Call for Event / Workshop Proposals coming soon!

Fat Over Lean - CALL FOR ART! 

Apply here! 

Application Guidelines:

• This call is active August 1st through September 12th, 2026.

• It is free to apply!

• Artist(s) must reside in Oregon or lower Washington.

• Open to fat artists only.

• Up to ten artworks may be submitted per artist or artist collaboration.

• Maximum upload size per file is 10 MB. 

• Artists will be notified of selection by September 16th, 2026.

• Art must be dropped off between September 17th and 28th, 2026 at FO Gallery. Time/days TBA.

• Artist statements are encouraged, but not required.

• Artist bios are encouraged, but not required.

Acceptable Media:

• Artwork that celebrates, explores, or thoughtfully engages with experiences of being fat is welcome. 

• Work that is fat-phobic, derogatory toward fat people, fetishizing, or that reduces fat bodies to objects is not accepted.

• To respect the dignity and autonomy of those represented, artists submitting work depicting individuals other than themselves must obtain written permission from the subject to exhibit the artwork. This requirement does not apply to images that are in the public domain, available under Creative Commons or similar licenses, or otherwise legally licensed for artistic use. This documentation may be requested during selection process.

• What art media is accepted? Original ceramics, digital art, drawings, fiber art, glasswork, installation work/video work, performance art, jewelry, metalwork, mixed media, painting, photography, and printmaking. 

• What size art is accepted? We hope to accommodate all art sizes! 

• Is AI art accepted? Only original artwork created by the artist will be accepted. Artificial intelligence may be used to assist artists in creative processes, but AI-generated artwork is not eligible for submission.

• Does 2D art need to be framed? No. 

• What kind of hanging hardware is accepted? D-ring, wire, sawtooth, magnetic pins, and more.

• What if I don't have hanging hardware? That's okay! We will figure it out.

• Can art be hung from the ceiling? It depends on the size and weight of the art.

• Is nude art accepted? Yes

• Is sexual, sex work, or kink-related art accepted? Yes, barring live sex acts.

Selection Process:

• This is a non-juried art show. The goal is to accept as much art as possible!

• Art that does not follow submission guidelines of acceptable media may not be selected.

• Submissions will be reviewed by Michelle Jackson and Taravat Talepasand.

Sale of Art:

• Can I sell my art? Yes, but it's not mandatory. 

• How will sales be taken? Via Square or cash by event staff or volunteers

• How much will the artist retain of sales? Artists should expect to receive appx 95-97% of their sales, with appx 2.6% to 3.5% going to cover transaction fee costs. Artists are welcome to donate a portion of their sales to FOL. For artists 

• What will the donations be used for? 40% of donations will go to snacks, refreshments, and supplies for FOL events, 40% of donations will go to event volunteers, and 20% will be donated to the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). 

• Can I offer a sliding scale? Absolutely, be sure to note this with your submission.

• Can customers take art with them once sold? No, customers will be contacted to pick up their art after the show is complete and uninstalled. 

• Can I offer prints, stickers, or pins of my artwork? Yes, there will be a section dedicated to prints, stickers, etc. These purchases can be taken home at the time of sale. You do not need to submit images of these items at the time of application.

• When do I get paid? The week after the show closes - between November 2nd and 9th, 2026.

• How will I get paid? Via Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal. We will collect your usernames upon art drop-off.

• Can I create stipulations or a contract if my art sells? Yes, please be sure to note this on your application.

• When can I pick up my artwork? Between November 2nd and 16th, 2026. Times/days to be arranged.

Description of Gallery:

• FansOnly (FO) Gallery is located in downtown Portland close to the Portland Art Museum.

• It is home to studios for local artists nested within a multi-room gallery space, and is headed by Taravat Talepasand, an artist and educator at Portland State University.

• FO is mobility-friendly and offers double door openings, ramps and has no stairs to gallery spaces.

• FO has three non-binary restrooms, all of which are accessible, with one being most accessible (non-weighted door, lower sink, lower paper towel dispenser).

• Located close to public transit,  paid street and lot parking is available.

• Some AV equipment is available: 10 CRT TVs, 2 projectors

• There are also a few pedestals that can be requested.

• Please note, WIFI access is limited

• Installation of the exhibit welcomes input from the artists, but final placement is determined by gallery specialists.

• A gallery walk-through will be available via video before the show begins, or artists are welcome to tour the space when dropping off their artwork.

• An opening reception will be held on October 3rd, 2026, 3 pm to 8 pm, with a soft opening on First Thursday, October 1st, 2026, 5 pm to 8 pm.

• More free events and workshops will take place throughout October.

Publicity

• Artist(s) will receive social media post images and stories along with posting suggestions.

• Artist(s) will receive a JPEG of the promotional poster and are encouraged to print and hang them in community spaces.

• Event will be advertised through local online event websites, social media, and printed posters as well as at the Body Positive Block Party.

• Postcards for the event will be printed and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Artists can opt out of their work being used for promotional social media posts

Apply here! 

Fat Over Lean (FOL) is a collaborative art show with free creative events catered to people who are fat. The event runs October 1st through 31st, 2026, and will be held at Fans Only Gallery, 1010 SW 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97205.  This project was created by Michelle Jackson, a fat artist who creates uplifting artworks about people who are fat and queer.  For more information, email fatoverleanproject@gmail.com