Niche Awards issues call for entries

Niche magazine will be accepting applications for its 2012 Niche Awards competition starting May 15. Now in its 22nd year, the Niche Awards annually recognize achievements by North American craft artists on the professional and student levels.

Finalists will be listed in the winter 2011 issue of Niche and invited to display their work Feb. 17-20, 2012, at the Winter Buyers Market of American Craft in Philadelphia.

The deadline for professional and student entries is Sept. 30. The application fee is $40 for professionals and $18 for students. Categories include ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, wood, jewelry and more.

Judging will be based on technical excellence, both in surface design and form; a distinct quality of unique, original and creative thought; and marketability in a competitive marketplace (professional work only).

Applications and guidelines can be found online at www.nicheawards.com.