Join us for an intimate and interactive evening of storytelling, conversation, and connection.

The 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy Artist Talks are not traditional presentations. They are conversations—an opportunity for artists to share the stories behind their artwork and for attendees to engage directly with the people who created it.

Each artist brings their own perspective, experiences, and creative process to the conversation. As they share their stories, guests are invited to ask questions, respond to what they have heard, and, if they wish, share their own experiences and reflections.

In previous years, one of the most meaningful parts of the Artist Talks has been the opportunity to simply talk with the artists. These conversations create connections that extend beyond the artwork itself, opening the door to greater understanding of what it means to live with epilepsy. And for people living with the experience of epilepsy—to know that are not alone.

Through stories and shared experiences, artists and attendees explore the many realities of epilepsy—the challenges, uncertainty, stigma, resilience, relationships, identity, and moments of hope that are often difficult to see or explain.

This year’s gathering brings to life the theme, “Illuminating the Human Experience of Epilepsy Through Art, Storytelling, and Community.” Together, we create a space where stories can be heard, questions can be asked, and experiences can be shared.

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors and Supporters

Grateful for Our Partnerships with:

Thank You to Our Arts Sponsors

Arts Patron Sponsors

Arts Advocate Sponsors

Arts Champion Sponsors

Arts Benefactor Sponsors

1:26 ART EXHIBIT 2026 | CHICAGO

Illuminating the Human Experience of Epilepsy Through Art, Storytelling, and Community.

Chicago | Exhibit: October 13–17 | Jackson Junge Gallery | 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

Artists Talk: Friday, October 16, 5:30–7:30 pm

Gallery Benefit Reception Event: Saturday, October 17, 6–9 pm (VIP starts at 5:30 pm)

1:26 The Art of Epilepsy is more than an exhibit—it is a powerful gathering of voices, perspectives, and lived experiences.

This inspiring evening brings together artists, advocates, families, and supporters to celebrate the creativity and resilience of individuals living with epilepsy. Through deeply personal and evocative artwork, artists share what words alone often cannot—revealing the complexities, challenges, and moments of strength that define their journeys.

Each piece offers insight into the realities of epilepsy while breaking down stigma and expanding understanding. Together, these works illuminate not only struggle, but also courage, identity, and hope.

Guests will enjoy an evening of art, meaningful connection, and community, along with food and drinks. Attendees will also have the opportunity to support artists directly through artwork purchases.

Honored Guest
Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, M.D.
Professor of Neurological Sciences
Rush Medical College
Epileptologist, Rush Epilepsy Center

We are proud to honor Adriana Bermeo-Ovalle, MD, neurologist and epilepsy specialist at Rush University Medical Center, whose leadership and advocacy continue to elevate and support the epilepsy community.

Dr. Bermeo-Ovalle is an epileptologist at Rush University Medical Center whose work is distinguished by her commitment to comprehensive, multidisciplinary epilepsy care and advocacy. She has been a passionate champion for the Hispanic epilepsy community throughout Chicago and pioneered the N.E.S.T. Clinic (Non-Epileptic Seizure Treatment Center), the first program of its kind in the region dedicated to coordinated care for individuals with non-epileptic seizures. Working collaboratively across neurology, psychiatry, psychology, neurosurgery, social work, and other specialties, Dr. Bermeo-Ovalle strives to improve quality of life for every person she serves. She is also a strong advocate for recognizing and treating the mental health challenges that often accompany epilepsy, reflecting her holistic and deeply compassionate approach to patient care.

Artist Talk

2026 1:26 The Art of Epilepsy – Chicago Artist Talks
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 pm

Join us for an intimate evening of storytelling that brings this year’s theme to life: Illuminating the Human Experience of Epilepsy Through Art, Storytelling, and Community.

These conversations reveal what is often unseen—how epilepsy shapes daily life, relationships, and self-perception—and how art becomes a language for connection, healing, and understanding.

This gathering is an invitation to listen deeply, learn meaningfully, and honor the voices that continue to transform perception and build community.

The Artist Talk is free to attend, Please RSVP is appreciated so that we can plan for refreshments. Register for the artist talk. 

