The RAA’s Art of Unburdening project is excited to be collaborating with Trellis & Vine studio and gallery in Smyrna on their upcoming two part exhibition called BitterSweet.
Workshop participants and leaders, as well as the community in general, are invited to submit visual art and poetry or very short stories (max one page) on this theme.
Exhibition Details
💔 PART 1: The Bitter
Exhibition: January 2 - 31, 2026
Reception: January 30, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm
Artworks in this first installment should reflect themes such as:
- Loss of loved one
- Grief, remembrance, and healing
- Carrying love forward after loss
- Memory, reflection, and emotional depth
Artists are encouraged to draw from personal experience or broader observations of grief and the bittersweet beauty found within it.
💛 PART 2: The Sweet
Exhibition: February 4 - 28, 2026
Reception: February 28, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm
Artworks for this second installment should celebrate:
- Joy, love, and connection
- The people who brighten our lives
- Gratitude, presence, and everyday beauty
- The sweetness of being loved and loving others
This portion highlights the warmth and goodness of relationships, big or small.
Additional information
Visual art must be made by the artist and must be hang ready and have a title.
Poems or other written work should be submitted in standard Times New Roman, 12 point font. RAA and Trellis and Vine will work to get these submissions standardized for display. Poets/story submitters may also be asked to share their work in a brief performance at one of the receptions.
Works do not have to be for sale, but if they are they need a price that takes into account the 30% commission T&V takes. The artist gets 70% in a check after the exhibition is over.
Works can also be submitted in memory of someone or in honor of some theme related to the BitterSweet focus.
For complete information and to submit, visit this Google form.
Banner image of paintbrushes credit unsplash.com/@kkalerry
