Call to Artists for Leaving the Fold art exhibit: Art from the Journey Out of High-Control Systems

Leaving the Fold is seeking submissions from artists whose work explores themes of religious deconstruction, leaving high control secular or religious systems, identity, loss of community, healing, and growing into a healthy spirituality.
We welcome artists of diverse backgrounds and experiences, wherever they are on their journey: in the thick of deconstruction and questioning, feeling lost, finding joy in autonomy and freedom or healing and moving on to the next phase of life. Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply. We are a safe space for artists who wish to remain anonymous for their own sensitive reasons - i.e., personal safety, or not being quite ready to share their whole journey publicly.
A variety of art mediums will be considered: painting, printmaking, illustration, photography, fiber art, mixed media, sculpture, 3-D art, zines, calligraphy, music, sound, video, prose, poetry, performance or digital art. AI generated art will be not be accepted.
The exhibition will be held at Art Design Xchange in Portland, Oregon, September 18–24, 2026. The opening reception will be on September 18th from 5:00-9:00pm. There will be other events during the course of the exhibit: a Read Aloud session and an artists forum, to promote conversation, empathy and community around these deeply personal topics.
Submission Deadline: July 1, 2026, 5:00pm
For submission guidelines and application details, visit: https://www.rachelbancroftstudio.com/ltf
or follow us on Instagram at @leavingthefoldart