NESA is thrilled to partner with this lovely museum for the first time in 2025/2026. Open to members of NESA, this show encourages artists to reflect on their personal backgrounds in addition to larger histories of craft, politics, and identity. Learning from the Past situates contemporary sculpture within artistic practices ranging from ancient periods to those in recent memory. Featuring the work of artists from the New England region, New England Sculpture Association at the MATT: Learning from the Past is a celebration of the past, present, and future of sculpture. The exhibition will be juried by the museum staff. Three awards will be given including “Best in Show” 

Key Dates

• Call will be posted on NESA website
• June 23, 2025: Submissions open
• August 4, 2025: Submissions close
• August 22, 2025: Notification of accepted artworks
• November 4-21, 2025: Drop off/shipment window for artworks. The Mattatuck Museum will be in touch with accepted artists to coordinate drop-off schedule.

Current New England Sculpture Association membership is required at the time of submission. All work must be three dimensional. Work submitted must have been executed in the past three years (2023-2025) and not previously exhibited in a Connecticut museum. Submissions are limited to three works per artist. Additional details will be provided in the call.