2026 Young Sculptors Exhibition – Open for submissions
ELIGIBILITY
Open to young sculptors 30 years of age or younger.
GUIDELINES
Artists are asked to submit their very best work. Sculptures may be in any permanent medium. Terracotta, Plaster, Ceramic, and works in other fragile materials will be considered, but only on the condition that artists assume all responsibility for proper packaging and shipping of works. NSS will NOT be held responsible for any damages. Works of all sizes will be considered, including reliefs. Works must not exceed 100 pounds.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Your work will be judged primarily through photography, so please take the time to document it accurately and effectively. Photographing sculpture requires different techniques than photographing paintings or other 2D art. Here is an excellent video resource to help you present your sculpture at its best. Watch: “Photographing Your Sculpture” by Andy Lay – on National Sculpture Society youtube website: https://youtu.be/FotKuZ9B8JM?si=wXdBhlc_KNdd421T
JURY AND NOTIFICATION
A jury of selection and a jury of awards will be composed of three NSS members.
INSURANCE
Insurance for individual works in transit is strongly encouraged and is the responsibility of the sculptor.
COST/PROCESSING FEE
Submission is free.
EXHIBITION CALENDAR
- January 2, 2026: Submission deadline.
- January 16, 2026: Notification e-mailed to artists.
- February 9-13 & 16-20, 2026: Sculpture delivered to NSS Gallery (M-F only).
- March 2, 2026: Young Sculptors Exhibition opens.
- April 24, 2026:Young Sculptors Exhibition closes & closing reception.
- April 27 – May 1, 2026: Sculptors must arrange to have sculpture picked up from the NSS Gallery (M-F only).
CONTRACT
All accepted sculptors will be asked to sign a brief contract stating that they agree to loan their accepted work of sculpture for the duration of the exhibition at the NSS Gallery. Contracts will also establish price for all works intended for sale.
SALES
Sculptures accepted in the exhibition are not required to be available for sale. Inquiries about purchasing works in the exhibition will be referred back to the artist. National Sculpture Society will receive no commission from sales. Prices will be established in this agreement and will not be subject to change.
SHIPPING/RECEIVING/RETURN
All works must be shipped to National Sculpture Society. Funding available to assist with shipping costs. Sculptors may choose to drop off or pick up works; please call gallery and arrange a time. If works have elaborate crating, please include opening and closing instructions on the exterior of the packaging and/or enclose photographs or diagrams to illustrate proper unpacking and packing techniques. At the conclusion of the exhibition’s run at the NSS Gallery, all works will be repacked. Artists will work with NSS to make arrangements to pick up work.
WHERE TO SUBMIT
Submit at Entry-Thingy Be certain to submit to “2026 Young Sculptors Exhibition”.
https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/public/13580/
AWARDS
Three $1,000 prizes — funded by the Fantasy Fountain Fund — will be awarded to three artists in the show. A Jury of Awards will be assembled after the show is installed to decide the three prize winners.
RECEPTION
- WHEN: Friday, May 1, 2026
- TIME: 4-6pm
- WHERE: NSS Gallery, 6 East 39th Street, Suite 903, NYC. (Between 5th & Madison avenues)