SaveArtSpace is proud to present Soft But Hard, a public art exhibition on billboard ad space in Los Angeles, CA, opening May 22, 2026, curated by Reesa Baxter.
With this curation, I want to monumentalize all those squishy, uncontainable things we’re taught to hide, to cover up and poke and prod into an acceptable shape. What if we celebrated the evidence of time passing over us instead of feeling ashamed that we are changed by it? Like water passing over a shard of glass softens its edges - weathering storm after storm leaves us softer too.
How do we stay soft, even when it gets hard? How does your softness make you strong?
For example: stretchmarks, sincerity, rage, fat, wrinkles, greys, despair, laziness, rest, cut flowers, falling in love, animal companions, daily rituals.
We invite artists of all ages and talents to submit their artwork between February 27 and April 6, 2026 in order to be considered for the exhibition. This is an opportunity to have your work placed on billboard ad space in Los Angeles, CA.
The application donation fee is $10 per image. Fees support the production of the exhibition, including the purchase of billboard ad space. All fees paid to SaveArtSpace are 100% tax deductible donations.
Selected artists will be announced after April 20, 2026. Public art will be on view starting May 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA, and will be on view for at least one month.
Curator
Reesa Baxter is an artist, illustrator and product designer best known for her paintings and illustrations of women that marry mythic symbolism and mundane life through technicolor palettes, lush landscapes and cheeky details. Themes of her work include the body, body image, emotional honesty, love, sexuality, femininity, nature, food, dreams and the internet. Her illustrations have appeared in Vice, Refinery29, Kiblind, BUST, Polyester and Autostraddle.
Reesa is currently illustrating a Tarot Deck to be published by Row House fall 2026.
Connect with Reesa at @reesabobeesa.
SaveArtSpace
Founded in 2015, SaveArtSpace is a non-profit organization that works to create an urban gallery experience, launching exhibitions that address intersectional themes and foster a message of social change that benefits the working class. By placing culture over commercialism, SaveArtSpace aims to empower artists from all walks of life and inspire a new generation of young creatives and activists.