Recognized as one of the premier craft exhibitions in the country, Materials: Hard + Soft International Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition, began in 1987 and was originally initiated by area artist Georgia Leach Gough. Now in its 33rd year, the exhibition shows the top national and international artists as we celebrate the evolving field of contemporary craft and the remarkable creativity and innovation of artists who push the boundaries of their chosen media.

This year’s call for artists drew over 1,100 submissions from 16 countries around the world and 42 states. Juror Beth McLaughlin selected 72 works for exhibition at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center including works from 26 states and 3 countries including Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States in varying media including metal, wood, plastic, ceramic, fiber, and mixed media.

This exhibition is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Denton. The 33rd annual Materials will be on view February 7 – May 9, 2020 at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center.

Johnny Plastini’s work “Trypophobia” was selected by juror Beth C. McLaughlin for inclusion in the 33rd Annual Materials Hard + Soft Exhibition. “Trypophobia” is a handmade recycled paper piece [57″ x 22″] by Plastini that relates psychological trauma to lived physical experience and visceral response mechanisms.

Juror Beth C. McLaughlin is Chief Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts. Ms. McLaughlin has held leadership and curatorial roles in the arts and museum fields for over 25 years at institutions across the U.S., including Fuller Craft Museum, Oakland Museum of California, and DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.