RIPE: A Queer Asian Joy Show

RIPE: A Queer Asian Joy Show

Call for Art - Fishbowl Gallery - January+Febuary 2026
Show Statement

Ripe is a response to those who have ever been made to feel as an outside for being queer and or trans Asian Americans. It is for the queer and trans Asians who have questioned their belonging, who have diminished themselves to fit inside boxes never meant for them. Ripe celebrates the moment we stop shrinking—the tender and radical act of letting ourselves be seen in full color. To be ripe is to be ready: to overflow with abundance, to trust the fullness of our becoming, to let our joy spill without apology.

This exhibition invites queer and trans Asian artists to come together in community—to create, share, and revel in the beauty of our own abundance. It is both sanctuary and celebration, a soft container and a bright eruption. Through many forms of art, Ripe gathers our stories of tenderness, celebration, authenticity, and bliss, creating a collective portrait of what it means to feel alive in the embodiment of Queer Asian Joy.

We welcome submissions from queer and or trans artists of all experiences whose ancestry lies within Asia working in all mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. We look forward to sharing your stories and celebrating what it means to embody Queer Asian Joy.

The exhibition will take place January 2nd– February 28, 2026, in Seattle, WA at The Fishbowl Gallery.
INSPIRATION: Check out the following curated Pinterest board for this show - https://pin.it/2n0xv0dDj
Submission Donation - Supporting our Space & Community

Thank you for your interest in submitting to our upcoming gallery show! As a volunteer-run, QTBIPOC-centered space, we rely on community contributions to keep our doors open and continue providing opportunities for artists like you.

As you consider submitting your work, please note that a $15 submission donation is suggested. This fee plays a critical role in helping us maintain and support the space, ensuring that we can continue to offer opportunities for creative expression and community connection.

(@thefishbowlseattle on Venmo)

We understand that financial barriers exist, and we never want cost to prevent anyone from sharing their work.

If you are in a position to contribute a bit more, we warmly welcome additional donations. Extra support from contributors helps cover fees for other artists and further sustains our mission of providing a vibrant, inclusive platform for the QTBIPOC community.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we work together to keep this space thriving for all and work towards providing the fee-free space we hope to provide in the future.
Preferred Name*

First NameLast Name
Pronouns*
Please select all that apply. We ask these questions to ensure diverse and inclusive representation in our exhibition.*

AsianQueerTransgenderNon BinaryImmigrantMixed RaceDisabledHave never shown art publicly beforeResident of Seattle, WAOther
Is there anything else you want to share about your identity with our curation team? (Optional)
Are you over 18?
Email*
example@example.com
Instagram handle
Website
Venmo
Have you exhibited with The Fishbowl before?

YesNo
Artist Bio (150-200 words)*
Please use this space to introduce yourself, your background and describe how you approach your artistic practice
Artist Statement (200 - 400 words)*
Please use this space to describe how your submitted work fits into the show theme.
Artwork Information:

Submit up to 4 pieces below
Submission 1 Image Upload*

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Submission 1 Installation Instructions
Submission 1 Fishbowl Print Sales
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Submission 2 Image Upload

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Submission 3 Image Upload

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Submission 4 Image Upload

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Additional Notes
Please use this space to share any important notes for our curation team to consider. Also, describe any requirements for hanging or other nuances we should keep in mind when installing your work (e.g., needing a plinth/pedestal, specific lighting, interactive components, etc.).
Please check any of the programming or services provided by the Fishbowl that are of interest to you

Being a participating vendor at our regular Art MarketsVolunteeringAttending Community CirclesAttend WorkshopsBe able to host or teach a workshopAcquiring a private art studioAttending live performances and shows at the FishbowlHaving the opportunity to perform at the FishbowlOther
How have you participated in the Fishbowl and larger arts community?

I am acquanted with the Fishbowl and have visted the space a handful of timesThis would be my first Fishbowl ExperienceI am a recurring patron of the FishbowlI occasionally volunteer at the FishbowlI am a regular volunteer of the FishbowlI have attended a past workshopThis is my first time showing my work publiclyThis is my first time showing work in a gallery settingI am returning to my art practice after a long hiatusOther
Terms Agreement:

All art must be dropped off to this Fishbowl within 2 weeks of the show opening, any works not presented within the required timeframe is subject to not be displayed. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances, along with clear and consistent communication with the Fishbowl team.

Art that arrives with little to no protective packaging runs the risk of potential damage. For best results in ensuring art remains intact, please take the time to wrap your art, and we will endeavor to make sure it is returned the way it arrived at the gallery.

ART MUST BE DROPPED OFF BY DECEMBER 28TH (end of day) AT THE ABSOLUTE LATEST.

After the close of the show, ALL art must be retrieved by the artist. Art that has not been picked up by the artist after 30 days of closing reception will be subject to be relinquished over to the property of the Fishbowl. Please indicate that you understand and accept this arrangement.

Our Limited Liability Policy:

The Fishbowl will not be responsible for any loss or damage to a vendor/artist’s property, injury to, or bodily harm of the vendor/artist (or its employees, representatives, and contractors), or vendor/artist sales. By participating in any Fishbowl Event, vendor/artist expressly assumes all risks of loss, damage, liability, injury, or destruction resulting from any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to acts or omissions by Vendor, Artist, The Fishbowl, or acts of nature, and hereby releases and waives any claims against The Fishbowl(and its employees, representatives, and contractors) related to such loss, damage, liability, injury, and/or destruction.

By clicking Submit below I acknowledge and agree to the above terms
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RIPE: A Queer Asian Joy Show

Artwork Information: