---
title: '40th Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft + Digital Exhibition'
description: >-
  40th annual international juried craft and digital art exhibition in Denton,
  Texas, with $1,000 and $450 Juror's Awards. Runs Feb 26 - May 8, 2027.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/bdb77ea1-0bed-4c90-8252-94121900545a'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-09-07'
programType: Exhibition
organization: Greater Denton Arts Council
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/greater-denton-arts-council'
deadline: '2026-10-10'
entryFee: 35 USD
location: 'Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, Denton, TX, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: 'Juror Awards: two $1,000 Juror''s Choice Awards and four $450 category awards'
disciplines:
  - ceramics
  - clay
  - fiber
  - glass
  - metal
  - paper
  - wood
  - mixed media
  - digital art
  - conceptual art
  - craft
---

# 40th Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft + Digital Exhibition

**Hosted by:** Greater Denton Arts Council

**Type:** Exhibition | **Location:** Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, Denton, TX, United States | **Deadline:** October 10, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $35

## About This Program

> "Contemporary craft and digital art — works that juxtapose concepts and materials"

The Greater Denton Arts Council proudly presents the 40th annual International Materials: Hard + Soft Contemporary Craft + Digital Art Competition and Exhibition. Recognized as one of the premier craft exhibitions in the country, Materials: Hard + Soft began in 1987 and was originally initiated by area artist Georgia Leach Gough. The exhibition celebrates the evolving field of contemporary craft and the remarkable creativity and innovation of artists who push the boundaries of their chosen media.

Traditionally, this exhibition has celebrated the finest artworks crafted from materials such as ceramic, wood, fiber, metal, glass, paper, and mixed media. In 2025, we grew to expand the accepted media list to include digital art and conceptual art. We invite artists to submit their innovative works that juxtapose concepts and materials in unique and thought-provoking ways.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an evolving tradition that honors creativity and craftsmanship. The jurors for the 2027 show are being determined at this time. EXHIBITION RUNS: February 26 - May 8, 2027.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** ceramics, clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, mixed media, digital art, conceptual art, craft
- **Note:** Works produced in any of the craft media: clay, fiber, glass, metal, paper, wood, or any combination of craft media, and conceptual art and digital media are acceptable. Entries must be the partial or complete work of the submitting artist. Ready-made materials are accepted. All work must have been completed within the past three years (2024 - 2026) and not previously exhibited at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center.

Local, national, and international artists are encouraged to apply. All work must be ready for installation.

Submissions are restricted to a weight limit of no more than 75 pounds. GDAC reserves the right to exclude any entry that presents complex installation or assembly problems. Submission limit: 3 (each application = 1 artwork entry). Eligible applicant types: Artist.

### Additional Requirements

Submit 1-3 applications, each application = 1 artwork entry. Media per entry: 1-3 images (min 1, max 3), up to 1 audio file, up to 1 video, 1-5 media total.

## Compensation & Benefits

Juror Awards: two $1,000 Juror's Choice Awards and four $450 category awards

**Includes:** Prize

The Greater Denton Arts Council will provide Jurors Awards: Two Awards of $1,000 - "Juror's Choice Award" (chosen independently by each juror). Four Awards of $450 - "Best Quality Craftsmanship", "Best in New Media", "Most Innovative Use of Materials" & "The Storyteller" (best compelling narrative).

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 23, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 10, 2026
- **Program Start:** February 26, 2027
- **Program End:** May 8, 2027

## Contact

**Email:** exhibit@dentonarts.com

**Phone:** 940-382-2787

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://dentonarts.com/materials-hard-soft-call