CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH AMY POIRIER, WESP FACILITATOR
West End Suicide Prevention (WESP) is excited to kick off the 4th Annual LIVE Art & Word Contest as a way to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide, engage individuals, encourage positive mental health and showcase talents from across the Upper Peninsula. This year’s contest has expanded to include three different age levels – middle school, high school and adult.
Although there will be a few slight differences amongst the age levels, the concept behind the contest remains the same.
Individuals from each age level can submit any type of art that addresses the theme: Mental Health Awareness. All art must fit into two categories: Visual Art or Word and could include anything from poetry, paintings, photography, short story, graphic arts, quilting, etc . One participant in each age level will receive a cash Grand Prize, and there will be cash prizes for the top Visual Art and Word entries in each age level, as well. Each piece will be judged by West End Suicide Prevention for its adherence to the theme and by an Expert Panel with a background in art or word. Additionally, the pieces will all be featured on social media, where the community can vote for their favorite. All entries must be submitted by February 15, 2024.
‘We are very excited for the expansion of the LIVE Art & Word Contest,’ said Kelly Sager, Regional School Health Coordinator and WESP Member. ‘We know mental health impacts everyone and this allows each age group to be represented.’
‘This year was the ideal time to add the other age groups,’ explains Amy Poirier, Great Lakes Recovery Centers Community Relations & Marketing Director and WESP Facilitator. ‘WESP has two NMU Interns this year, who will be able to devote a lot of time to the contest and bringing the LIVE message to the community. We have been amazed at the talent among our high school students and look forward to seeing what middle school students and adults submit to the contest.’
For more information about the LIVE Art & Word Contest visit: www.greatlakesrecovery.org/live-art-word-contest or email wesp@greatlakesrecovery.org .
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