self-esteem youth art
exhibition Information

There are many ways to build self-worth and express oneself.

The Downriver Council for the Arts (DCA) in partnership with Hegira Health, Inc., is holding an art exhibit for Downriver middle and high school students (grades 6th-12th) centered around the theme of Self-Esteem. May is traditionally known as mental health awareness month, so we are asking teachers to create an art project for their class, keeping these themes in mind. Teachers will need to register their class. Then we are asking you to select 3 “winners” to submit to the Downriver Council for the Arts to be displayed in the Main Gallery. The remaining artworks can be installed in our lower level community gallery. Each division will be awarded with prizes. There is no cost to enter!

Prizes will be awarded to the teachers of the winning entries for both Middle and High School categories. $100 Best of Show, $75 1st Place, $50 2nd Place, $25 3rd Place.

Self-Esteem Exhibit Theme: Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves. Creating art can validate the uniqueness of an individual, which gives rise to a sense of accomplishment and to feelings of self-worth. The arts have been shown to support a sense of social identity and can encourage goal-directed behavior, and enhance social resilience. Five elements of self-esteem: Security: I know I am safe; Identity: I know who I am; Belonging: I know others accept me; Purpose: I know what I want to achieve; Competence: I know I am capable.

Teachers must register to participate. We only need brief information so we can gauge participation and contact you.

DCA GENERAL EXHIBIT GUIDELINES FOR exhibiting in THE MAIN GALLERY

GALLERY PRESENTATION: Mixed media (2-D, 3-D), performance and installation will be accepted. No restrictions on size; please contact us to discuss large pieces. Artists are welcome to submit display items for their artwork if needed.

• Spoken word that is submitted as 2-D art, must be framed and matted.

• Performance art can be shown live at the reception. Please inquire.

• Entries must be ready for installation in a professional manner. 2-D work MUST be framed and ready for hanging with wire attached. Artwork without a wire will be declined. The DCA uses the Walker Display System for the Main Gallery. Hanger specifics can be found by clicking here. For art installed in our Community Gallery, we can use nails and pins to display art on the wall.

• We advise not to use breakable glass on frames larger than 11”x14”. Prints can be hung with either Plexiglass or no covering.

Each entry MUST have the following information on the BACK: NAME - TITLE OF WORK - MEDIUM - PRICE

NOTE: The DCA reserves the right to remove artwork not suitable for installation in the galleries. Any submissions not meeting these requirements will be rejected from the exhibit. By taking part in this exhibit, you agree that the Downriver Council for the Arts shall not be responsible for any losses or damage to artwork.

VIDEO AND ANIMATION SUBMISSIONS: 1280 x 720 .mov or .mp4 uploaded to Google Drive or Dropbox where we can download is the best scenario. We will accept files on a thumb drive or CD/DVD. Do not format the CD/DVD as an auto play. Piece should be between 2-5 minutes in length. Longer submissions will be considered, but please contact us to discuss. Online exhibit: Link to Vimeo, YouTube, Animoto, and Wistia will be accepted.

DROP OFF OF ENTRIES: Art is due to the DCA by Tuesday, April 23, 2024 by 8pm. Please note that you can drop off entries any time leading up to the exhibit between April 13-23, 2024. You are responsible for shipping and return shipping. Please email dc4arts@downriverarts.org to discuss if needed.

RECEPTION AND EXHIBIT RUN: Exhibit Run: April 25 - May 18, 2023 / Closing event: Thursday, May 16, 2024

The reception and exhibit are open to the public to view at no charge. Ample free parking is available. Please check our website for any current health restrictions. Please contact us if you would like to read/perform during the exhibit opening.

PICK UP ARTWORK: Art can begin being picked up at the end of the Closing Event on Thursday, May 16. You can also pick up on Saturday, May 18, 2024 and Tuesday May 21, 2024. Please contact us if you need to make special arrangements to pick up at a later date. The DCA is not responsible for artwork left. You MUST pick up your artwork or make special arrangements to do so at a later date!

RIGHTS AND IMAGE REPRODUCTION: The DCA reserves the right to photograph/reproduce selected artists’ work for the purpose of publicity and promotion.

Questions? Call: 734-720-0671. Email: dc4arts@downriverarts.org