A commission depicting the artists' personal experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic brings difficult emotions to the surface, and Sarah Thornton and Kenny Schachter are guest judges.

Tasked with creating works about profound injustice, the artists tackle issues ranging from police violence to animal rights, and Adam Pendleton and Kenny Schachter are guest judges.

The artists look back to their past works for inspiration, and they must create new works that explore their ideas about the future; guest judges include artist Abigail DeVille and former NFL player and art patron Keith Rivers.

In the series finale, the artists have one last chance to impress the judges with a self portrait. Then, three finalists are chosen to showcase their work at the Hirshhorn Ball, but only one will win the exhibit of a lifetime and $100,000.