self-esteem youth art
exhibition - participant 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 presenting 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 this exhibit will allow Downriver middle and high school students to express what self-esteem means to them through art. 

We are asking Downriver teachers, social workers and guardians to help facilitate the art creation with their young artists. You will need to register your class or student. Art will be displayed 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/guardians 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.

You must register to participate. We only need brief information so we can gauge participation and contact you if there are any questions.

DCA EXHIBIT GUIDELINES

GALLERY PRESENTATION: Mixed media (2-D, 3-D), performance and installation will be accepted.

• Size: no limit on 2-D art. 3-D art must be displayed on a pedestal (the DCA will provide). Please contact us to discuss large pieces. Artists are welcome to submit display items for their artwork if needed.

• Art can be for sale. Please include price or NFS if “not for sale”

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

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

• Our Community Gallery provides us the opportunity to display artwork unframed. We can use nails, pins and velcro to display art on the walls.

• Do not to use breakable glass on framed artwork, please use Plexiglass or no covering if choosing to frame.

• If there is a large number of submissions, we will consider moving the high school art into our main gallery to be displayed on our movable walls.

NOTE: The arts center is a family friendly facility. 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 22, 2025 by 8pm. Art can be delivered anytime April 17-22, 2025. The DCA will install the exhibit on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Please email dc4arts@downriverarts.org to discuss if other options need to be arranged. We can work with you!

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 15. You can also pick up on Saturday - May 17, Monday - May 19 or Tuesday - May 20. 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