The Four Elements explores the profound relationship between the artist, their ceramic practice, and the fundamental forces of nature, revealing how earth, water, fire, and air come together in a complex process of transformation.
Earth provides the foundation, with clay as its raw material. Water softens and guides the clay, allowing it to move and take shape. Air slowly draws moisture away, preparing each piece for the final, irreversible touch of fire—a force that solidifies the fragile forms into lasting objects.
By honoring this process, The Four Elements invites viewers to reflect on the intricate dance between nature, transformation, and artistic expression. Through sculptural and functional pieces, artists embrace this elemental alchemy, revealing the delicate balance between control and unpredictability, tradition and innovation, in a medium as timeless as the forces that shape it.
Eligibility and Media
This exhibition is open to all current ClayHouston members. Work must be completed within the last 2 years, and not previously shown with ClayHouston. Other materials are accepted in the piece. However, each work must be made at least 70% of clay. Each artist can submit 1 piece (diptych and triptychs included) for the exhibition.
Application fee is $30.
Timeline
August 1: Submissions open
September 30: Submissions close
November 2-3: Drop off at gallery
November 8, 5-7p: Opening Reception
November 29: Exhibition closes
November 30 - Dec 2: Work pick up
Size Specifications
Due to space restrictions, size restrictions will be enforced.
Wall mounted work must not exceed 24”x 24” and must weigh less than 50 pounds. All wall mounted work must be delivered ready to hang and be accompanied by appropriate hanging hardware (no adhesives like command strips, or tape, and no butterfly bolts or large bolts). If necessary, please include a guide or hanging instructions.
Pedestal work must be no larger than 18” W x 18” D and be ready for exhibition. There is not a restriction on the height of artworks. Please note on your submission page if any stand is included in the price.
Freestanding work must not exceed 24”W x 24”D.
Submission Requirements
• Must submit a high quality, professional image, at least 300 dpi, sized so that the largest dimension is 6 inches (1800 pixels), as a JPEG file.
• Name image files with the surname of the artist, followed by the first name, and name of work. (example: smith_john_bluevase.jpg).
• Each entry must have a title, materials and techniques description, dimensions, and, if applicable, a retail price.
• Please check to make sure all files are complete and will open in their respective software. Please adhere to all format/file type requirements.
• By entering the Members’ Show, each artist gives ClayHouston permission to use the submitted digital images for publicity purposes.
• Wall and freestanding works will be accepted based on available space.
• Hanging work cannot weigh more than 50 lbs.
• If your artwork is difficult to hang/site, too delicate to handle, you will be contacted for assistance.
• Artists will be contacted to pick up their work if it does not meet the specific guidelines. If it is an easy fix, the Exhibition Coordinator may allow you time to revise. It is best to look over the guidelines before dropping off work.
• Artist provided pedestals must be made of wood and painted a matte white.
We cannot accept metal or colored pedestals at this time. Upon providing a pedestal you agree to the understanding that your piece may be placed on a different pedestal (unless custom to piece) and/or may be shared with another piece.
Awards
Each year, an expert in the field is invited to serve as juror for the ClayHouston Member's Show. The juror will view all works in person and award a winner in each of the following categories:
Best Vessel: $150
Best Sculpture: $150
Best in Show: $200
Awards Juror
May Howard is a writer, artist, and curator whose work explores the artistic interdependencies between materiality, process, technology, and the body. Her multidisciplinary practice centers the social and political dimensions of spaces and objects. Howard received an M.A. in Art History, Theory and Criticism from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2022. She currently serves as the Curatorial Assistant of Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her writing has appeared in Glasstire, Surface Design Journal, and Burnaway.
Gallery Information
Founded in 2020, Monterroso Gallery embarked on a meaningful journey within Houston's art landscape. Our commitment initially focused on showcasing the works of local artists and collaborating with respected curators from the art community. Today, we continue to deepen this dedication.
As an artist herself, our founder, Guatemalan artist Gabriela Monterroso, understands the artist's path. Under her guidance, Monterroso Gallery has grown into a nurturing space for artists, hosting over 40 exhibitions showcasing more than 100 local artists. Through these exhibitions, we have nurtured genuine connections and provided invaluable opportunities for artists to thrive.
Monterroso Gallery will be open on Saturdays (November 8, 15, 22 and 29) from 12-5pm and by appointment.