Fat Over Lean (FOL) is a collaborative art show open to all fat artists living in Oregon and Southern Washington. The show runs October 1st through 31st, 2026 and will be held at Fans Only Gallery, 1010 SW 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97205. Artists of all experience levels are welcome to apply. This project was created by Michelle Jackson, a fat artist who creates uplifting artworks about people who are fat and queer.
Application Guidelines:
- This call is active August 1st through September 12th, 2026.
- 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.
Have questions? Want to request assistance or accommodations with the application process? Don’t use gmail? Please email fatoverleanproject@gmail.com /// Visit Fat Over Lean!
More Info
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqfEyMiPDU2jVSR49CHQzMD032OVZDVqy9b10f7dolNkA7tw/viewform
Location
Portland, OR
Opportunity Region
Local
Commitment
Non-Applicable
Contact Email
fatoverleanproject@gmail.com