Transitions-Mental Health Association invites people of all ages to submit art inspired by living mentally well for consideration in TMHA’s 2023 Opening Minds art show. The exhibition takes place May 5, 2023 through June 3, 2023 at The Bunker, San Luis Obispo, CA.
This is a juried submission process, and only one piece of art will be selected as the featured art. A select number of artworks will be included in the show as well, as chosen by the panel of jurors. The competition is open to individuals in recovery from mental illness and/or a substance use disorder, and their loved ones. The application deadline is March 3, 2023.
Opening Minds, first developed in 1995, is a community art show in celebration of living mentally well. TMHA’s goal with this event is to expand community awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness through the power of creative work. Opening Minds champions the idea that we should not be defined in terms of our illness but by our strengths, gifts and the contributions we make to society.
Artists working in two-dimensional fine art media are invited to share their submissions. If you are an artist working in performing arts, literary arts – including spoken word–, and three-dimensional artwork or crafts, please submit an application to showcase your work during opening or secondary events. Whether you are recovering from mental illness and/or a substance use disorder, have a loved one or friend who is or would like to offer your own reflections on the theme, you are welcome to submit for this mental health focused exhibition.
We will select one artist as the featured artist for the event, and their submission will be used for all marketing and promotional material. The featured artist will receive a stipend and recognition at the opening reception.
Please contact the Community Resource Coordinator, Clara Cobb at (805) 540-6564 or by email at [email protected] for further information.
Since 1949, Mental Health America has led the observance of May as Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. TMHA supports this effort locally by hosting Opening Minds during this time.
Opening Minds is presented by TMHA and San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Services, in partnership with TMHA’s Peer Advisory and Advocacy Team, SLO County Arts, and The Bunker.