2012 NICHE Award winner, Ceramics – John Davis
Entries are being accepted now for the 2013 NICHE Awards, a prestigious juried competition recognizing excellence in fine craft design.
Professional and student artists may apply online at www.NICHEAwards.com. The deadline for entries is September 30, 2012. Contest categories include ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and jewelry arts. New categories added this year seek original artist-made holiday ornaments and decorations; objects for the kitchen and for dining; and jewelry made from alternative materials.
Judging of entries is based on three main criteria:
- technical excellence, both in surface design and form
- a distinct quality of unique, original and creative thought
- market viability (professional entries only)
2012 NICHE Award winner Basketry – C. Smathers
The entry fees are $40 for professional craft artists and $18 for students; up to three artworks may be entered per person. The judging will take place in October. Finalists will be invited to display their work in a NICHE Awards exhibit at the Buyers Market of American Craft, a national wholesale tradeshow of American-made products, February 16-18, 2013, in Philadelphia. Winners will be announced at a ceremony during the Buyers Market on February 17, 2013.
2012 NICHE Award winner Furniture (Cabinetry) Austin Heitzman
The NICHE Awards are sponsored by NICHE magazine, the quarterly trade publication for U.S. and Canadian retailers of fine craft and artist-made products. NICHE is published by The Rosen Group, a Baltimore-based arts marketing, publishing and advocacy firm.
A complete list of last year’s NICHE Awards winners can be found at www.NICHEAwards.com. Requests for images can be sent to the contest coordinator, Jean Thompson, at [email protected] or call 800-432-7238, ext. 218.
