Capitol Showcase Art Exhibition 2023

I like drawing because it makes me feel good.

Zachary
Rain Clouds
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I enjoy attending the Day Program, and I also receive personal care services at The Arc of Clarke County. At an early age, I was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. I have a very caring nature and find fulfillment in helping others, minding my business, and taking care of myself as independently as possible. I have enjoyed becoming a self-taught artist and enjoy painting at the center.

L.C.
Red Squares
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I’m a 41-year-old local artist who was born with a learning disability and has mild cerebral palsy that affects my fine hand-eye coordination and causes petit mal seizures. I love working with and creating new artwork with acrylic and watercolor paints to express my emotions and frustrations in life. In the future, I want to advance my skills as a watercolor painter and see where life takes me. My artist blog is http://meowwomen.blogspot.com/.

Holly
Untitled
$100

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I learned about art in high school. Art has always interested me. It showed life to me as I made it. It showed me light through the darkness and gave me the heart to fight the darkness. I started drawing as a therapeutic way to connect to the world, connect to reality. The reality is the world.

Nina
Tree of Life
$14

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

This drawing is me. Art helped me relax, and it made me feel happy when I was sad. Art helped me feel in control of myself. I felt like I was on the road to recovery. I was self-motivated to do art. I began as a child and continued as an adult. Art has helped me overcome a lot of my sadness. I love doing art.

Winston
Me
$20

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I am from Guatemala. I have schizoaffective disorder and am receiving treatment for my disorder. I enjoy drawing, listening to music, and working out. I enjoy the friends I have made during this part of my life.

A.F.
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

A friend once told me that I have a charmed life. Then, out of nowhere, with no warning, that "charmed life" crumbled before my eyes. My art soothes my mind and lets me escape to the time and place of the picture that I’m drawing, much as one does with a good book. If you look very closely at this piece, you will notice a silver lining around the cloud. My challenge is to find the "silver lining" in the cloud and restore the charm to my life.

O.M.
Birds of a Feather
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Shelby attends a day program in Alabama. She enjoys playing tennis with Dream Court and is beginning to skate with the Montgomery Roller Derby team.

Shelby
Summer Yum
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

At an early age, I was diagnosed with OCD and anxiety. I attend the Day Program at The Arc of Clarke County, where I have taught myself to draw. I also enjoy painting, tracing, looking at pictures in magazines, and drawing them myself. It helps me understand how to accomplish and complete things that I start. Drawing calms me down and helps to calm my anxiety.

Rodrick
I Like To Paint
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have CPTSD from long-term childhood trauma. I have a hard time with anxiety at times. I am also a member of the LGBTQ community, and I’m on the autistic spectrum. I have been into painting ever since I was a kid. I love different types of art for many reasons.

T.J.
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

When I was 37, about 4 years ago, I started having problems with mental illness and substance use. I recently got into a day treatment program.

I use art almost every day to occupy my time. In the past, I had my own sculpting studio, and I hope one day I will be able to have something like that again. I would like to start an art program for people with mental illness and substance use disorders where we can come together for support.

Virginia
Peace
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have been creating art since I was six years old as a self-taught artist. When I am making art, I feel my mind relax, and it gives me a positive feeling about myself. Art increases my self-esteem. I feel inspired by the colors I see in the world. I hope that when people view my art, they think "Never give up." Art makes me happy. My art shows my different abilities, talents, and skills.

Kelvin
Key and Knife
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have PTSD and bipolar. I lived in 21 different foster homes. I started learning how to read at 60 because I am dyslexic. I had medication that induced Parkinson's disease.

Now, I help teach kids on the weekends, and we have banana splits. I also teach people how to cook and paint. God is giving me a gift: cooking. I feel as if I'm starting to live without guilt. I am thankful to be alive.

Helen
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Tammy
Church and Cemetery
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Chris attends art and music classes. The art classes he attends range from painting, watercolor, and mixed media.  He is an enthusiastic participant in both art and music class. Chris enjoys working with different materials to create interesting artwork like the pumpkins he painted.