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors and Supporters

Grateful for Our Partnerships with:

Thank You to Our Arts Sponsors

Arts Patron Sponsors

Arts Advocate Sponsors

Arts Champion Sponsors

Arts Benefactor Sponsors

1:26 ART EXHIBIT 2026 | NEWPORT BEACH

November 7, 2026 | 6 – 8 pm | Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive

Illuminating the Human Experience of Epilepsy Through Art, Storytelling, and Community

1:26 The Art of Epilepsy brings together artists, advocates, and community members for an evening that centers the human experience behind epilepsy.

Through powerful visual storytelling, artists share deeply personal perspectives—offering insight into the realities, challenges, and resilience that shape their lives. Their work invites viewers to move beyond assumptions and engage with epilepsy through empathy, understanding, and connection.

This meaningful event highlights the impact epilepsy has on individuals, families, and communities—while celebrating the creativity and strength that emerge from those experiences.

We are also honored to recognize James Park, D.O., neurologist, epileptologist, and clinical neurophysiologist at Hoag.

Guests will enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community, along with food and drinks. Artwork will be available for purchase, directly supporting the artists and the mission of the Hidden Truths Project.

Join us as we come together to elevate voices, challenge stigma, and illuminate the stories that deserve to be seen and heard.

Register today!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Let’s connect. Use our contact form to set up a discovery chat. (click here)

Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors

Save the Date: March 21, 2026

Where Imagination Meets Insight:
The Art of Epilepsy Purple Day® Celebration 2026
Exhibit & Reception

March 21, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM (PST) | The Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall, The Walt Disney Family Museum
122 Riley Ave., The Presidio, San Francisco

Call for Artists

Where Imagination Meets Insight:
The Art of Epilepsy Purple Day® California Celebration 2026 Exhibit

March 21, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM (PST) | The Walt Disney Family Museum | San Francisco, California 

We’re seeking artists whose creativity, passion, and storytelling illuminate the human experience. This powerful exhibition celebrates art as a catalyst for understanding, where science and art converge, and personal stories find their voice. Together, we aim to demystify epilepsy, foster public understanding, and empower individuals and families impacted by this condition.

Artists whose work is selected for the exhibition will have the opportunity to sell their artwork, with a percentage of each sale benefiting the Hidden Truths Project and its advocacy, education, and wellness programs.

Your art can spark a connection. Your story can inspire change.

To apply, please submit a complete application package: your application form, artist statement, and high-resolution images for jury review. We look forward to seeing your vision.

Applications must be received by January 31, 2026. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

SOLD OUT | 1:26 ART EXHIBIT 2025 | BOSTON

The convention is sold out. Attendees can still register for HTP workshops. Register for a workshop here.

Boston | September 4–6 | in collaboration with Epilepsy Foundation New England Convention
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge, 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA

Healing Through Art: Reclaiming Voices, Transforming Perceptions

The Hidden Truths Project is partnering with the Epilepsy Foundation of New England for their fall conference, scheduled for September 4–6, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge. This collaboration will feature art as a means of education through engaging visual displays and interactive workshops.

We will host a three-day “Art of Epilepsy” exhibition, beginning with an opening night gallery event on Thursday, September 4, showcasing works by artists who have been impacted by epilepsy. Additionally, we will offer art workshops designed to educate, empower, and inspire participants through creative expression during the conference.

Our special guest on September 4 will be Dr. Phillip Pearl, a distinguished artist and musician, and Co-Director of the Boston Children’s Hospital Epilepsy Center.

SOLD OUT>Registration for the Epilepsy Foundation New England Convention is required to attend a workshop or view the art gallery. There is an additional registration form for attending an HTP workshop (Convention attendees can still register for a workshop here).

If you plan to attend the gallery event on September 4, you must also register for the professional social hour and dinner symposium. For complete information, visit the Epilepsy Foundation New England Convention website by clicking the register button.

