Call for Art

thems. is excited to announce the second installment of our “Art Beyond the Gallery” series. We are seeking submissions from both emerging and professional LGBTQIA+ artists for our Fall/Winter 2026 Group Exhibition, “Hard & Soft Desire”, on view from November 14, 2026 through January 8, 2027!

This exhibition will explore the contrast and dichotomy of hard and soft, strong and vulnerable, certainty and longing, restraint and release, desire and apathy. While there is no required medium, this open-call seeks artists with artwork primarily in black and white, exploring contrast, texture and balance. Artworks with minimal or muted colors may be accepted at the discretion of the selection committee.

Artists of all visual media are encouraged to apply. We are committed to representing artists across a wide spectrum of racial, gender, and sexual identities.

DEADLINES:

• Submission Deadline: 9/30/26 at 11:59 pm

• Notification of Acceptance Round 1: 10/5/26 

• Notification of Acceptance Round 2: 10/9/26 

• Acceptance Fee & Waivers Deadline: 10/12/26

• Drop Off Deadline: 11/2/26 at thems. studio (2431 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, Arizona 85008)

• Exhibition Opening: 11/14/26 (Location announced soon)

• Pick Up Deadline: 1/14/26 at thems. studio (2431 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, Arizona 85008)

CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSION:

This exhibition is intended to highlight and create opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists living and working primarily in Arizona. As part of your submission, we ask that you briefly share how you identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. This information helps us ensure the exhibition remains aligned with its mission and intended community. Artists will not be evaluated or scored based on their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity. Submissions will be reviewed based on the artwork itself and its relationship to the exhibition’s curatorial direction.

• Artists must reside within the United States with an emphasis on artists living and working in Arizona. 

• All pieces submitted must be done in black and white. Pops of color are allowed but stick to a roughly 90% Black & White/10% Saturated Color balance in submitted pieces.

• All pieces must be finished and framed at the time of submission. We will not print any photographic or digital works.

• All 2-D works submitted must be able to hang via a wire or D-rings.

• Due to available wall space no 2-D pieces larger than 30”x30” (framed) will be accepted

• While predominantly a 2-D art show, 3-D works can be submitted for consideration following all previous criteria mentioned previously. If submitting 3-D artwork please provide the method of display.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

1. Artists are allowed to submit up to 3 works for consideration into the group show but only one piece will be selected from each individual artist via submission form only, applications sent outside of this form will not be considered.

2. If selected as a participant of the group show you will be asked to pay a non-refundable $25 acceptance fee.
   Why? Acceptance fees help us bring the exhibition to life. As a volunteer-run nonprofit, these funds go directly toward exhibition costs like installation, photography, printing, hardware, signage, and other gallery supplies. Your support helps us create an accessible, professionally presented exhibition that celebrates and uplifts LGBTQIA+ artists.

3. Along with the acceptance fee, artists will also be asked to sign a “Damage Liability Waiver” and an “Image Rights Waiver”.
   The Image Rights waiver acknowledges thems. permission to potentially use your artwork to promote the exhibition and future programs on our social media, website and in future printed materials.

4. Per Submission: Provide a good quality photo of your artwork, a photo of your artwork framed (front view), and a photo of the back of your frame.

5. Provide measurement of framed piece, edge to edge; Length x Width.

6. If submitting a 3-D piece, please provide Length x Width x Height. For 3-D submissions, provide up to three photos of work from different angles. Please indicate the front, back, and bottom of the piece when submitting your images.

Please email info@themsphx.org with any questions.