June 21, 2021
HHSC, in partnership with Texas Technique of Care and the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Overall health at the University of Texas at Austin, lately invited Texans of all ages to showcase their artistic talents and convey their ordeals with psychological well being.
Each and every year, the Texas Mental Wellbeing Innovative Arts Contest welcomes primary artwork, images and producing entries and is judged by age group (elementary college, middle faculty, substantial faculty and adult). This year’s topic was “Why Does Psychological Wellness Issue to You?” Over 600 entries have been submitted to the 2021 contest, and organizers and artists took section in the digital reception on May well 26.
“We know that bringing focus to this difficulty is vital all through Psychological Overall health Consciousness Month in Might — but also year-round — to assist minimize stigma, and it is an crucial aspect of our mission,” said Michelle Alletto, HHSC chief plan and expert services officer of the Medical and Social Companies Division. “As we all know, obtaining psychological health requirements is typical. For all those of us who dwell with emotional and psychological health problems, the past yr has been specially difficult. I actually believe that, now far more than at any time, in the therapeutic ability of generating artwork and remaining surrounded by it. We’re so honored and grateful for the artists who shared their work with us.”
The operates of artwork have been evaluated centered on originality, creativity and how perfectly they expressed the contest concept. The virtual reception showcased remarks from HHSC leadership, a digital slideshow of the winners’ artwork and a panel of artists speaking about their entries.
“This year’s theme underscores the significance of talking and residing your real truth and getting unafraid to talk about mental health,” explained Sonja Gaines, deputy govt commissioner of HHSC Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Wellbeing Expert services. “It provides recognition to the general public that, with psychological wellness expert services and supports, overall health and restoration is doable. The artists drew from their lived experiences, developing lovely and exquisite do the job.”
Noemi V.’s portray, “You Endure the Challenge,” earned third position in the middle university original artwork category as perfectly as the People’s Choice Award, which was introduced during the reception.
“Don’t give up mainly because you can survive it,” Noemi explained. “You can make a complete new environment when you have survived. Get a greater standpoint on how you see issues. Really do not allow other individuals make you feel dumb, mainly because, on the within and outside, you are you. And in the conclusion, you are excellent the way you are.”
Lauri Cherian’s poem, “Courage,” attained an honorable point out in the adult creating category. Cherian stated she started creating poetry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a definitely wonderful way to get all that angst out,” Cherian claimed. “Then you can glance back again on the journey and look at all that stuff that had to occur out and see that you have form of established oneself free of charge as you have gotten all those terms down on the page. Which is why I create and compose. I truly feel like I’ve arrive out of a darkish time into the gentle through creative imagination.”
Check out this HHS slideshow of the visual arts winners.
To view the successful entries, visit the Texas Mental Health Imaginative Arts Contest 2021 webpage. For inquiries about the contest, electronic mail Texas Method of Treatment.