Great Lakes Cup Show 2026

Overview

Yourist Studio Gallery in Ann Arbor, MI invites ceramists to submit work for the Great Lakes Cup Show, a juried exhibition and sale. The show features a diverse range of clay cups—from functional to figurative to sculptural—that aim to connect with a wide audience and inspire appreciation for Great Lakes ceramics, with the cup as the vessel.

Key Dates

• Application Period: April 1 – September 1, 2026
• Submission Deadline: September 1, 2026
• Notification Date: September 15, 2026
• Artwork Due to Gallery: October 11, 2026 (hand delivered or shipped, postage paid by artist)
• Exhibition: October 23 – November 14, 2026
• Opening Night Reception: October 23, 6:30–8:30 PM

Eligibility

Open to artists 18+ years of age who work in the medium of clay and reside in MI, IN, IL, WI, MN, OH, NY, PA, or ON, Canada.

What to Submit

• Minimum Image Requirements: At least 1200 pixels on longest side, under 5 MB, JPG or JPEG format
• File name format: Lastname_Firstname_Cup#.jpg
• Include Title, Material, and Firing Process in the description for each photo

Application Requirements

• Contact Information (Name, Address, Phone, Email)*
• Studio Name
• Artist Website/Instagram
• Artist Statement (<150 words)*
• Title / Dimensions / Material / Firing Process / Price for each of 3 Cups*
• Digital Photo for each of 3 Cups*

Jurying Criteria

Judges will consider originality, composition, craftsmanship, cohesion of the body of work, and the Artist Statement.

Entry Fee

$25 for 3 cups that constitute a body of work.

Awards & Sales

Total of $650 in cash prizes will be presented for Best in Show, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Peoples' Choice vote (held during the show). All work will be for sale, priced by artist. A separate 'cash and carry' section allows artists to sell additional work of the same caliber. Commission on all sales is 35% with payment by check within 10 days of the show's conclusion.

Contact

Kay Yourist, [email protected], (734) 662-4914