Chris
Combination of Interests
$65

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

When making art, I draw inspiration from myself and my feelings. In the past, I have struggled with depression, but my art helps me feel better. I feel happy that I’m doing something fun when I get to make art. Creating art helps me open my mind and lets me be creative. I am a self-taught artist, and I enjoy drawing the most.

Andrea
My Mind is Right
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

My name is Thomas. I have been coming to Riverbend for around twelve years. Taking medicine has helped me take better care of myself. Occasionally, I do art. It is a good coping skill for me. I chose to draw a self-portrait of myself.

Thomas
Self-portrait
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Now that I am mentally stable, I am more independent. I know my priorities in life, which makes me a more independent person.  Although I have had minimal teaching about art, I feel I am very good at it. My art always gives me peace of mind, no matter what I am drawing.

Jacob
Redeemer
$20

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I overdosed on LSD when I was 21. I have been in mental health facilities since then. It has been difficult for me to achieve in society ever since, but I am doing better every day! Yoga and spiritual studies have helped me a lot too. The Lord has really fixed a lot of my problems. I play bass guitar, write poems, and write Christian rock lyrics. I also like to draw. Thanks for checking out my drawing. God bless everyone.

Clark
Good to be…
$5.77

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

When I was younger, at about the age of 12, I began to misuse drugs. Now, I have overcome my substance use disorder with the help of psychiatric drugs. I  am doing much better. In 1985, I started doing art; I just had a lot of extra time on my hands. So I began to draw, which I still do today. When I have free time, I tend to draw. It makes me feel important, and it calms me when I am stressed. I also color mandalas and coloring books. I use my skill in art as a coping skill.

Rhonda
Outdoors
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

As a teenager, I lost the ability to speak. The one steady thing in my life was my family. They were incredibly supportive. They were also crafters. I wanted to feel united with my family, even if I couldn't express myself verbally.

I taught myself to crochet. As the diagnoses changed as well as the medications. The one constant has been my art and my family. I learned how to talk again, but I still express my affection with yarn. To me, an afghan is a painting you can wrap up in.

Ashley
Landscape
$150

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

From childhood, I have struggled with mental illness. I became involved with art in the hospital wards when I was 13. It changed my life. I love doing paintings on canvas. Now, I attend the 1920 Club, where I do art therapy. I like to do art at home when I’m not at the club. Art helps keep me stable. What I like about art is that it gives me something to do that keeps my mind focused on recovery. I also enjoy going to art shows, so I can share my art with others. I never give up hope. I want to be a great artist in the present and the future.

Deatrice
Unicorn
$35

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I feel like I have many challenges. I like drawing because it makes me happy.

Timothy
Tornado
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Tamara attends a day program in Alabama. She likes volunteering at AICC. Some of her favorite things to do are bowling, shopping, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. She also likes the app Paint by Numbers and doing word searches.

Tamara
Clouds in the Sky
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have had depression since I was a teenager.  I have been doing art since I was a young girl. Since coming to Riverbend, my anger has improved. I chose to draw a church because I am very involved in my church, and it has been very helpful to me in my recovery.

Betty
Church
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

When I draw, my mind explores different aspects of the world, and I reflect on everything that I have gone through in my life. Drawing also eases my mind from negative influences, keeps me occupied, and expands my skills as a drawer. I am currently working on an original coloring book that I already have a collection of pages. I want to publish this coloring book to inspire adults and children and to help them gain self-awareness about themselves.

J.P.
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have Marfan’s Syndrome and paranoid schizophrenia.  I experience many symptoms from both illnesses, but I am glad to be in residential housing and maintaining stability with their assistance.

I enjoy drawing because it helps decrease symptoms. When I draw it helps to calm me down, and it makes me smile.

Kevin
Love
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have schizoaffective disorder. I have encountered many obstacles in my life: shyness, feeling awkward, loneliness, not feeling good enough, and not being accepted by others. I have times of loneliness and feel devastated.

I love to do any kind of art. It helps me escape reality and is soothing and relaxing.

