The Ryan Joiner Foundation has partnered with the Quinlan Visual Arts Center to host this year’s inaugural Connections in Color: Mental Health Art Contest.

Join us on May 5th at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center (514 Green St, Gainesville, GA 30501) from 1pm-6pm for an inspiring event during Mental Health Awareness Month! High school students from local schools, including Gainesville City Schools, Hall County Schools, private schools, and homeschoolers, are invited to participate in this unique art competition.

Participants will be provided with materials on-site to create their artwork. Please note that electronic tools and pre-existing designs are not permitted in the competition space.

We’re looking for artwork that vividly depicts how community support can alleviate loneliness and empower individuals to overcome challenges. Emphasize the positive impact of connections on self-esteem, emotional well-being, and resilience. Your art has the power to inspire others to prioritize meaningful relationships for a happier, healthier life.

Cash prizes of $250 each will be awarded to three winning students, along with $250 in funding for their school’s art department. The winning pieces will also be reproduced on a large scale, transforming the student’s artwork into dynamic public art displayed on the Hall Area Transit building at 687 Main Street SW, Gainesville, GA 30501. These artworks will reach a wide audience, serving as powerful reminders of the importance of social connections for community mental health.

All winning artwork, along with five honorable mentions, will be showcased at the Quinlan throughout the summer, providing a platform for students to share their creativity and talent with the community while promoting Mental Health Awareness.

Students are encouraged to secure their spots in the Art Contest by pre-registering before Friday, May 3rd, at 5 pm. While onsite registration will also be available starting at 1 pm on May 5th, please note that space is limited, so we highly recommend pre-registering to ensure your participation.