arts & entertainment

Indian River Clay, a non-profit ceramic arts studio, is thrilled to announce that the Call to Artists for Form + Fire 2026 is officially open!

This juried exhibition celebrates contemporary ceramic artistry and will be held in person at Raw Space Gallery in Vero Beach, Fla. from Feb. 27 to March 21, 2026, with a virtual gallery running March 16 to May 16, 2026.   All artists working in clay are eligible to enter. All entries are welcome, including collaborations.

Now entering its fourth year, this high-quality clay art exhibition continues to generate excitement and anticipation across the region.

This year’s juror is the nationally acclaimed ceramic artist Patrick Dragon, known for his innovative clay-on-clay technique.

Artists are invited to submit up to three pieces for consideration. All accepted works will be eligible for $1,200 in prize money, including First, Second, Third Place, and People’s Choice awards.

Key Dates:

• Call Opens: Open Now
• Deadline to Apply: Jan. 20, 2026
• Application Fee: $45 (see prospectus for details)
• Notification of Acceptance: Feb. 2, 2026
• In-person Event Dates: Feb. 27 to March 21, 2026
• Physical Location: Raw Space Gallery, 1795 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, Fla. 32960

Apply Online: juriedartservices.com and look for Form + Fire 2026 or go directly to: https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6b1ac547/E_nX2LusUUmbS1ggRHk_qQ?u=https://juriedartservices.com/events/2292

Form + Fire is a juried exhibit celebrating contemporary ceramic artistry from across the nation. Showcasing the diversity of clay as a medium, this exhibition highlights the talent and innovation of ceramic artists working in unique and expressive forms. The show is open to functional, sculptural, decorative and experimental pieces that feature clay as the primary material.

Indian River Clay is proud to continue this tradition of showcasing exceptional ceramic work and expanding access through a new virtual exhibit.

Virtual Exhibit

This year, Form + Fire will expand beyond the walls of Raw Space with the addition of a virtual exhibit, allowing broader access to the artwork and artists featured in the show. The online component will mirror the in-person experience and extend the reach of this celebrated clay art exhibition.

Accepted show pieces will be featured on the virtual exhibit platform and available for purchase at the designated show price, with additional shipping costs if applicable. For works sold through the virtual exhibit, logistics of the sale will be coordinated directly between Indian River Clay and the artist.

Form + Fire Juror

Patrick Dragon is a nationally recognized ceramic artist whose work is featured in prestigious collections, including the White House Collection of American Crafts, the Walt Disney World Corporate Collection, and numerous universities and cities across the United States. His creations have reached audiences around the globe, earning him international acclaim.

Inspired by the textures and surfaces of the Earth, Dragon has developed a distinctive technique that allows him to paint clay on clay, blending realism and abstraction in a way that transforms each piece into a dynamic three-dimensional canvas. This innovative approach has become a hallmark of his artistic identity. 

About Indian River Clay

Vero Beach is an elegant coastal city located along Florida’s Atlantic shoreline. Known to be a culturally rich town, it is home to a professional theater, art museum, world class resorts and Indian River Clay.

Indian River Clay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit studio home to 75 active potters. Through the studio’s Outreach Programs, annual pop-up sales and classes, members have sparked curiosity and deepened appreciation for ceramic art across the community.

At the heart of everything is the studio’s mission: to nurture a vibrant, inclusive clay community, providing accessible education, a well-equipped studio, and supportive environment; inspiring individuals to create, connect, and grow.

Indian River Clay is located at 1239 16th St., Vero Beach, Fla. For additional information, call 772-202-8598 or email: formandfire@indianriverclay.org.