Jackie
Sunshine Flowers
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

At thirty-four, I began to fulfill one of my ambitions, which was to be an artist. I'm sixty-five now, and twenty-five years ago, I was diagnosed with anxiety, which at times is crippling. My painting has helped me learn how to deal with it; however, this entry is entitled "The Covered Bridge On The Jetty". This is my first time using shadowing done in acrylics, it is totally from my imagination of being a bird and flying over a covered bridge.

Sheila
The Covered Bridge on the Jetty
$100

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have Organic Personality Disorder. I have been painting for a long time, and I like to paint lots of different things. I have painted Star Wars with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

Lance
Star Wars
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have bipolar disorder. I taught myself art, drawing, and animation as a kid. I liked to draw and design my own clothes.

Chelsea
Cry Punk
$45

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

In 2003, I was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I have learned coping skills, the importance of taking medications, and developed a strong support system.

Art helps me relax. I enjoy participating in this every year and showing others throughout Alabama what I and others with a mental illness can do and that we are much more than our illness.

Brian
Psalms
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I am proud to say that I am a veteran and receive services from the VA. I am proud of myself for being able to live independently and maintain stability.

I enjoy drawing because it helps me to calm down and meditate. I have learned that drawing is one of my favorite coping skills. When I draw, it helps me focus on the task instead of the symptoms that may be bothering me.

Anthony
Let your Sunlight Shine, even through the Eye of a Storm
$1,000,000

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have seen artists that inspired me to create my own art. My favorite materials are acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media. The workshops that I have attended have helped me learn to use different materials in unique ways. I have always liked art and enjoyed it in my spare time. Art helps me relax.

Anne
Sun Flower
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Matthew
Matthew’s Art
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Cheyenne attends a day program in Alabama. She enjoys riding her golf cart, walking, watching movies, bowling, eating very spicy foods and hanging out with friends, and she likes to volunteer once a week.

Cheyenne
Jellyfish
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

My art has helped me overcome depression and shown me my ability to express myself. It makes me proud and happy to show my art on t-shirts and other things. I am a self-taught artist. I’m proud of the art I do. It relaxes me. It helps me with my anxiety. I enjoy hearing what people say about my art.

Kevin
Mr. Alligator
$20

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Alyssa attends a day program in Alabama. She enjoys doing artwork and attends art classes weekly. She also loves animals and has a service dog named Befla and another dog, Watson, and a cat named Groot.

Alyssa is a triplet and has a brother and a sister.

Alyssa
Sundae Sunday
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Artistry was in my blood, yet it was something I mastered through a series of trials. The tests were incremental, with my successes or failures answering the signals of my private graphics language. This also echoes the reason I emphasize the arts: they honor the author by pursuing their obsessions first.

Mark
Identity Emerging
$25

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I've lived with depression and anxiety most of my life. About 5 years ago, I started acrylic painting to relieve my depression and anxiety. This painting is inspired by "The Art Sherpa" by Frida Kahlo.

Jeff
Frida Kahlo
Negotiable

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Brooklynn
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have struggled with mental illness and substance use disorder for years. These have affected every area of my life, and I am currently in day treatment while I am waiting to get into a SA residential facility. I am trying to be more compliant with treatment recommendations and take it "one day at a time."

I use art to distract me from urges to use, and it helps keep my mood calmer.

Kishia
Jack
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I’m primarily a self-taught artist, aside from high school, where I also spent much of my time working and doing sports. Art has always been important to me. I enjoy music, poetry, and painting. Ever since my mother passed away, I have struggled with periods of depression, and art helps give me a boost of positivity. Art helps me feel free, and I enjoy taking my time creating it.

Andre
Cross Bow
$16

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have encountered many obstacles in life, including my mental illness diagnosis. I have been in the mental health system since 1982. I am a self-taught artist. I really enjoy art, and it helps to take my mind off of my troubles. I really enjoy doodling and sketching different things. I love to draw nature because I love to be in nature.

Randy
Obscure
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety. They affect my life in several ways, such as through rituals and routines that are attached to every task I attempt. I like art because it is a great escape. Focusing on art serves as a good distraction.

Adam
Banjo
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I like to paint and make necklaces and bracelets. Painting and making jewelry are both ways to be artistic.

