Feb. 9, 2023

Organizations accepting art submissions for ‘I Will Listen’ mental health exhibit

By Edidiong Idong-Bassey, communication assistant

Active Minds and the Behavioral Science Association at Northwest Missouri State University are now accepting entries for “I Will Listen,” an event aimed at reducing stigmas surrounding mental illness and promoting discussions about mental health disorders.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. Artwork should be brought to the front desk of Colden Hall’s second floor west wing. The artwork should include the artist’s name, school, community affiliation and the title of the artwork. The art exhibit invites community members to express their experiences with mental health; first, second and third place winners will receive Amazon gift cards worth $100, $50 and $25, respectively.

“I Will Listen,” which is free and open to the public, is 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom.

Patrons view an art exhibit during the 2022 "I Will Listen" event in the Student Union. (Photo by Lauren Adams/Northwest Missouri State University)

The art mediums considered for entry include drawing, painting, collage, comic strips graphic designs, pottery, sculpture, sewing, quilting, photography, short stories, mixed medium work, music and poetry submitted by local youth, Northwest students and Northwest employees. Attendees will be invited to vote on the artwork, and prizes will be awarded in each age category.

Attendees also may participate in short yoga, Zumba and meditation sessions. In addition, the event program includes a paint and sip session, which costs $10 for materials; attendees can pay at the event.

All proceeds raised during the event will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Active Minds and the Behavioral Science Association have a goal of raising $500.

“The art exhibit, exercise room, speakers and paint opportunity provide amazing educational tools to better understand how to help people struggling with their mental health,” Jocelyn Duff, the president of the Behavioral Sciences Association, said. “This event is extremely impactful for understanding the various struggles of mental health and how to combat them."

Speakers scheduled for the event include Dr. Tyler Tapps, the University’s assistant vice president of health and well-being, and Northwest students sharing their experiences with mental health.

For more information, contact Duff at s539417@nwmissouri.edu.