CALLING ALL MICHIANA ARTISTS!
Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM) is excited to present its second year of a specialized art exhibit, ‘Journey of the Mind through Artistic Visual Expression’, in partnership with the downtown Elkhart Public Library and St. Joe County Public Library, running Feb. 21-March 26.
This second annual Journey of the Mind exhibit facilitates connection through the healing power of art. This year, we have a traveling exhibit in partnership with the Elkhart Public Library and the St. Joe County Public Library. This event features local professional and amateur artists of all ages and backgrounds who use the creative process as a tool for mental and emotional wellbeing. Journey of the Mind not only exhibits artwork; it also highlights the story behind the art.
Creative expression has the power to heal. For many, the creation of art is a meaningful way to promote self-discovery, self-expression, and the cultivation of joy. Journey of the Mind is a place for those who have found healing through art, specifically as it relates to mental health. The inaugural Journey of the Mind exhibit in 2025 showcased the work and mental health journeys of 17 local artists.
From an inaugural artist:
“Thank you for all the kindness, understanding, and a platform to share my work AND
my art therapy/ healing journey with other amazing experiences to relate and connect
to. And the opportunity to connect to mental health advocates. This has been one of the
best open calling posts I was sent. I was feeling alone, and I needed this. Thank you.”
CALL FOR ENTRIES:
Journey of the Mind through Visual Artistic Expression
Submission Window: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026
We invite artists of all ages and skill levels from Michiana to showcase interpretations of mental health, mental struggles, and recovery in our Journey of the Mind exhibit. Works chosen for display will be exhibited at the Elkhart County Public Library’s main branch (located at 300 S. Second Street in Elkhart, IN) from February 21, 2026 – March 11, 2026, and at the St. Joe County Public Library’s main branch (located at 304 S. Main Street in South Bend, IN) from March 12, 2026 – March 26, 2026.
Sometimes, people struggling with their mental health stay quiet. They might be afraid of facing negative judgments from others if they share that they are struggling. To reduce this stigma around mental health, artists are invited to share their personal stories of struggle, recovery, and hope related to mental illness and wellness. By sharing their stories, artists can help the community understand that mental health challenges are common, that recovery is possible, and that there is hope for those currently facing a mental health struggle.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
ELIGIBILITY
Any artist who feels their work fits the mental health theme and is comfortable with displaying their work in a public space is eligible to enter. Artists do not need to have a history or diagnosis of a mental health condition, substance use disorder, or other disability. Artists are allowed to submit up to 3 works of art, though space restraints may limit how many works can be accepted.
- Parent/guardian approval is required for artists under the age of 18 to participate.
- Works must be original, meet public decency standards (free of images of violence, nudity, sexual conduct, or degradation of racial, sexual, religious, or gender identity)
- All artwork must be human-generated (AI submissions are prohibited).
Due to space constraints, we require the following:
- 2D pieces must be framed and ready to hang with wire back and may not exceed 24”x24” in diameter.
- 3D pieces must be ready to display on flat surfaces and not exceed 14” depth
ENTRY FEES
There are no entry fees for this exhibition: however, artists are responsible for costs related to producing and preparing/ framing their artwork for display. Artists are also responsible for artwork drop-off and pick-up on designated dates, times, and locations.
TO ENTER YOUR WORK
An online application form is available using the Online Entry Form. Artists will submit their personal information, information about the artwork, and a high-quality photo* of their work along with any personal narratives describing struggle and recovery.
Sharing personal stories is an important part of Journey of the Mind. Stories may be published to promote the exhibit, spread awareness of mental health issues, and/or included in the exhibition booklet. There may also be opportunities for artists to speak about their experiences during exhibit events. Submission of narratives implies permission to publish these accounts in the exhibition booklet and elsewhere. Written narratives will have a maximum of 300 characters.
*Please remember that submitted photos will be used in the jurying process and the printed exhibit booklet. When taking photos of your artwork(s), take extra care to avoid glare, distracting backgrounds behind the artwork, and tilting or angling your art (unless it is intended to tilt or sit at an angel when displayed), MHAM reserves the right to edit photos (remove backgrounds, adjust brightness/contrast, etc.) to better suit the booklet and online galleries. All submitted photos must be of complete pieces.
You can review tips for photographing artwork in the following YouTube video: https://bit.ly/39AOmDL
SELECTION PROCESS
We expect a large number of submissions. After entries are received, curators will select representative pieces to be exhibited. Works with incomplete submission information will not be considered. All works selected for display must be suitably prepared for display/hanging, including any specialized hardware or equipment required.
DEADLINES
- Jan 16: Application form and photo of art entries should be submitted online.
- February 1: Notification of acceptance sent out via email
- February 9-13: Delivery of artwork. Exact location and delivery times will be provided at a later date.
- February 21: Journey of the Mind through Visual Artistic Expression Exhibit Opening Reception (Elkhart Library)
- March 11: Exhibit relocates to St. Joseph County Public Library
- March 26: Exhibit closing reception (St. Joseph County Public Library)
Exact pick-up times will be provided at a later date.
Artists are encouraged to attend the opening and closing receptions.
(Please take note of changes via this page, the MHAM newsletter sign-up or MHAM Facebook page.)
CALL FOR ENTRIES:
Journey of the Mind through Visual Artistic Expression
Submission Window: December 1, 2025 – January 16, 2026
DISCLAIMER
The exhibit space and Mental Health Awareness of Michiana will not be responsible for loss or damage of works during transit to or from the exhibition site or during the duration of the exhibit. Accepted works of art must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition. Mental Health Awareness of Michiana retains the right to reproduce images and narratives of accepted works for the purposes of press releases, website inclusion, marketing, and promotion of the event and organization. MHAM retains the right to edit photos/statements in order to maintain consistency and/or clarity. As the display will be in a public space, MHAM is not responsible for photographs of the exhibit that may be taken or shared by the public that may include the artists’ work. Submission of artwork implies that you understand and agree to these conditions.
Questions or concerns? Call 574-393-8809, option 3 or email info@mhamichiana.org.
