Organizer Information
The Juried Woodworking Exhibition at the Wharton Esherick Museum (WEM) returns for its 32nd year, inviting contemporary makers to explore the centennial theme, "Breaking Ground." This prestigious Competition is hosted by the Wharton Esherick Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Malvern, Pennsylvania, dedicated to the "Dean of American Craftsmen." The Museum is housed in Esherick’s hilltop Studio, an "autobiography in three dimensions" that he built over forty years. By preserving his vision and serving as a catalyst for contemporary creative action through Educations and Exhibition programs, WEM remains a global leader in the celebration of wood-based Art.
Title & Description
32nd Annual Juried Woodworking Exhibition: Breaking Ground
The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Wharton Esherick breaking ground on his iconic studio. In honor of this centennial, WEM invites contemporary artists to explore the theme "Breaking Ground" in its literal and symbolic forms. Whether it refers to the loosening of the earth for new construction or to ideas that are new, significant, and original, this prompt encourages applicants to think broadly. Artists are asked to consider how their practice interprets groundbreaking shifts, tools, or inspirations in this complex historical moment.
Categories
The exhibition is open to all artistic disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Visual Art: Sculpture, Installation, and Furniture.
- Craft: Woodworking, Woodturning, and Cabinetry.
- Design: Functional and sculptural furniture.(Note: All entries must incorporate wood in some way as a primary or significant material.)
Eligibility
- Makers: Open to both emerging and established artists and makers.
- Geography: Primarily national (USA), though open to international entries (artists are responsible for all international shipping/customs costs).
- Work Availability: Entered works must be available for the entire duration of the exhibition.
- Technicality: Works must be suitable for display in a museum context.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Exhibition Opportunity: Selected finalists will have their work displayed onsite at the Wharton Esherick Museum and in a virtual exhibition on the museum’s website.
- Cash Prizes:
- 1st Place: $500
- 2nd Place: $300
- 3rd Place: $200
- Viewer’s Choice Award: $200 (voted on via the virtual exhibition).
- Shipping: The Museum covers the cost of shipping unsold pieces back to the artist after the exhibition closes.
Application Fee
- Standard Entry: $30
- Museum Members: $20
- The fee covers the submission of up to three pieces. The fee is non-refundable.
Application Requirements
- Completed Entry Form: Including artist details and piece descriptions.
- Images: Up to 3 high-quality images per piece (recommend 2 overall views and 1 detail). JPEGs or TIFFs, minimum 300 dpi.
- Pricing: Indication of whether the work is for sale.
- Artist Statement (Recommended): Contextualizing how the work fits the theme "Breaking Ground."
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Notification Date: February 21, 2026
- Exhibition Dates: Summer/Fall 2026 (Contact Museum for exact opening date)
Location
Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States
Additional Details
The selection process uses a blind jury to ensure impartiality. For 2026, the jurors include Tom Loeser (nationally renowned furniture maker), Joyce Lin (sculptural furniture designer), and Emily Zilber (WEM Director of Curatorial Affairs). Artists are responsible for shipping their work to the Museum if selected.
