12th Annual Clayton Sculpture Trail

Description

Deadline for Application: October 1, 2025
Exhibition Dates: March 2026 – March 2027
Honorarium:

Category A (Large Round-a-bout scale pieces) $3,000

Category B (Street-scape scale pieces that fit on a 6’ x 6’ pad or smaller) $1,500

The Town of Clayton is seeking artists to participate in our upcoming 12th annual outdoor public art trail, known as the Clayton Sculpture Trail, an exciting public art exhibition designed to celebrate creativity and enhance community spaces.

We invite local, regional, and national established and emerging professional artists to submit original, outdoor-appropriate sculptures that reflect creativity, craftsmanship, and an engaging visual presence in a public setting. This juried exhibition aims to promote cultural enrichment, public interaction with the arts, and enhance our outdoor spaces.

BACKGROUND

The Town of Clayton is a dynamic community dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens, visitors, and the greater Triangle region. This outdoor trail aims to showcase a variety of outstanding artists and provide them the opportunity to display their sculptures throughout the heart of beautiful Downtown Clayton, North Carolina. This exhibit will bring renewed energy to the already vibrant downtown scene, strengthening the connection to the nearby Community Center and extending its impact across surrounding streets and gathering spaces.

Downtown Clayton offers exceptional accessibility, with both I-40 and I-95 located just minutes away. Conveniently situated in Johnston County, Downtown Clayton is only a 20-minute drive from Downtown Raleigh and the North Carolina State Capitol, providing quick access to the region’s cultural, business, and governmental hubs. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is also within easy reach, approximately 30 minutes, making Clayton a highly connected destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

EXHIBITION GUIDELINES

General

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age. All entries must be fully completed and submitted for consideration. Absolutely no form of maquettes or models will be considered for entry. The work must be in its complete form and appear exactly as submitted.

The selected works will be exhibited in designated locations throughout Downtown Clayton from March 2026 until March 2027. Sculptures must be on exhibit as specified and may not be removed until the conclusion of the exhibition unless prior arrangements have been made with the Town of Clayton.