Topeka Competition showcases innovative 3D art
You'll be amazed by the more than 40 pieces of innovative artwork representing a wide range of techniques and media in the Topeka Competition exhibit March 14 - May 11, 2025. The only common thread among the pieces is that all the artists work in three dimensions – their art ranges from sculpture to ceramics to jewelry-making. This year’s Topeka Competition is juried by multidisciplinary visual artist Mona Cliff (A'aninin/Nakota Nations).
Cliff selected the pieces for the Topeka Competition based on originality, technical excellence and artistic concept. She will also determine Juror's Awards, which will be announced March 15. On May 9 Purchase Awards will be named by the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery and will become part of the library’s art collection.
In her art Cliff explores the subject of contemporary Indigenous identity and culture through her use of traditional Native crafting methods such as seed bead embroidery and fabric applique. Beadwork and sewing applique have been a primary foundation of her artist practice. Her piece Conjured Typography is pictured.
History of the Topeka Competition
Former gallery director Larry Peters started the competition in 1977 to keep the gallery up-to-date with the quickly changing field of contemporary crafts. When the competition began, craft media (ceramics, jewelry, wood, leather, fibers) were not widely collected. The competition celebrated craft artists at the point when these crafts were emerging as respected art forms.
Today the artists who work in these media are well-respected artists. What started as a local craft competition has grown to a national show. In this year’s exhibition 32 artists from 11 states are represented, making it one of the largest national showings in the competition’s history.
Support for the exhibit
The exhibit is partially funded by the Friends of the Library. Events related to the exhibit are made possible by The Library Foundation through contributions from The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
