Alabama Department of Mental Health
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Since 2005, the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) has hosted the Capitol Showcase, a consumer art show. Individuals with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders graciously offer their works of art to showcase throughout the month of May, in observance of Mental Health Month.
The call for entries for the ADMH Capitol Showcase is now open. Please fill out the online entry form, send in a high–quality digital photo of your artwork and a typed artist statement by April 9, 2021 to participate. The online entry form can be found at http://bit.ly/capitolshowcase.
Art can offer a sense of accomplishment, meaning and engagement when it is hard to express what a person is struggling with. Creating art can help to decrease anxiety and stress and offer a refuge from intense feelings and emotions.
Due to social distancing and best practices related to COVID-19, this year the showcase will again be online–only. The need to ensure we all stay healthy and safe remains a priority for artists and attendees. An online gallery will be unveiled May 1 and will feature unique artwork and personal stories from each artist.
Artwork will be also posted daily on ADMH social media accounts, recognizing the artists with individual posts to demonstrate their expression of mental health and life experiences. Many of the artists have remarked on the care and support they received from local mental health centers and how their art is encouraged and celebrated through their recovery.
Newly added this year is online voting for Best in Show and Honorable Mention. A Zoom reception will also be held May 25. To learn more about the Capitol Showcase and the ADMH, call 334-242-3417 or email peggy.olson@mh.alabama.gov.
