2026 Virtual Art Show Call for Submissions Now Open!
Emotions Matter invites anyone with lived experience of borderline personality disorder, as an individual, family member, or professional, to submit art to our 2026 Art Show, "The Space Between the Storms: Borderline Personality Disorder Beyond the Moments You See."
Our Art Shows have given artists in our community a platform to express themselves and tell their stories honestly, storms and all. This year will be our 5th BPD Art Show and we wanted to do things a little differently. We're expanding it into a three-night virtual BPD Art Festival, bringing the Art Show experience straight to you.
This year's theme explores the moments that often go unseen: the space between crises and the experiences of hope, healing, recovery, identity, and everyday life with BPD.
About the 2026 Virtual BPD Art Festival
This year, the Art Show is part of a three-night virtual BPD Art Festival running the week of October 26. The Festival opens up our community and programming, centered on art, lived experience, recovery, and BPD, to people across the country. Selected artwork will be featured in a virtual exhibit on the Emotions Matter website and highlighted throughout the Festival. More details about Festival programming and registration will be announced next month.
Who Can Submit:
Individuals personally impacted by BPD
Family members of people impacted by BPD
Professionals with lived experience related to BPD
What This Art Show Sets Out to Do:
To raise the public's awareness about borderline personality disorder (BPD), a highly stigmatized and often misunderstood mental illness.
To empower artists to tell their stories through art, building self-agency and leadership.
To inspire those impacted by BPD to achieve recovery, offering hope and support.
Submission Deadline:
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET / 10:59 PM CT / 9:59 PM MT / 8:59 PM PT
Requirements & Submission Criteria
Artwork will be reviewed based on adherence to Art Show submission criteria, fit with the theme, and artistic expression. Submission does not guarantee selection.
To apply:
Submit one to three (1-3) original 2D or 3D artworks.
No shipping of original artwork required, international submissions welcome.
Include a separate Artist Submission Statement for each piece, addressing the artwork, how it connects to this year's theme, and your BPD journey. These go to jurors only and will not be shared publicly without permission.
Submit a completed CaFÉ application by the deadline.
Applicants should submit the highest-quality image of their artwork available. Selected artists may be asked to provide a higher-resolution image following acceptance for use in the virtual exhibit.
If your work is selected:
You must be willing to have your work displayed in the virtual exhibit on the Emotions Matter website.
You may be asked to provide a higher-resolution image of your artwork by a given deadline in order to be included in the virtual exhibit.
You will be invited to participate in the live virtual Artists Roundtable during the week of October 26, 2026.
Participation in the roundtable is optional.
Emotions Matter will draft a short Artist Exhibit Statement for public display, based on your submission statement, and will confirm it with you before it's published.
You will have the option to participate in additional educational or fundraising materials related to the Art Show, online or in print, such as books, posters, and postcards.
You will be required to review and sign an Artist Waiver and Release Form via DocuSign allowing Emotions Matter to use and display their work. Artists retain ownership of their artwork at all times.
Artist Entry Fee: $40
Fees collected help offset costs associated with technology, printing, and administrative support provided to artists for an optimal experience. Participating artists may receive a complimentary copy of select materials produced from the show digitally or in print, and feedback received about their art. We encourage all who are interested to enter. Those experiencing financial hardship may email info@emotionsmatterbpd.org to inquire about possible assistance. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Important Deadlines and Dates:
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET: Submission deadline. No late entries will be accepted.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Selected artists will be notified by email.
Week of October 26, 2026: Three-night virtual BPD Art Festival. Selected artists will be invited to join a live virtual Artists Roundtable to share their work and connect with fellow artists. Participation is optional. Exact date and time to be confirmed.
Helpful Links:
Meet our BPD Art Show Curator, Ellen Mattesi
Ellen Mattesi is an artist and entrepreneur. She has been immersed in many facets of the professional art world for over 30 years. Within her own fine art and creative career, she has built and managed design companies and art institutions, curated exhibitions, mentored artists in technical expertise and business skills, and fostered creativity for the ethnically and mentally diverse.
Ellen has spent many years involved in the BPD community not only as an art teacher but as a parent of a child with BPD. Presently she is immersed in creating a new collection of fine art while championing the advancement of women artists with her network, Black House Market.
This is the 5th BPD Art Show that Ellen Mattesi has led for Emotions Matter. Thank you, Ellen, for volunteering your time and talents to support our BPD artists and community!
Volunteer with the 2026 BPD Art Festival
It takes a village to bring our BPD Art Show to life! As we expand this year’s Art Show into a three-night virtual BPD Art Festival, we’re looking for volunteers interested in supporting the event behind the scenes.
Current volunteer opportunities may include:
Writing and copy editing to assist with artist materials, event copy, and Festival communications.
Pop-Up Shop support to help prepare select artwork for merchandise and assist with our online shop.
Communications and promotion to help spread the word about the BPD Art Show and Festival.
Virtual event tech support to assist behind the scenes with Zoom setup, troubleshooting, screen sharing, and other technical needs during Festival programming.
Most volunteer needs will take place in September and October leading up to the Festival. Specific projects and roles will be assigned based on current needs and volunteer experience.
Already an Emotions Matter volunteer? Email Antoinette at antoinette@emotionsmatterbpd.org to let us know which Art Festival volunteer opportunity you’re interested in.
New to volunteering with Emotions Matter? Complete a Volunteer Application on our website and select “Fundraising & Events.”
Questions? Email info@emotionsmatterbpd.org.