Connections in Color: Mental Health Art Contest 2025
Now Happening in September — Suicide Prevention Month
Join us on September 21st at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center (514 Green St, Gainesville, GA 30501) for this year’s Connections in Color: Mental Health Art Contest—now taking place in September to align with Suicide Prevention Month. This shift highlights the importance of raising awareness, sparking dialogue, and promoting mental wellness through creativity. This years theme is still celebrating the impact of nature and the world around us on mental health.
8th-12th Grade 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: September 22, 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, September 19th, at 5:00 PM. While onsite registration will be available starting at 1:00 PM on September 21th, space is limited, so pre-registration is highly recommended.
This event offers a unique opportunity to amplify youth voices and inspire hope through art—especially during a time dedicated to suicide prevention and life-saving conversations. Through their creativity, students can encourage others to seek support, find strength in the natural world, and know they’re not alone.
You may also like the following events from Quinlan Visual Arts Center:
Also check out other
Health & Wellness events in Gainesville,
Arts events in Gainesville.
