EXHIBITIONS
Material Topics Symposium hosts exhibitions each year that showcase a diverse variety of national and international contemporary jewelry artists and metalsmiths.
The Wellington B. Gray Gallery
Jenkins Fine Art Center, 5th Street, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Interwoven
Interwoven explores the intricate connection that binds us materially, conceptually, and communally. In metalsmithing, we interweave techniques, traditions, and materials. Intricate patterns revealed through piercing, fine wires coiled into filigree, links forged into chains, disparate elements soldered into cohesive, forms. These physical acts of joining mirror the invisible threads that link us as artists- through mentorship, collaboration, shared histories and collective growth.
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Juror: Sharon Massey
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Deadline: October 10th, 2025
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New Kids on the Block
The interconnected nature of ideas, techniques, and community flows from mentor to mentee. Being a student in metals is a thrilling time to learn and explore form, texture, color and concepts through a variety of metalsmithing processes and techniques. We are excited to see how new students are developing their voice within the field as the "new kids on the block". This exhibition is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students as well as students attending craft schools and workshops.
Juror: Adam Atkinson
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Deadline: November 3rd, 2025
Robert Ebendorf Retrospective
For the past twenty-five years, Robert Ebendorf has been repurposing existing materials by devising ingenious uses for the discarded and discovering ways to make the used into the new. Known for contemporary jewelry that includes everything from buttons to crab claws, he continues his investigation of "representations."
EMERGE Gallery & Art Center
404 Evens St., Greenville, NC
STILL HERE
Still Here is a juried national jewelry and metals exhibition celebrating artists who despite facing obstacles such as grief, trauma, burnout, transition, or healing, have continued to create thoughtful and meaningful work.
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Jurors: Renee Zettle-Sterling & Shelby Goldsmith
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Deadline: November 15th, 2025