Expressions – Supporting Mental Health Through Artistic Expression

Every year, the Expressions Committee publishes a small volume of artwork and writing by individuals and/or family members who have lived experience with mental health and co-existing conditions and are interested in sharing their experiences with others. The group has been doing so since 1998.

We accept photos of artwork, crafts, or projects (knitting, woodworking); any type of writing (stories, songs, poetry); or anything someone does to express their creativity and support their mental health.

In gathering and publishing these books, we hope to inspire each other and give hope for recovery to all those affected by mental illness and co-existing conditions.

We are always taking submissions. The deadline for submissions is typically Dec 1st of each year to be included in the following Spring’s edition of the book. See our guidelines and submission form.

There is a Book Launch event held every year in the spring/early summer to launch that year’s book. At that event, copies are provided to everyone who contributed work to that year’s edition and additional copies are available for purchase. It also gives an opportunity for individuals who have submitted to the book to share a reading of their written work or share their personal experiences.

We also support artists and artisans to showcase and sell their work at our Expressions Art and Craft Sales typically held in May/early June and November each year. These sales aim to help the artists offset the costs of their hobbies and reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

These projects all receive support and funding through the PMH Mental Health program and are open to participants from throughout the PMH region.

Book Launch – Thursday, June 6 & Art and Craft Sale – Friday, June 7

For more information

Please contact the Expressions Committee chairperson, Katie Hoover, at [email protected] or 204-578-2456.