The Painting Center is seeking submissions for the juried exhibition Under Pressure curated by Carrie Patterson. The exhibition will be held in person and on Artsy from June 23 – July 18, 2026, with an opening reception on Thursday, June 25. In 2026, young people are coming of age amid unprecedented change—marked by political upheaval, climate instability, and pervasive violence. Social media and emerging technologies shape their daily realities, amplifying pressures around identity, visibility, and unattainable ideals, while mental health struggles continue to rise. What does it mean to be young in a world that feels increasingly overwhelming? The exhibition Under Pressure invites artists ages 13 – 22 to respond to this moment, expressing what they think, feel, and witness while navigating a world under pressure. Artists across all styles and mediums are encouraged to apply.

Exhibition Dates: June 23 - July 18, 2026

Reception Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Deadline Date: Wednesday, May 20 at Midnight

Notification Date: Monday, June 1, 2026

Application Fee: $40 for up to three images.

Submission Requirements: JPEGs must be 300 dpi and professional quality images. The maximum file size for any individual image is 10 MB.

Additional Requirements: All works submitted must be for sale. (The gallery takes a 35% commission on any works sold.) There is no size limit for works submitted. Please note that all works must be wired and ready to hang or be able to be secured on a pedestal. If the works cannot be wired or secured on a pedestal, please provide installation instructions.

Artwork Shipping / Delivery Dates: Wednesday, June 17, through Saturday, June 20, between 11 am and 6 pm.

Apply on Slideroom: https://thepaintingcenter.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/88197

Under pressure

Curated by Carrie Patterson