Mark Your Calendars!

Call to Artists will open April 1st for the 2026 By Hand International Juried Exhibition.

Blue Line Arts will post the Call to Artists on this page: https://www.bluelinearts.org/call-to-artists

By Hand 2025 – An International Craft Nouveau Competition

Blue Line Arts is excited to announce the much-anticipated return of By Hand – An International Craft Nouveau Competition, a biennial event generously sponsored by the Creative Arts League of Sacramento. This esteemed competition exclusively celebrates handcrafted items and invites dynamic submissions across a wide range of mediums, from furniture and elegant vases to jewelry, ornamental adornments, macramé, and sculptures crafted from glass, clay, wood, metal, and/or fiber. There are no limits on materials or techniques, allowing for open creativity.

By Hand and the term “Craft Nouveau” embodies the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design, where the human touch transforms raw materials into exceptional works of art. This competition honors the skill and artistry of those who elevate everyday objects into meaningful, functional masterpieces. Each piece tells a story—one that celebrates folk traditions while pushing the boundaries of the medium to reflect the artist’s unique vision.

We are eager to witness the creativity and craftsmanship that will unfold in this year’s competition. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work in a celebrated, biennial event that honors both tradition and innovation. We look forward to seeing the extraordinary pieces you’ve created by hand!

Application Requirements

You must be 18 years or older to apply.

FREE for current Blue Line Arts Artist Members ($75) or above. Please contact the Gallery Coordinator (gallery@bluelinearts.org) for your discount code.
$25 fee for Non-Members to submit up to 10 images/artworks, with an additional $5 charge per extra piece (ie. one piece is $25, two pieces cost $30, three cost $35, etc). You may submit at least 1 and up to 10 pieces.

Submission Requirements

• Artwork Images: at least 1, up to 10
• Artist Statement (optional)

Image Specifications

• Between 1mb and 3mb in size
• Minimum of 1200 px on one side
• Images must be in JPG format
• Name your JPGs as follows: Artist Name-Artwork Title.jpg

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to artists in the United States to apply
• All artwork must be original and completed within the last two years
• Artwork cannot have been previously exhibited at Blue Line Arts
• All 2-D works must be ready to hang
• All artwork must be for sale
• Accepted artwork that differs significantly from image in online submission will be disqualified
• No accepted entry may be withdrawn or sold outside of the exhibition prior to the closing date once artwork has been accepted.
• Blue Line Arts handles all sales transactions. Non-member artists receive a 50% commission from all gallery sales and members receive a 60% commission.

Size Limitations

• Art must be able to enter through the doors with a clearance of 94”h x 91”w
• Ceilings in the gallery are 10 feet high
• Artworks over 75lbs must be installed by the artist
• We do have the capacity to feature installation artworks. Please note there is no heavy machinery present on site

Application Fee

FREE for current Blue Line Arts Artist Members ($75) or above. Please contact the Gallery Coordinator (gallery@bluelinearts.org) for your discount code.

$25 fee for Non-Members to submit up to 10 images/artworks, with an additional $5 charge per extra piece (ie. one piece is $25, two pieces cost $30, three cost $35, etc). You may submit at least 1 and up to 10 pieces.

Prizes

1st Place: $2,000
2nd: $1,500
3rd: $1,000
4th: $500
Peoples Choice: $350