The WHAM Gallery (What’s Happen’n Art Movement) invites clay artists of all levels (emerging to established) to submit original ceramic and clay artwork to this exhibition.
WHAM is hosting a juried art exhibit of clay artwork from functional to decorative to sculptural. Works can be thrown on the wheel, hand built or formed into sculpture. Clay artwork is everywhere and it has a powerful influence on human perceptions, emotions and behavior.
Artists designs are very personal -- whether intellectual or intuitive, purposeful or accidental, traditional or experimental. You are invited to enter your creations that have been transformed from raw clay into specific shapes and form.
Show us your command of glazing to further enhance your creations.
Eligibility &Artwork Requirements
The exhibition is open to artists of all levels, ages 18+, residing in the United States.
All artwork must be original, created by the submitting artist, and completed within the past two years.
Artwork previously shown at WHAM Gallery will not be accepted.
Awards
Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded in two categories, Wheel Thrown and Hand Build; Each will have awards for 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place.
Artists do not need to be present to receive awards. All awards will be determined by the Juror and announced at the exhibition reception.
Submission Deadline
Entries and fees are due on Dec 13, 2026 by midnight.
Notification of Acceptance
Entrants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by Dec 20, 2026.
In Hand Dates
All accepted entries must be delivered to WHAM by:
Local Entries should be dropped off at WHAM on
Jan 4, 2027 between 10am - 2pm
Shipped Artwork must be received no later than Dec 29, 2026
Exhibition Information
Exhibition Dates
Jan 5 - Jan 30, 2027
Artist Reception
January 9, 2027
2pm - 4pm
Post-Exhibition
Unsold artwork must be picked up on Jan 30, 2027 between 1pm - 3pm.
Shipped artwork will be returned between Feb 4 - 10
Size & Weight
Wall-hung work may not exceed 4 feet in any direction and must weigh no more than 28 lbs.
Free-standing work must be stable, fit through a standard 36” doorway, and weigh no more than 50 lbs.
Larger free-standing works may be accepted if safely accommodated.
Presentation
Wall-hung pieces must be delivered ready to hang, equipped with a secure hanging wire; sawtooth hangers are not accepted.
All work must be gallery-ready and demonstrate good craftsmanship.
Accepted works may not be substituted and must closely match submitted images; poorly presented work may be disqualified.
Submission Requirements
● All entries must be submitted through EntryThingy. You can access it in two ways: ○ 1. Go to the WHAM website at www.wham-art.org, click the GALLERY button, then Call for Art. ○ 2. Go directly to www.entrythingy.com and find WHAM’s Call for Entries. If you are new to EntryThingy, you can create a free account. ● Entry fee: $40 for three (3) pieces. A series or set of related pieces may be submitted as a single entry, counted as one of the three. Payment of the entry fee signifies the artist’s acceptance of all terms and conditions and is non-refundable. Submission of an application and fee does not guarantee acceptance. Online payment is by credit card or PayPal only by paying on the WHAM website and select the Pay Here button on the Call for Art page. ● All images must be JPEG or PNG format, between 1 MB to 5 MB with a resolution of 72 dpi. ● Each entry requires at least one image and the following information: ○ Title ○ Materials ○ Dimensions (H × W × D in inches) ○ Year Completed ○ Price (all entries must be for sale) ● Files should be labeled as FirstNameLastName EntryNumber.jpg (e.g., JohnSmith 2.jpg). These digital images are viewed by Jurors and Curators during the selection process.
Terms & Conditions
WHAM Art Center, including its staff and volunteers, will take reasonable care with all artwork but assumes no responsibility for loss, theft, damage, or hazards of any kind, whether on display or in transit. Artists are responsible for insuring their own work. ● Participating artists are also responsible for all costs of shipping, delivery, and return. Unless hand-delivered, artwork must be securely packed in a reusable box or crate with appropriate packing materials. ● All sales will be managed through the WHAM Gallery; artists may not arrange sales independently. Artwork must be delivered ready to hang/install with proper wiring (no sawtooth hangers). ● Unclaimed work will incur a $5/week storage fee; after 30 days it will be donated to charity. ● By applying, artists agree to these terms and grant WHAM permission to use images of their artwork for promotional purposes.
Sales of Artwork
ALL artwork must be for sale. Artists must list a specific price and not indicate "Upon Request." Artwork must remain in the Gallery for the full duration of the exhibition. For any artwork sold, WHAM Art Center retains a 25% commission, and the artist receives 75% of the retail price. Retail prices are set by the artist during the EntryThingy submission process. Payments for sales are paid around the 15th of the following month.
Shipping & Delivery
Artists are responsible for all shipping, delivery, and insurance costs. Detailed instructions will be sent with the Notification of Acceptance. 3D/ceramic/sculptural artwork must be securely packed with bubble wrap in a sturdy, reusable carton (double-boxing recommended) and shipped via UPS or FedEx only; USPS is not accepted. All shipments must include a prepaid return label with barcodes—no credit cards, Airbills, or links. Artwork without a return label will not be returned and will be donated. Settlement for any damage that occurs in transit is the responsibility of the artist and the carrier. All works must arrive by December 28, 2026 to: WHAM Art Center 16560 N Dysart Rd, Surprise, AZ 85378
Questions about the exhibition and/or the entry process should be directed toPatti Milbourn or by calling WHAM Art Center at 623-584-8311
About the Gallery
The WHAM Art Gallery (What’s Happen’n Art Movement) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to providing quality arts programming to the community. WHAM is located in Surprise, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. Surprise and its neighboring cities comprise the third largest metropolitan area in Arizona.
Surprise has a vibrant arts and cultural scene that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Known for its warm winters and scenic beauty the area is a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world.