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Starstuff Challenge

 

Our third annual Museum of Beadwork Challenge is open to submissions until March 15th, 2025.
This challenge is once again being co-sponsored by Miyuki Co., Ltd. and Caravan Beads and we are very grateful for their support. Banner image is the artwork of Leslie Grigsby and photography of Natale Caccamo.

 

This theme for this year’s Museum of Beadwork Challenge is the final frontier itself, the Cosmos. The great astronomer Carl Sagan called the Cosmos “all that ever was and all that ever will be,” and yet it is also “the greatest of mysteries.” Dreams of what might be “out there” in the vast reaches of space have inspired fantastic leaps in science and technology, great art and literature, and even myths and superstitions. We wonder at the marvels of worlds billions of miles away that are as real as our own, and feel our own fates are somehow tied to their movements. 

We are asking you to show us what you think about when you look up to the sky. Whether it’s comets and constellations, aliens and astrology, or dwarf planets and dark matter–board your spaceship of the imagination and boldly go where your heart takes you, and show us what you envision of galaxies and worlds far, far away.

  

 

Challenge Details: 

The MOB Challenge has 5 categories:

Sculpture - Free standing 3-dimensional pieces.
Tapestry - Hanging/wall pieces, or framed work, generally 2-dimensional.
Clothing - Modern or historic clothing items, outerwear, or under garments.
Accessories - Purses, shoes, masks, etc.
Jewelry - Body adornment other than clothing or accessory items.

Requirements:

  • All entries must evoke the challenge theme for this year: Starstuff and Cosmic Dust: Dreams of what's above. 
  • One entry per person. Entries must be made by a single person, no group entries allowed.
  • All entries must be of original design: winning designs from any other contests may not be submitted. 
  • Any beading technique or combination of techniques may be used.
  • All entries must be comprised primarily of Miyuki beads (70% or higher). This does not include things like armature, support, substrate, etc. Any Miyuki beads are acceptable, not just Delica beads. If you are unsure about the beads you have, contact your supplier for help.
  • This is an international competition, entries from all countries are encouraged.
  • There is no size limitation for this competition. Just remember that if your entry is chosen you will be expected to cover the shipping to and from Portland, Maine.
  • The initial judging is based on digital images. Each entry can submit up to 10 images. Do not mail your actual beadwork to us until instructed to do so. 
  • The selected entrants from the initial round will be required to send in or deliver their completed pieces in order to be considered for the final judging.
  • If your entry requires special display fixtures you are expected to send those as well, along with clear and simple instructions for display. If you have questions about special display needs, please contact us directly. (This does not include typical neck forms or mannequin bodies or heads; we have many of these. Feel free to inquire with questions before shipping).
  • Selected entries will be on exhibit for a 1 year show in the Museum of Beadwork gallery.
  • All applications, entrance fees, and photos must be received no later than midnight on March 15th, 2025.

  • Please check out our last two MOB Challenge to see the finalists and winners here and here.

  • PDF Application here.
  • Application Fee here.

Prizes:

Grand prize - $500 cash prize plus $500 Caravan Beads Gift Certificate
Best of category (5 prizes, one in each category) - $300 Caravan Beads Gift Certificate
Judges Choice (1 from each judge from any category) - $150 Caravan Beads Gift Certificate
People’s choice (This award will be given after the opening of the Exhibition as it will be chosen by votes from attendees ) - $150 Caravan Beads Gift Certificate

Judges’ decisions are final. Entries will be judged on

  •  Overall visual presence
  •  Craftsmanship
  •  Difficulty
  •  Use of beads
  •  Originality/creativity
  •  Connection to the theme 
  • All entrants will be informed via email whether they have been selected for the final round of judging or not.
  • If you are selected for the final round you will also receive email notification with details on how to proceed.

Exhibit details:

  • Do not mail beadwork until instructed to do so.
  • Only entries that make it to the second round of judging will be exhibited.
  • Exhibition dates will be from June 6th, 2025 to May 31st 2026.
  • Artists will be responsible for all shipping to and from the Museum of Beadwork.

  • Voting for the People’s Choice category will take place from the opening of the exhibit until June 29th, 2025. Your piece must physically be on display to qualify.

Other details:

  • The Museum of Beadwork, Caravan Beads, Inc, and Miyuki co., Ltd. retain the right to photograph all entries and use those photographs as well as any photography entered into the competition in any lawful way including (but not limited to) publicity, marketing, publication, exhibitions, etc. in perpetuity with full credit to the artist.
  • Employees, Volunteers, and Board members of The Museum of Beadwork, Caravan Beads, Inc. and Miyuki Co., Ltd. are not eligible to participate in the competition.