Transcendence Art Show Celebrates Community, Activism, and Self-Expression

Annual exhibition in Bowling Green, Ohio features works by local and regional LGBTQ+ artists

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The third annual Transcendence Art Show is underway in Bowling Green, Ohio, showcasing the work of 26 artists across 31 pieces. Organized by artist Jax Foster, the exhibition provides a platform for LGBTQ+ creators to share their art without fear of rejection. Over the years, the show has grown from 12 artists to 26, with the inclusion of live performances and a self-guided audio tour this year. Transcendence also serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit No More Dysphoria, which provides financial aid for transition-related expenses.

Why it matters

The Transcendence Art Show is more than just an exhibition - it's a space for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, connect, and celebrate their identities through art. In a climate that can be hostile towards trans people, the show offers a safe and affirming environment for artists to express themselves freely. By highlighting local talent and raising funds for a worthy cause, Transcendence is strengthening the bonds within the Bowling Green LGBTQ+ community and inspiring others across the region.

The details

The Transcendence Art Show features a diverse array of mediums, from paintings and drawings to tattoo-inspired works. Many of the pieces reflect the artists' personal experiences and political views, with some addressing themes of gender identity, activism, and self-love. One artist, GM O'Hare, is exhibiting for the third consecutive year, noting how the event has grown into a 'big community event' where people can 'congregate' and 'find other people' in a safe space. Another artist, James Perrine, uses their work to explore their 'daily state of mind,' flipping between 'worry about the world' and 'keeping my neighbors safe.'

  • The third annual Transcendence Art Show began on Saturday, February 15, 2026 and will continue through Monday, February 17, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The show's vendor exhibition will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2026 following the conclusion of the main exhibition.

The players

Jax Foster

The organizer of the Transcendence Art Show, who works under the moniker Thistle and Berry. Foster started the exhibition three years ago as a way to create a space for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their work without fear of rejection.

GM O'Hare

A third-time exhibitor at the Transcendence Art Show, whose works this year are titled 'Neurons As Seen Through the Microscope of Golgov Klimt' and 'Beyond the Anatomy (AKA That Which Carries My Brain From Room to Room).'

James Perrine

A tattoo artist whose pieces 'Jorogumo Study 2' and 'Just Following Orders' explore their 'daily state of mind,' reflecting on 'worry about the world' and 'keeping my neighbors safe.'

No More Dysphoria

A nonprofit organization that provides financial aid to individuals with transition-related expenses. Transcendence serves as a fundraiser for this organization.

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What they’re saying

“In the beginning, I did a body of work during my medical transition that I couldn't really get into galleries. I decided to make a show that I wouldn't have to worry about getting rejected for based on content, and in doing that, facilitated a space for about 12 of us and myself.”

— Jax Foster, Organizer, Transcendence Art Show (bgindependentmedia.org)

“The first year was pretty small, and now … it feels like a big community event, which is super cool.”

— GM O'Hare, Third-time Exhibitor, Transcendence Art Show (bgindependentmedia.org)

“Personally, I didn't know a lot of people before this. I think a lot of people have met each other through events like this. It is, I think, really important for us, especially to have a place to congregate, have the connections to network, to find other people so we have a safe space.”

— GM O'Hare, Third-time Exhibitor, Transcendence Art Show (bgindependentmedia.org)

“Together, the two pieces represent my daily state of mind. Flipping between worry about the world, worry about my art, worry about providing for my family and keeping my neighbors safe.”

— James Perrine, Artist, Transcendence Art Show (bgindependentmedia.org)

What’s next

Following the conclusion of the Transcendence Art Show on Monday, February 17, 2026, a vendor exhibition will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the same location.

The takeaway

The Transcendence Art Show has evolved from a small exhibition three years ago to a vibrant community event that celebrates the creativity, resilience, and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community in Bowling Green and the surrounding region. By providing a platform for marginalized artists to share their work and connect with one another, the show is fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment that extends far beyond the walls of the gallery.