Youth Art & Film Showcase for Suicide Prevention
Calling All Students
Thank you for attending the Showcase!
In honor of September Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month, the Marin County Board of Supervisors Intern Team, in collaboration with Health and Human Services and Cultural Services, hosted a youth arts showcase surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. The goal of this event, held on September 25th at Marin Health and Wellness, was to increase awareness and conversations around mental health and well-being within Marin through sharing youth art and perspective. We appreciate those of you that came to join us and view and honor these important artists and their art for their insightful and important expression.
Click on the mountain image or the link beneath it to view the virtual slideshow “gallery” of amazing art received: drawings, clay sculptures, paintings, graphic designs, and more. You can also view the dance RESCUE that illustrates moving from a dark place to one of inspiration and motivation, the short film STRUM that illustrates the struggles that anxiety and stress create for students all across the world, and how they find ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy during these hard times, and the short film Sonder that was created to show the filmmaker's vulnerability through a series of personal statements. And listen to the heartfelt song Let Them Go, that the artist wrote for a friend who was experiencing depression. Thank you to all our young artists who submitted — you are inspiring!
We will continue to accept digital submissions on the website through the end of September. To be featured on the website showcase, read the guidelines below and submit your art using this form.
Submission Guidelines
An individual’s mental health journey can range from wellness, challenges, or crises and may change and shift over time. Please share your story through art that reflects messages that are hopeful and focused on what someone can do to help themselves or others and draw from your unique perspective and experience.
Art of all kinds is accepted, including, but not limited to: photography, painting, digital art, poetry, dance, and video. Video submissions can be short films, animations, etc… and must be 10 minutes or shorter. See more video guidelines, including resources to feature.
Please respond to one or more of the following prompts:
- What is your personal experience with mental health and well-being?
- What helps you deal with difficult emotions and challenging times?
- What gives you hope, joy, and inspiration?
- What role do your family, friends, and community play in your mental health and well-being?
- What stories and perspectives surrounding youth and mental health do you think need to be told?
Some of the art submissions will be selected for a Caring Card campaign. Recipients of the campaign will be given personal handwritten cards with themes of empathy, compassion, and hope along with relevant resources as they transition to recovery. Stay tuned for more information.
Thank you for your participation in the showcase. You will be promoting the importance of mental health among youth in Marin and helping to start important discussions in our community. For any questions regarding submitting art or the showcase, please reach out to Nancy Vernon. Note that art will be submitted anonymously, so no names will be shown with art when showcased unless permission is received.
If you or someone you know is in distress, please contact:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
- Lifeline Crisis Chat Available 24/7
- Need help now? Text "MARIN " to 741-741
- For substance use or mental health services, contact BHRS Access Line: (888) 818-1115
For additional services or resources: Behavioral Health, Prevention & Outreach in Marin.