1:26 ART EXHIBIT 2025 | CHICAGO

Chicago | Exhibit: September 16-20
Gallery Event: Thursday,  September 18, 6 pm | Artists Talk: Friday, September 19, 5:30 pm
Jackson Junge Gallery | 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

Healing Through Art: Reclaiming Voices, Transforming Perceptions

Step into a powerful celebration of creativity, courage, and connection. 1:26 The ART of Epilepsy showcases the extraordinary artwork of individuals living with epilepsy—artists who are using a creative narrative to challenge stigma and share their truths.

This year’s theme, “Healing Through Art: Reclaiming Voices, Transforming Perceptions,” invites you to see epilepsy through a new lens—one shaped by resilience, beauty, and the healing force of artistic expression. The exhibit will be on display from September 16 to September 20.

Attend Our Gallery Night Event | Come for the art. Stay for the stories.

At our Gallery Fundraiser Event on Thursday, September 18 at 6 pm, enjoy an inspiring evening of wine, delicious food, and artwork that speaks from the heart, revealing the fear, isolation, hope, and triumph that often go unseen. All artwork will be available for purchase. We hope you can support our artists and our mission by joining us. Click here to purchase ticket(s) for the Gallery Event.

We’re honored to welcome Chicago’s own Landis Wiedner as our emcee for Opening Night.

Landis is one of the leading voices in epilepsy today—founder and host of what the ef?, a top 10% global podcast recognized with a Media Excellence Award by the California State Legislature. She’s a sought-after speaker, published in The Independent, NBC Think, and WIRED, and co-chairs the Public Awareness Committee for the National Plan for Epilepsy. Landis also co-created the Otherside Lounge, a space for and by people with epilepsy.

Honored Guest

On that evening, we will also be honoring Dr. Priyamvada Tatachar, a leader in pediatric epilepsy care. Dr. Priyamvada is an attending Physician at the Neurology and Epilepsy Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology and Epilepsy), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Artist Talk

On Friday, September 19, 5:30 pm, at the Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee, join us for a special conversation with participating artists as they share their personal journeys—what it’s really like to live with epilepsy, and how art has helped them find strength, connection, and healing.

The Artist Talk is free to attend, but an RSVP is appreciated so that we can plan for refreshments.

Thank you to our Generous Sponsors and Supporters

Grateful for Our Partnerships with:

Thank You to Our Arts Sponsors

Arts Patron Sponsors

Varsha Chandramou
Verna & Mike Donovan
Sam & Catherine Phelps
Keisha Strong

Arts Advocate Sponsors

Kathy & Scott Broderick
Julie & John Drexler
Gregory Gondek
Kathleen Kearns

Arts Champion Sponsors

Arts Benefactor Sponsors

1:26 ART EXHIBIT 2025 | NEWPORT BEACH

Newport Beach | October 11 at 6 pm | Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive

Please join us for the 1:26 The ART of Epilepsy in Newport Beach, where we honor the incredible creativity of individuals with epilepsy as they share their voices through art. This year’s theme, “Healing Through Art: Reclaiming Voices, Transforming Perceptions,” highlights the power of artistic expression to foster healing and change the way we view epilepsy. Come and celebrate the remarkable talents of these artists and witness how art can reclaim voices and transform perceptions.

Honored Guest

Dr. Sazgar is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine. She specializes in treating both adult and pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy, with particular expertise in women’s epilepsy and hormonal influences on seizure disorders.

Hidden Truths Project is honored to recognize Dr. Sazgar for her compassionate, patient-centered approach to epilepsy care and her commitment to advancing treatment for individuals across the lifespan. Her dedication to understanding the diverse impacts of epilepsy—especially in underrepresented populations such as women with hormone-sensitive seizures—reflects the mission of HTP. Through her work, she helps uncover the often-hidden complexities of living with epilepsy, reinforcing our belief that every voice deserves to be heard and that healing must cross all boundaries, neurological, emotional, social, and cultural.

Don’t miss this inspiring fundraiser supporting Hidden Truths Project’s mission to break stigma, reclaim voices, and transform perceptions.

• Savor curated hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and desserts
• Explore poignant artwork available for purchase
• Please help us honor Dr. Mona Sazgar, a nationally recognized epileptologist and champion for women with epilepsy

Come for the art. Stay for the stories. Leave inspired.

SPONSORS