For 36 years, “Clay, Fiber Exhibit” at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave., has recognized Iowa artists and their clay and fiber artwork. But within the last few years, the exhibit has started allowing artwork from artists all over the country.

“A lot of the time, the exhibit will concentrate on a certain artist or a certain medium,” says Heather Strausszheim, curator for the Octagon. “This year is a collaboration of many forms of media and of many different artists.”

The expanded show was juried by expert glassblower Jon Offult.

“Jurying an exhibition is always an exciting and introspective endeavor. What do I like, and why?” Offult says. “Many viewers assume that the work on display is the best work submitted. It would be more accurate to view the exhibit as the work most favored by the particular juror.”

Strausszheim says the entries came from 39 artists from 15 states, 22 of whom are from Iowa.

“Every year we try to find an out-of-state juror and each year an expert in different media,” Strausszheim says.

Two hundred entries were submitted for this exhibit, and 51 were selected to be showcased by Offult.

“The title of the exhibit helped to guide my choices. Clay, fiber, paper, glass, metal, wood — the traditional craft materials,” Offult says. “In my selections, I tried to retain the diversity of the submissions while choosing works that exemplified the handling of materials.”

A reception was held at the opening of the show Friday, and award winners for the showcase were announced. The Best of Show award was given to Chris Martin, associate professor of art and design, for his piece “1400R24 Club Chair.”

The exhibit will run until March 28 and is free to the public. On March 9, a gallery talk will feature some of the exhibit’s artists.

Strasszheim says the response to the show has been favorable, with more than 140 people in attendance.

“We had a pretty good weekend,” she says. “We’ve had really positive feedback for this show. Objects for this show go beyond the normal ceramic piece or painting.”