Behavioral Sciences Association accepting art submissions for annual ‘I Will Listen’ event

The Behavioral Sciences Association at Northwest Missouri State University is now accepting art submissions for “I Will Listen,” an annual event geared toward raising awareness of mental illnesses while promoting mental health and well-being.

The deadline to submit art is 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Artwork may be submitted at the front desk of Colden Hall’s second-floor west wing. All artwork must include a title with the artist’s name and school or community affiliation.

Patrons of last year's “I Will Listen” event view pieces of artwork submitted by local artists. (Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University)

Art submissions may include drawings, paintings, collage, comic strips, sewing, graphic design, pottery, sculpture, photography, mixed media, music and poetry. The art contest is open to people aged 5 and older; individuals may submit a maximum of two pieces.

Prizes for first, second and third-place winners will be awarded for each submission category. A popular vote also will award first, second and third-place prizes.

The “I Will Listen” event will occur from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, on the third floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union. It is free and open to the public.

In addition to viewing the art exhibit, attendees may participate in a variety of activities and hear speakers discussing their mental health journeys.

All proceeds raised during the event are donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The Behavioral Sciences Association has a goal of raising $500.

For more information about submitting artwork for “I Will Listen,” contact Elizabeth Dimmitt, a senior instructor of psychology, at ekeane@nwmissouri.edu or Katelyn Briggs, co-president of the Behavioral Sciences Association, at S557028@nwmissouri.edu.