Jane
Healthy Eating
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I have struggled with anger and other symptoms of my illness. I would get mad easily, but I have learned through recovery to walk away. I learned about art, drawing, and painting in school. I like art because it is a way for me to express myself. I also like art because it is a positive thing in my life. Art helps me keep busy and manage the symptoms of my illness.

Joan
SpongeBob
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

My name is Wayne. I have muscular dystrophy. I get around in a wheelchair and use a walker. I try to do as much as I can on my own. I started painting when I started my Day Program. I like to paint birdhouses. I like bright colors and the way they make me feel when I am finished.

Wayne
Home
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with autism as a child. One of the challenges I have overcome is learning to be independent. I started drawing as a way to calm myself. I am a self-taught artist. I enjoy using drawing as a coping skill.

Springer
A Good Time to Be
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Frank
Frank’s Art
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 14. When I became an adult, my diagnosis was changed to bipolar disorder. I have had a roller coaster ride with my mental illness, but I have been stable for about a year.

Doing various kinds of art helps me stay calm, distracts me from negative thoughts, and helps me release my emotions in a positive way.

Jennifer
Swimming Away from Depression
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I have struggled with outbursts of anger. I have maintained recovery and independence by attending day treatment and maintaining my medications. I am a self-taught artist. I began teaching myself art when I was 5 years old. I like art because it is fun and it keeps me calm. I use art as a coping skill and a way to keep myself busy. I like drawing because it is my dream in life and helps me express myself through creativity.

Pree
Jesus’s Cross
$50

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have bipolar disorder, and I have encountered many challenges because of my mental illness. My recovery plan is to continue to go to my Day Treatment and get the help that I need. I have come a long way since I was diagnosed with my illness. I have my own apartment, and I have done really well in my life.

I am a self-taught artist. I love to draw because it is calming, fun, and takes my mind off of my mental illness. I love to color, and I enjoy doing it all the time.

Jackie
Rolling in the Sunset
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I am a self-taught artist. I began learning at four.  I continued while studying in the hospital. I love to do cartoons and nature. I am good at what I do. It has helped me calm down and focus on what I do. Art helps me overcome most of my anger. I love doing Art. It helps me feel good to do it and show it to others.

Chasie
Betty Boo Character
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I also encountered many obstacles associated with my illness. I have struggled with symptoms since being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. I have overcome these obstacles by using coping skills, taking my medications, and attending day treatment. I taught myself how to draw. I like art because it is something I can do with my time. I have been doing art for a long time in my life and learned the basics of art in school. I like to draw, color, and paint. I also love to look at artwork.

Kirk
My Cross to Bear
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia when I was a young girl.  I have experienced many symptoms because of my illness.  I enjoy art because it gives me a hobby to focus on. I also enjoy art because it helps me cope with the symptoms of my illness.  I learned how to be an artist by taking art classes in high school.

Mary
Mary’s Love House
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was born with a disability in one of my hands. I can draw anime and my favorite cartoons. My favorite thing to draw is Dragon Ball.

Z.R.
Anime Action
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have encountered many obstacles in my life, such as bullying and mental illness. I have been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, autism, and more. I took art classes at school all through my childhood. After I got out of school, I practiced on my own. I have gotten so good at traditional art that I have started doing digital art on my computer. I plan on getting a standalone digital sketch pad. Someday, I plan to become a freelance artist to make something of my art.

Larry
Hey there, Skunk
$20

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

My name is Jwuanta, and I am praying to God that he will turn my attitude around. I am glad I found Jesus Christ and he came into my life. The reason I picked this picture is because Jesus Christ died on the cross. If it weren’t for Jesus Christ, we would not be here.

J.C.
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

This drawing is of a church. Art helped me relax, and it made me feel happy when I was sad. Art helped me feel in control of myself. I felt like I was on the road to recovery. I was self-motivated to do art. I began as a child and continued as an adult. Art has helped me overcome a lot of my sadness. I love doing art.

