Mental Health Art Contest: Connections in Color – Quinlan Visual Arts Center
April 27 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Ryan Joiner Foundation & Quinlan Visual Arts Center Present
Connections in Color: Mental Health Art Contest 2025
Join us on April 27th at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center (514 Green St, Gainesville, GA 30501) for this year’s Connections in Color: Mental Health Art Contest, celebrating the impact of nature and the world around us on mental health.
High school students from Gainesville City Schools, Hall County Schools, private schools, and homeschoolers are invited to participate in this unique live art competition.
Theme:
This year, we encourage students to explore how connection to nature and the world around us influences mental well-being. Whether it’s the serenity of a quiet forest, the power of the ocean, or the sense of peace from a sunset, we want to see how the natural world fosters resilience, emotional balance, and self-discovery.
Competition Details:
Students will create their artwork on-site with provided materials (electronic tools and pre-existing designs are not permitted).
Two winners will each receive a $500 cash prize, and their school’s art department will also receive $500 in funding.
All artwork created during the competition will be showcased at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center for a special exhibition. The winning pieces will be enlarged, professionally framed, and later presented to the students’ schools for permanent display, ensuring their creativity and message continue to inspire for years to come.
Reception & Awards Ceremony:
Date: April 28, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Quinlan Visual Arts Center
Winners Announced: 6:00 PM
How to Participate:
Students are encouraged to pre-register by Friday, April 25th, at 5:00 PM. While onsite registration will be available starting at 1:00 PM on April 27th, space is limited, so pre-registration is highly recommended.
This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, recognize the artistic talent of young creatives, and raise awareness about the powerful role that nature plays in mental health. We look forward to seeing you there!
