Have you taken classes with, or been inspired by, a metalsmith educator who has been a member of the Michigan Silversmiths Guild? This juried exhibition invites artists to reflect on those influences and share how they have shaped their artistic practice.
Michigan Metals: Lasting Legacy / Inspired Response will be held at the College for Creative Studies (CCS), U245 Gallery, in June 2026. The exhibition coincides with the SNAG Conference, Labor & Legacy, held in Detroit, Michigan, June 10–13, 2026, and will be featured as part of the conference gallery walk.
This exhibition is open to both MSG members and non-members.
Exhibition Overview
This two-part exhibition pairs invited educator artists in Lasting Legacy with juried works in Inspired Response. Artists applying to Inspired Response are invited to submit 1–3 pieces that reflect the influence of one of the featured educator-metalsmiths listed below. Each submission must include a brief statement describing how that educator impacted your artistic development or professional practice.
Featured Educators:
Phil Fike, Mary Kernahan, Gary Griffin, Hal Hasselschwet, Susan Holt, Evan Larson, Jiro Masuda, Tom Madden, Katie MacDonald, Paul Mergen, Tom Muir, Dennis Nahabetian, Tara Nahabetian, Dan Neville, Gretchen Otto, Eric Okon, Phillip Renato, Marissa Saneholtz, Bev Seley, James Viste, Dale Wedig, Dan Wrobelowski, Renee Zettle-Sterling.
Juried works will be exhibited alongside the legacy of these influential educators.
Juror: Professor Emerita Marilyn da Silva, www.marilyndasilva.com
Key Dates
Call Opens: February 2026
Entries Due: April 8, 2026
Notification & Contract Sent: April 22, 2026
Work Delivery Window: May 18–30, 2026
Exhibition Dates: June 8–29, 2026
Opening Reception and Gallery Hop for SNAG Conference: Kicking off the Gallery Hop at 3:30pm June, 13th 2026, More detailed information will follow.
Work Pick-Up/Return: July 6–15, 2026
Entry Details
Entry Fee: $20 (covers 1–3 works)
Non-members whose work is accepted must join or renew MSG membership.
Sales will be handled directly by the artists. Rather than taking a gallery commission, Michigan Silversmiths Guild asks artists to consider a voluntary donation (suggested 10–20%) to help sustain future exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community programming.
Submission Requirements
Applicants must provide:
Artist contact information (name, address, email, phone)
Social media links (optional but encouraged)
Indication of which featured educator influenced your work
Inspired Response statement (required)
Artist statement (optional)
CV (optional)
1–3 entries including title, medium, dimensions, and price, photographer credit
Works may be listed NFS; include insurance value
Optional detail or model images
Image Specifications
JPEG format
300 DPI
Under 1.2 MB preferred
Black or white background recommended
File naming format: LastName01Title.jpeg
Example: Smith01Sunlight.jpeg
Delivery Information (if accepted)
Accepted works may be delivered:
In person to Armstrong Tool
In person or delivered to Amy Beeler, Exhibition Committee Chair
In person or delivered to CCS Metalsmithing & Jewelry Facilities to Professor Tom Madden
A signed contract must accompany delivered work or be emailed to: MSGapply@gmail.com
Artists will be responsible for cost of shipping or bringing works two and from the list of provided drop off locations.
Artists requiring return shipping must provide a prepaid return label. Artists will be responsible for the delivery of sold artwork to the purchaser.
Exhibition Location
College for Creative Studies (CCS)
U245 Gallery
Art Centre Building
201 E. Kirby St.
Detroit, MI 48202
Important to complete application: after form had been submitted, payment for application must be made on Michigan Silversmiths Guilds website, Exhibitions Page.
Link to page: https://www.misilversmith.org/af-primary-call/p/lasting-legacy-inspired-response
Questions may be directed to:
Amy Beeler
MSGapply@gmail.com
Thank you for applying.