Your Art Your Story

08/19/2026

That’s a wrap on our 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show!
As this year’s exhibition comes to a close, our hearts are full of gratitude.
Today, we’re celebrating the artists behind the art by sharing many of the portraits featured in the show. A heartfelt thank you to every participating artist. Your contributions sparked meaningful conversations about mental health, healing, grief, hope, and connection—and reminded us of the powerful role art can play in helping us feel seen and understood.
A special thank you to our co-curators, Rachel Barlow and Kurt Von Berhmann, for helping bring this exhibition together.
And to everyone who visited the gallery, shared our posts, supported the artists, and supported our mission—thank you.
The exhibition can still be viewed online (see link in bio) or https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Every Story Matters

Portraits shown by Amy Newton-McConnel, Anyelin Esquer Torres, AprilAngela, Mike Margolis, Diego Sandoval, Erick Martinez Gregory, Irene Felix, D.C. Laroche, Jose Soto, Leah Brignall, Grace Epstein, Rachel Barlow, Andre Pace, Cindi Standley, Ira DellaMonica, Karen Fernanda Hugues, Marie McCarty, Rachel Barlow, Maya Coronado-Henson

08/15/2026

For all you writers out there, here is an open call for submissions:

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 PAUL G. QUINNETT LIVED EXPERIENCE WRITING COMPETITION ARE NOW OPEN

Submission Deadline: October 1st, 2026 (4:59 PM EST)

Since 2015, the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), in collaboration with the QPR Institute, has invited individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts and/or su***de attempts to share their stories through the [Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition
We believe responsibly shared lived experience has the power to educate, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, strengthen human connection, and inspire life-saving conversations.

Every journey is different, and hope does not require a perfect ending. We welcome authentic stories that acknowledge the complexity of healing while helping others better understand lived experience.

This year's top three essays will receive cash prizes: First Place – $1,500, Second Place – $1,000, Third Place – $500.

Question, persuade, refer: our mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven su***de prevention training.

08/12/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is Tulips for the Soul, a watercolor painting by Susan M. McClellan.

“Flower art is a tangible, visual, and sensory tool for emotional expression and healing.”

Susan's Tulips for the Soul celebrates the connection between nature, creativity, and emotional well-being. Flowers can evoke memories, lift our spirits, and bring moments of beauty and joy into our lives.

Through watercolor, Susan captures that sense of connection and invites us to pause, appreciate beauty, and make space for healing.

Explore Tulips for the Soul and the many meaningful works featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Every story matters.

08/11/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is Encircling Stillness: A Search Within, a multimedia artwork using pistachio shells and textured art by Sudarvizhi Mathiazhagan.

“This work speaks to mental health and the journey toward inner balance, showing that stillness is not always found by escaping noise, but by moving through it and returning to oneself.”

Through layers of texture, circular forms, and golden tones, Sudarvizhi explores the complexity of our inner world. The pistachios moving toward the center represent people navigating layers of thoughts, emotions, and experiences in search of calm.

The work offers a quiet reminder that finding peace doesn't always mean escaping the noise. Sometimes, it means moving through it, becoming more aware, and finding our way back to ourselves.

Explore Encircling Stillness: A Search Within and the many meaningful artworks featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Follow Sudarvizhi on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sudar_cool/

08/10/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is Sweet As Honey: Garden Party Tea Set by Anita Ries.

“Through my work, I aim to create space for reflection and connection, where sharing our stories can reduce stigma and allow others to feel seen.”

Anita's work is rooted in both science and personal narrative. With a background in biology and psychology, she uses clay and glaze to explore the complexity of human experience.

Sweet As Honey: Garden Party Tea Set brings together familiar, comforting forms with a subtle tension—reminding us that what appears simple can often hold deeper, layered realities.

We invite you to explore Anita's work and the many meaningful artworks featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Follow Anita on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ceramicsbyana

Every story matters.

08/09/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is Where My Heart Leads, created with graphite and pastel by D.C. Laroche.

“This piece comes out of grief and connection with the one I lost. The title are last words written by my loved one. If you are struggling and thinking of su***de, PLEASE call 988. You are not alone.”

Where My Heart Leads speaks to the profound connection that remains after su***de loss. Through art, D.C. gives shape to grief while honoring the words and memory of a loved one.

For those who have experienced su***de loss, grief can be a lifelong journey. And for anyone who may be struggling right now, please remember that you do not have to face it alone.

If you are struggling or thinking about su***de, call or text 988.

Visit the online gallery to explore "Where My Heart Leads" and the other powerful works in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Every story matters.

***deLoss ***dePrevention

08/03/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artworks are Sunrise by Ryan Barnes and Moonrise by Christine Barnes, two stunning digital photographs that celebrate the beauty and balance found in nature.

Presented together, these companion pieces invite us to pause and reflect on the rhythms of life—the beginning of a new day and the quiet stillness of night.

Explore Sunrise and Moonrise, along with the many inspiring works featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Every story matters. Thank you for supporting artists who are helping make mental health visible through creativity.

08/02/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is MyTearsFeedYourFlowers, a ceramic sculpture by Grace Epstein.

“My daughter, though lost, always works her way into my pottery. Including a reference to her allows me to touch her and my sadness.”

Through MyTearsFeedYourFlowers, Grace transforms love into art, creating a heartfelt tribute that honors her daughter while expressing the emotions that often cannot be put into words.

Grace believes in the healing power of creativity, not only through her own work but also by helping others navigate loss. She hosts an art-based grief support group in Avon, Connecticut, offering a safe and compassionate space where people can express their grief through the creative process.

We invite you to experience MyTearsFeedYourFlowers and the many inspiring works featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

To learn more about Grace's artwork and her grief support community, follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxenberg2005/

Every story matters. Thank you for supporting artists who are helping make mental health visible through creativity.

08/01/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is Dancing Queens, an acrylic on canvas painting by Erika D. Segura.

“At her core, Erika is a storyteller—a lyricist, songwriter, painter, poet, and composer.”

Through Dancing Queens, Erika invites viewers into a story told through color, movement, and emotion. As both a musician and visual artist, she creates work that encourages connection and reminds us that art has the power to bring people together through shared experiences.

Explore Dancing Queens and the many inspiring works featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

You can also listen to Erika's music and follow her on Instagram to discover more of her work.

Every story matters. Thank you for supporting artists who are helping make mental health visible through creativity.

07/31/2026

Artist Spotlight | 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show

Today's featured artwork is The Faces of Innocence, a pencil drawing colored with pens and crayons by AprilAngela.

“I am from a small town in Texas, i am diagnosed with MDD, BorderlinePD, PTSD, GAD, SUD. I am also a survivor. I write stories about my life and of stories based on real life situations others can relate to, I journal information on my diagnoses and how to cope with them, in hopes it can help someone in need.”

AprilAngela shares her commitment to using creativity, writing, and lived experience to connect with others and reminding those facing their own challenges that they are not alone and that sharing our experiences can inspire understanding and hope.

Explore The Faces of Innocence and the many inspiring works featured in the 5th Annual Mental Health Awareness Art Show, hosted by Your Art Your Story.

View the virtual exhibit:
https://www.yourartyourstory.org/blog-main/virtual-exhibit-mental-health-art-show2026may

Every story matters. Thank you for supporting artists who are helping make mental health visible through creativity.