We invite ceramic artists exclusively from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to submit works based on the theme Timeless Bodies for an upcoming annual juried exhibition at OLIVA GALLERY in Chicago, IL. 

Timeless Bodies seeks ceramic work that interprets the human form - through sculptural realism, abstraction or vessel construction. Throughout history, the human form has been symbolized as a container of life, emotion, and spirit, reflecting both fragility and resilience. How does the body hold and convey our stories, memories or cultural history? Artists are encouraged to celebrate the interplay of form and storytelling in clay. 

About the Juror & Curator:

Nancy Pirri is an artist from Chicago, working primarily in ceramics for 30 years and creating figures of all sizes. Pirri has won awards from the Beverly Arts Center and the Rockford Art Museum, including work published in ‘500 Figures in Clay’ V2. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, including SOFA EXPO in Chicago representing Women's Rights anniversaries, and has acquired collectors from all over the world. She has exhibited with numerous galleries in the Midwest and is currently represented by Oliva Gallery and Inner Haven Gallery in Illinois.

Timeless Bodies will be held at:

OLIVA GALLERY
3816 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
www.olivagallery.com 

Opening Reception:
Friday, November 7, 2025
6pm-9pm

Closing:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
3pm-6pm

Awards:
Best in Show: $200
Best Technique: $100

Please fill out the Timeless Bodies Submission Form on the next page.

The information you share helps us to put together the show, prepare for the installation, and share your art on social media.

*NOTE: Once you hit submit:
You will receive a confirmation email
You can edit information & resubmit (no later than May 22, 2025)

DEADLINE to submit: May 22, 2025

An acceptance email will be received no later than May 30, 2025.

A Prospectus will be emailed once accepted with more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

ENTRY FEE:

A payment of $25 is required. Payments can be made via OLIVA GALLERY
Venmo: @Kimberly-Oliva
Zelle: 847-922-5736
Deadline for Entry Fee: May 22, 2025

Shipping: All shipping fees are the artist’s responsibility

If you have any issues uploading your photos or submitting this form, please reach out to nancy@nancy-pirri.com or olivagallery@gmail.com - we will accept via email.  

CRITERIA FOR WORK:

1. Size:
   Pedestal - Max: 4’H
   Wall - Max: 36”D
2. Medium: Ceramic; mixed media with 80% or more completed in ceramic
3. Artists must agree to a 50% Gallery Commission. A Gallery Agreement will be sent out once accepted and will need to be signed by the Artist
4. Only images of work submitted for Timeless Bodies will be accepted at the time of submission
5. Please send up to three (3) max. works of art and up to two (2) detailed photos of your art - Please keep to less than 3MB (300dpi)
6. Only professional photos of your art with no background will be accepted
7. All art, regardless of a sale on opening night, will remain at Oliva Gallery for the duration of the show – November 7 thru December 13, 2025

ART SPECIFICATIONS:

FOR GALLERY PLACARD/SOCIAL MEDIA:
Please provide:

Title of Work
Name of Artist
Medium
Dimensions: H x W x D
Year Completed
Price
Social Media: Instagram/Facebook/Website

Example:

Enid
Nancy Pirri
Ceramic
42"h x 12"w x 8"d
2024
$7,000
@pirriartanddesign/@nancypirri/www.nancy-pirri.com

IMAGES OF WORK:
Please send 1-3 pieces with 1-2 detail shots of each.

Please title your images:
FullName_Title
Example: NancyPirri_Enid
For detail shots, please add a lowercase letter: Example: NancyPirri_Enid_a

ARTIST BIO:

ARTIST STATEMENT:

www.olivagallery.com • Instagram: @olivagallery