pm
  

• Artists Notified: Sunday, July 25
  

• Work Delivery Deadline: TBA / September
  

• Exhibition Opens: Sunday, October 11
  

• Exhibition Closes: Sunday, December 20

Questions? Contact ariel@cornersgallery.com. Ready to apply? Send ONE EMAIL with all information to ariel@cornersgallery.com. Include in the subject line “Material Matters”.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing your work!