UN—KNOWN
Un—known is a benefit exhibition exploring what it means to live alongside what we cannot see, predict, or control. Anchored in the experience of chronic and terminal illness, the show reaches into the wider unknowing we all carry - about mortality, about losing people we love, about the vastness of what we don't and can't know.
Un—known was conceived by artist Krisi Johnson, who was diagnosed last year with mitochondrial myopathy (POLG variant), the same rare disease that took her father's life ten years ago. Krisi co-created the show with fellow Bay Area artists Rodrick Daniels and Grace Buchholz. For Grace, the vision is also deeply personal, as her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's four years ago.
Proceeds will be split between the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association.
Call for entry
Un—known is a benefit exhibition exploring what it means to live alongside what we cannot see, predict, or control. Anchored in the experience of chronic and terminal illness, the show reaches into the wider unknowing we all carry - about mortality, about losing people we love, about the vastness of what we don't and can't know.
Un—known was conceived by artist Krisi Johnson, who was diagnosed last year with mitochondrial myopathy (POLG variant), the same rare disease that took her father's life ten years ago. Krisi co-created the show with fellow Bay Area artists Rodrick Daniels and Grace Buchholz. For Grace, the vision is also deeply personal, as her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's four years ago.
Proceeds will be split between the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation and the Alzheimer's Association.
What we're looking for
Work in any medium that engages with the theme of the unknown - mortality, chronic illness, grief, faith and the loss of it, the body, time, memory, fear, hope, or the experience of waiting for answers that may never come.
We welcome painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, textile, mixed media, and work that resists categorization. Abstract or literal approaches are equally welcome.
The show will be juried by the organizers with the goal of bringing together a cohesive exhibition that represents a wide range of experiences with the unknown.
Key dates
Submissions close: September 1
Decisions sent: by September 10
Setup: September 20
Show runs: October 1–31
Venue: Wave Collective
What to submit
Up to 4 works for the main exhibition. All must connect to the theme and must be available for sale.
1 additional work for the silent auction. This can be on any subject and does not need to connect to the theme.
One image per piece (JPG or PNG, minimum 1500px on the long edge, max 10MB, 300 DPI).
A short artist bio (75–100 words)
A few sentences describing how your submitted work connects to the theme.
Sales and silent auction
Wave Collective handles all transactions and pays artists at the close of the show.
Main exhibition sales: Artists receive 50% of the sale price. The remaining 50% goes to fundraiser.
Silent auction: Starting bids should fall between $50 and $100. Artists receive 50% of the starting bid; everything bid above that goes directly to fundraiser. Pieces should be no bigger than 14×14 in. (This is slightly flexible)
Prints: A dedicated print area will be available during the show. If you'd like to offer prints alongside your original work, let us know in your submission and we'll follow up with details.
Installation and logistics
All 2D work must arrive ready to hang with wire or D-ring hardware. No sawtooth hangers. For sculpture or installation pieces, we'll work directly with you on placement and technical needs - please describe these in your submission.
Artists are responsible for delivering, installing, and taking down their own work. Attendance at the opening reception on October 2 is expected.
Image rights
By submitting, you grant the organizers of Un—known and Wave Collective permission to use images of your submitted work in promotional materials, including social media, press, printed materials, the gallery website, and UMDF/ communications. Credit will be given wherever practical.
About the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders in which the cells' energy producers fail, causing progressive, often multi-system illness affecting muscles, brain, heart, and organs. They can appear at any age and vary widely in severity. There is no universal cure, and families face complex medical needs, mounting costs, and uncertain futures. UMDF funds research toward treatments and cures, expands access to specialized care and genetic testing, and provides resources and community for patients and caregivers.
About the Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's is a progressive brain disease that destroys memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to carry out daily life. While most common after 65, early-onset forms can strike people in their 40s and 50s. There is no cure, and families often navigate years of caregiving, mounting costs, and the slow loss of someone still present. The Alzheimer's Association funds research toward treatment and prevention, provides free care and support services for patients and caregivers, and advocates for the needs of millions of families facing the disease.
Questions?
Email the team with any questions before submitting.