Living on the Borderline: Expressions of Hope, Education and Healing

Emotions Matter is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to support, educate and advocate for people impacted by borderline personality disorder (BPD). The 2022 BPD art show will take place online through the Emotions Matter website, with selected submissions also displayed at an in-person educational event in New York City at the end of October.

The art show accepts submissions reflecting artistic expressions of the lived experience of Borderline Personality Disorder. The purposes are to raise public awareness about BPD, empower artists to tell their stories through art, and inspire those impacted by BPD to achieve recovery. Participants must have lived experience of BPD as an individual, family member, or professional. Art will be judged on adherence with submission criteria, goodness of fit with the theme, artistic expression and ability. Juror Ellen Mattesi is an artist and business owner with 30+ years of experience developing innovative projects and transformative environments promoting the therapeutic and expressive power of art.

Submissions must be visual art (photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, etc.). Audio and video submissions are not accepted. Each artist may submit a maximum of 3 pieces, with 1 image per piece. Submissions should be between 2MB and 10MB in PDF or JPG format. Participants must complete an application, event waivers, and a personal artist statement explaining their BPD story and how it influenced their art. Artist statements are seen only by jurors and shared only with artist permission. Artists may request anonymity in the exhibition. If selected, artists must be willing to have their submission appear on the Emotions Matter website and may participate in educational products produced from the event. Selected artists will receive a complimentary copy of printed materials. The entry fee is $15. Submission deadline is September 18, 2022 at midnight. No late entries will be accepted. Those with financial difficulties may contact [email protected] to inquire about assistance.