Against the Grain
September 13-October 25, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 13, 6-8pm, during Second Saturday ArtWalk
APPLY NOW THRU JULY 18!
Application via CallforEntry.org: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15361
Vision
Florida CraftArt announces Against the Grain, a curated exhibition celebrating the timeless art of woodworking while pushing the boundaries of tradition. This innovative exhibition highlights cutting-edge concepts, contemporary techniques, and the evolving relationship between function and form.
Against the Grain will present a stunning array of furniture, sculpture, utilitarian objects, and more. Each piece reveals the unique beauty of wood as a medium and the boundless creativity that skilled hands and meticulous craftsmanship can achieve.
Curated by Tampa-based furniture maker and artist Kurt Raschke, the exhibition will be on view at Florida CraftArt in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, showcasing contemporary wood artists from all over the nation.
Note: Against the Grain is a “hybrid” open-call and invitational exhibition, meaning that it will include a combination of artists invited directly by the curator and artists chosen from the open call-for-entry by the curator.
Guest Curator
Kurt Raschke is a Tampa, Florida-based furniture maker and artist. He holds a BFA in three-dimensional art from Georgia State University and completed a furniture-making intensive program at the Center for Furniture Craftmanship in Maine to hone his woodworking skills. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Florida School of Woodwork in Tampa.
Kurt’s furniture and sculptural work have been exhibited nationally. His work is based on traditional techniques while creating modern designs. He loves to add fun, quirky touches to counteract the seriousness often associated with art. Kurt also teaches woodworking classes, takes on apprentices, and, on occasion, is recognized in public for his woodworking product videos.
Entry Fee
$25 for up to 3 works
Florida CraftArt Members: $15 for up to 3 works (Contact gallery@floridacraftart.org for Member Discount Code. Become a Florida CraftArt member: floridacraftart.org/membership)
Dates & Deadlines
Submission Deadline: Friday, July 18 at 11:59pm MT
Acceptance Notification via Email: By Friday, August 1
Artwork Receiving:
- In person: Sunday, August 31; Tuesday, September 2; or Wednesday, September 3 during regular business hours (10am-5:30pm). No appointment needed.
- Shipping: Must be received by Friday, August 29. (Artist is responsible for incoming and outgoing shipping costs.)
Exhibition Dates: September 13-October 25, 2025
Artwork Pick-Up:
- In person: Sunday, October 26 (12-5pm), Monday, October 27 (10am-5:30pm), or Tuesday, October 28 (10am-5:30pm). No appointment needed.
- Shipping: Artwork will be shipped back within 7 days of the close of the exhibition, once artist has paid for return shipping costs.
Learn more about the open call-for-entry: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=15361
APPLY NOW THRU JULY 18!
Application questions? Contact gallery@floridacraftart.org or call 727-821-7391.
Contact Liz Cooper for sponsorship opportunities at liz@floridacraftart.org or 727-821-7391.