Call for Entries: 2014 Niche Awards

2014 NICHE Awards Competition

NICHE magazine is now accepting applications for the 2014 NICHE Awards, a prestigious juried competition recognizing excellence in fine craft design. Professional and student artists may apply online.

Contest categories include ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood and jewelry arts.  Recently added new categories seek original artist-made holiday ornaments and decorations; objects for the kitchen and for dining; and jewelry made from alternative materials. 

The NICHE Student Awards are open to any craft student residing in the U.S. or Canada and attending an undergraduate, graduate or certificate arts program. The deadline for student entries is Oct. 15, 2013.

The NICHE Professional Awards are open to professional craft artists over the age of 21 who reside in the U.S. or Canada and are actively involved in the design and production of craftwork supplied to galleries and/or craft shops. The deadline for professional entries is Sept. 16, 2013.

Judging of entries is based on three main criteria:

• Technical excellence in surface design and form
• Distinct quality of original and creative thought
• Market viability (professional entries only)

Finalists are invited to display their work in the NICHE Awards exhibit at the Buyers Market of American Craft, January 18-21, 2014, in Philadelphia. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony held during the Buyers Market and featured in the Spring 2014 issue of NICHE magazine.