Material Matters: Call for Art + Objects - Trade Design Build and Corners Gallery (Due July 12)

Material Matters: Call for Art + Objects - Trade Design Build and Corners Gallery
Deadline: July 12th, 2026

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

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 

To learn more and apply, click here.

Isaac Pleta