Call for entry – 2011 NICHE Student Awards

Student Entry Deadline: October 16, 2010
Professional Entry Deadline: August 31, 2010

The NICHE Awards program began in 1989 to celebrate excellence and innovation in American and Canadian fine craft. Artists are recognized in professional and student divisions.

NICHE magazine is now accepting applications for the 2011 NICHE Awards Student competition. Open to undergraduate or graduate students residing in Canada or the United States.

2011 NICHE Awards Professional Division is open to professional craft artists over the age of 21 residing in Canada or the United States.

READY TO APPLY? For Students
For Professionals Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Philadelphia on February 18, 2011 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, held in conjunction with the Buyers Market of American Craft.

410-889-2933 | www.americancraft.com | [email protected]

Magic Dirt – Call for entry

Exhibition
Magic Dirt is the miracle of earth, fire and the human imagination. At the Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries, Old Dominion University January 15 – February 20, 2011, reception, Friday, Jan, 21

This juried exhibition is designed to showcase innovative contemporary ceramic sculpture and functional vessels.

All applications are to be postmarked by November 10th. 2010

The Gallery
The Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries at Old Dominion University 4509 Monarch Way in Norfolk, VA 23529 Additional forms can be downloaded here: http://al.odu.edu/art/gallery/

Magic Dirt is open to all artists in the United States. Work should be made within the past 2 years and a majority of the work should be ceramic.

For additional information Contact Ramona Austin at, Curator at Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries Phone: (757) 683 6272 email: [email protected] Old Dominion University 4509 Monarch Way Norfolk, VA 23529 (757) 683 6271 Fax: (757) 683-6776

Appalachian Center for Craft Artist in Residence Program

Artist in Residence Program Summary The Artist in Residence (AIR) program is a one- to three-year appointment allowing emerging professional artists to work in the environment of the Craft Center. Each studio (clay, fibers, glass, metals and wood) has an Artist in Residence with a BFA, MFA or professional equivalent. There is also a residency position for the exhibitions program. The AIR program has a competitive application process to fill these six positions.

Our Artists in Residence come from all over the country and abroad to live and work at the Craft Center. These individuals are invaluable to the educational programs of the Craft Center providing additional expertise and experiences to our students.

For more information regarding the Artist in Residence program, please contact the Clay faculty member.Click here for more information regarding the Artist in Residence Program

Call for Entries – Drawing the Line: Utilitarian Pots

Entry Deadline: September 15, 2010

Drawing the Line: Utilitarian Pots is a juried exhibition featuring ceramic functional pots. The work chosen must be crafted into a vessel and equally address the surface as a three-dimensional canvas. The use of line is an important element in the consideration of the chosen work. The works maybe marked with abstraction and/or representation. The purpose of this exhibition is to present the various ways that contemporary potters deal with surface design in conjunction with form. The exhibition will be held at the University of Arkansas’ Fine Arts Center Gallery from November 29- December 17, 2010. The exhibition is open to everyone. There is a twenty-five dollar fee for up to three entries.
Click here for more details and application.
For Questions Email: Glenna Worrell MFA Ceramics Graduate Student [email protected]

Job posting – Assistant Store Manager-Heath LA

Reply to: [email protected]

Job Title: Assistant Store Manager
Heath, Los Angeles

Heath Ceramics is a 60-year-old manufacturer of classic, high-end dinnerware and architectural tile. We are a family owned company of approximately 85 people driven by the goal of continuing the traditions of locally manufactured, handcrafted products with a design heritage
Clientele ranges from architects and designers to chefs, design savvy shoppers, out-of-towners and bargain shoppers. An important part of selling our product is telling the Heath story – a rich tradition of design and craftsmanship, along with a dedication to established pottery techniques and local manufacturing in the Bay Area. This position is perfect for anyone that appreciates fine craftsmanship, supports local manufacturing and enjoys educating and assisting the public.

Job Description:
The Assistant Store Manager will work in partnership with the Retail Manager to promote a quality sales and customer service driven environment. Acting as a leader, you will work to achieve or exceed sales goals, fulfill all operational requirements, prevent inventory loss and assure each customer receives a positive store/brand experience as a role model and through coach and mentoring the team. Assist Retail Manager in effectively managing store operations, maintain appropriate inventory levels and merchandising standards.

Responsibilities:
• In Partnership with the Retail Manager, the Assistant Store Manager is responsible for a staff of 3-6 sales associates and the day to day operations of the store.
• Ensure team provides an exceptional customer store experience at all times firstly through leading by example then supporting the team through coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrate the ability to motivate and influence others through actions and example and to achieve results both independently and through others by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Maintain presence through effective floor management and ensure staff coverage in all areas of the store at all times.
• Prioritize, plan and adjust schedules and daily agendas to meet business goals. Hold team accountable to achieving goals.
• In partnership with the Retail Manager, manage store-operating procedures i.e., inventory levels and cash control to minimize store losses. Be prepared to act quickly and decisively in situations where there is unexplained loss and partner with Retail Manager to ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Responsible for ensuring the store meets company guidelines in opening and closing.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure ongoing safety training and awareness.
• -In partnership with the Retail Manager, monitor company assets through accurate inventory procedures.
• Ensure store standards are met and maintained, i.e., visuals, cleanliness, signage, safety, etc.-Lead by example and ensure associates comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Ability to think through complex issues and allocate time to execute multiple tasks and changing priorities.

• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting qualified candidates to build a talent pipeline that achieves current and future business goals.
• Develop associates to assume increased levels of responsibility. Commitment to achieving and exceeding sales targets.
• Demonstrate effective communication, organization and leadership skills at all times.
• Ability to identify top talent and train/develop/retain great people.
• Availability to work closing shift a minimum of three times per week, minimum of three Saturdays per month and two Sundays per month, annual inventory and entire holiday season (November and December).
• Ability to lift and mobilize medium to large items, while utilizing appropriate equipment and safety techniques.

This is a salaried position with benefits paid at 100%

Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years team management, ideally in specialty retail. Have proven track record of managing staff to meet and exceed all company sales and operational goals.

Ideally experience in design, and/or homewares retailing.

College degree preferred

Strong communication skills: written and verbal

For more information on Heath Ceramics, visit www.heathceramics.com

If you would like to apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

HEATH CERAMICS is an equal opportunity employer

Compensation: Salary DOE

CALL TO ARTISTS: HEAD FIRST, MANIFEST GALLERY

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: AUGUST 25, 2010
International Exhibit Featuring the Human Head
Full-color catalog produced.
Head First, Manifest Gallery, Call to artists

We consciously and unconsciously categorize identity based on the human head. It is, for most people, their social thumbprint, the ‘I’ in first person statements. Technology exacerbates people’s retreat into the upper limb of their body, encouraging portraiture on a mass scale in the form of social networks such as Facebook, facial recognition tools which help sort photos of friends and family based on images of their face, and video conference calling. Some say even the soul has migrated from the central chest cavity all the way up to the head, as if altitude were really divine. While the body is still not expendable (yet), the center of humanity has nevertheless coalesced into the mind, behind the face. When we think of each other, we usually start with the head first. So to launch Manifest’s seventh season we offer this call to artists for works that address the human head in some way. While portraiture is certainly welcome, this is not intended to be a show exclusively about that genre, nor just the front of the head. All manner of interpretations, explorations, and machinations involving the human head are welcome. For details on how to submit visit: http://www.manifestgallery.org/headfirst