Art Contest Rules

• The contest is open to all young adults aged 14 to 25 who currently live in Santa Clara County.

• All art submitted to the contest must be original and created with the sole intent to submit to this contest.

• Only one piece of artwork per artist will be accepted.

• Art will be separated into four categories: 2D, 3D, 4D art and Short films. All art forms are accepted.

• Each category will have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. Winners will receive a $300, $200 or $100 art supply or new media (photo/video/digital art) gift card.

• Pieces are judged by a panel of 8 passionate community members on originality (8 points), creativity (12 points) and how the piece was inspired by the theme (20 points).

• The theme, "A Walk in My Shoes" should be the inspiration for each piece. Showcase the aspects of your life that are essential to who you are at your core and your unique journey through life.

Judges Panel

We asked each member of our judges panel to tell us how art and mental health are connected!

• Christina Sodano (she/her), Owner of Christina Sodano Art
  "Creating art can relieve stress and has a positive connection to mental health. Artistic activities are known to lower stress levels and promote mental calmness. It takes your mind off of everyday worries and provides a relaxing distraction."

• Crystal Haney (she/they), Community Worker, Office of LGBTQ Affairs
  "Art is an amazing outlet when it comes to our mental health, whether it be a mirror reflecting our inner experience or a window into our greatest hopes and dreams. Art can help us better connect with ourselves, as well as connecting with those around us."

• Lauren Baines (she/her), Interim Director, de Saisset Museum, Santa Clara University
  "The arts contribute to well-being, happiness, and connection.  Through the arts we can address, process, and communicate ideas and feelings that we may not have other ways of expressing. The arts can provide a needed distraction or reframing, bring joy, and encourage compassion and healing."

• Kalen Gallagher (he/him), Director, Leadership for Educational Equity
  "Many studies have shown that artistic activities have a positive effect on mental health. Art is a great way to lower stress levels and combat anxiety."

• Marico Sayoc (she/her), Executive Director, Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) and Council Member, Town of Los Gatos
  "Art is a form of expression that allows our mind, body, and soul to process our emotions in ways that words cannot deliver."

• Quynh-Mai Nguyen (she/her), Multidisciplinary Social Practice Artist, Community Organizer, Poet, Musician and Creative Director for Art Builds Community
  "Art has the power to help heal parts of ourselves that are challenging to process or find the words to communicate with. Music and poetry are the forms that I find very healing for myself."

• Courtney Jasiulek (she/her), Art Teacher, Westmont High School
  "I believe art can help us reveal and illustrate mental health challenges one might endure, and also remind us of our shared experiences. While the craft of making art takes practice, creativity comes from the mind. When I make art, I enjoy the sense of calm that comes with it, allowing me to alleviate stress and focus on something purely intuitive."

• Rachael Bradley, Art Teacher, Westmont High School