Winston
The Church
$20

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I am a self-taught artist. I have been drawing for years.  I feel that God gave me the gift of drawing, and I like to showcase my faith through my drawings.  I am a Christian, and I like to draw pictures that remind me of God and Jesus. I began art at ADS. Art helps me with feelings of happiness. My paintings have helped me be kind to others.

Willie
The World
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Avery
Rainbow Roblox
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I have depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I have had many struggles with mental illness since I was a little girl. I recently got back into day treatment and feel like my medications are helping me be more stable.

I do some type of art every day. My favorites are drawing and painting. It is relaxing, helps lower my stress, and helps my self-esteem when I see what I have created.

Brandy
Love of God
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Art is an outlet for the thoughts I have about life. It is therapy for things I am going through. I have overcome my lack of seeing that I have the abilities I have always had by doing Art. The house shows me I could have done carpentry work.  The tree shows how much I love nature. Art shows me I have these abilities within me. I have done art through school. It has helped me stay calm and see what I am and love. I love doing what I do because I can. I used a piece of art I looked at while doing it. My diagnosis is schizophrenia. Art helps me see myself. 

Terry
God's Glory on God's Green Earth
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Steven
Brody’s Art
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Art, for me, like so many others, was a childhood pastime. It was a way to express myself without fear of judgment—an escape and a form of liberation. Over this extended period of incarceration, I have found that art can have a voice. I hope to inspire, educate, and bring attention through my art.

J.P.
Eye am Breonna Taylor
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Story Missing

Lilli
Lilli’s Art
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

My name is Leatus, and I struggle with schizophrenia and depression. I have been in the mental health system since I was 18 years old. I enjoy doing art because it lifts me up. I chose to paint this piece because God is the very reason you are here today because God is our only hope, with very beautiful and loving words. Be thankful for what you have.

Leatus
God is the Reason
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was young.  I have struggled with symptoms from both my entire life.  I am proud to say that I have been maintaining stability and living independently for several years.

I enjoy coloring and doing art because it helps me manage my symptoms.  Coloring is a way for me to relax but also allows me to have a creative outlet.  I have learned to do many different styles of art while attending day treatment.

Violet
It’s Summertime
$5

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I drew this because I always wanted to fly a fighter plane.

Johnathan
Dream
$15

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

This is a dolphin drawn along with a Bible verse. I love Philippians 4:13 because it encourages me to have faith the size of a mustard seed. I can tell this mountain that I am climbing to move, and it will be moved. I love dolphins because they are cute, nice, and friendly. GOD LOVES US ALL!!!

Angel
Untitled
NFS

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Art has helped me overcome many obstacles in my life that I have lost. It makes me happy. It relaxes me. I feel at peace when I'm doing art. I love to draw and paint animals, trees, and all types of things I see.

Sharon
The Quail
$25

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

Despite many life challenges, including a diagnosis of chronic paranoid schizophrenia, I have overcome them and in recovery, working with art and music therapy. Five days a week, I visit the 1920 Club drop-in center and participate in all the therapeutic activities of the center.

Ronald
Boats on the Ocean
$25

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

This drawing is me. Art helped me relax, and it made me feel happy when I was sad. Art helped me feel in control of myself. I felt like I was on the road to recovery. I was self-motivated to do art. I began as a child and continued as an adult. Art has helped me overcome a lot of my sadness. I love doing art.

Trenna
A Sunny but Cloudy Day
$10

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I’m a self-taught artist, who has been making art for a while. I enjoy making art because it makes me feel good. In the past, I have struggled with and overcome low moods. Art helps me cope and relax. When making art, I am inspired by nature, and I enjoy being outside. Art is an activity I enjoy doing, especially when it increases my interactions with others.

Robert
My Waterfall
$25

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5

I started painting as part of my recovery coping skills. I taught myself to paint, and I continue to improve every day. My paintings represent a lot of my feelings of anxiety. Painting helps my recovery from alcohol, depression, and anxiety. I am now two years sober thanks to my painting. I like to use lots of color to represent the joy and happiness that I have now that alcohol is no longer in my life.

Rodney
Spring in Bloom
$25

Is this one your favorite? Cast your vote for the Best in Show: https://forms.gle/yzozWXf4mj5mnpkw5