The theme of this digital exhibition centers around the presence of mental health in the daily lives of youth — exploring the deep-rooted, personal stories behind each experience. This gallery embraces individuality and perspective, showing how each person’s inner world offers insight, connection, and healing.
We aim to shed light on the importance of youth mental health, reminding every viewer that they are not alone. Whether you’re expressing joy, confusion, growth, or pain — your voice matters. Sometimes, one person’s creation can become another person’s strength.
Welcome to
The Strokes of Young Minds
This is a youth-led digital visual arts gallery. The Stroke of Young Minds strive to reach the best opportunity for youth to share their art and make a meaningful impact in supporting peers who struggle with mental health.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to reach and uplift young people who are struggling with their mental health through schools, mental health organizations, and word-of-mouth. We strive to create a platform where art becomes activism — a safe space for visual storytelling that empowers youth artists to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and to create a space where you find comfort in connection with experiences.
For many of us, art has been a way to distill chaos into peace — a quiet act of self-care that evolves into something greater when shared. As an artist, I found comfort in creating pieces that spoke to my own experiences. Overtime, I realized that I wanted to create not only for myself, but for others — for the youth who may not have the tools, time, or space to express what they’re feeling.
Art is one of the most powerful forms of communication — it speaks when words fall short. It builds connection, compassion, and community. Through this gallery, we hope to inspire youth and offer support, one piece at a time.
Feautures Pieces
Creativity. Technique. Composition.
We want to highlight artists who went above and beyond to illustrate the struggles of mental health amongst youth in a mesmerizing, yet unique way. The descriptions and artists social media accounts following these pieces can be found in the art gallery.
Art Gallery
More on Mental Health...
In Washington State, The Seattle Children's Hospital reports 20% of 10th and 12th graders and 19% of 8th graders reported having considered attempting suicide. This data depicts the undergoing issue of mental health existing amongst youth and the dire need for a solution. While there may not be one solution that solves every youths problems, the opportunity to benefit even one student has given me the hope to create this art gallery centered around mental health.
We all have MENTAL HEALTH, just like PHYSICAL HEALTH
SOURCE: National Alliance on Mental Health
50%
Half of all mental conditions starts by age fourteen
Anxiety affects 30% of children and adolescents, yet 80% never get help
80%
70%
Of all students age 14 or older with mental illness have one or more mental disorders
90%
Of those who died by suicide had underlying mental disorders
Embracing mental health through art, our online gallery is a platform for artists to share their stories, raise awareness, and support those in need. We encourage youth to discuss mental health related discussions and empower others to do the same. We hope to create an environment where youth feel connection in each others artwork. Millions of young people around the world struggle with mental health challenges each year, facing issues like anxiety, depression, isolation, and overwhelming stress. Despite how common these experiences are, many youth feel alone in their struggles and unsure of where to turn. Art offers a powerful and accessible outlet for expression, allowing young people to process emotions, tell their stories, and connect with others on a deeper level. Through creative expression, youth not only gain a sense of personal relief and healing, but also contribute to a shared space where others can relate, reflect, and feel understood. Art has the unique ability to build a sense of community—fostering empathy, reducing stigma, and empowering young people to support one another through shared experiences and creativity. Join us in fostering a community of empowerment and healing.
My Artistic Mission
Inspire Hope
Through my art, I aim to inspire hope and spread awareness about mental health challenges, fostering understanding and empathy.
Raise Awareness
Each piece I create sheds light on the importance of mental health and seeks to break the stigma surrounding these issues.
Support Healing
Art has the power to heal; my work is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and strength.
Share Stories
Behind every stroke lies a story. I share narratives of resilience and courage, inviting others to find solace in art.
Submission Details
1
All Mediums Allowed
Illustrations (e.g., graphite, Prismacolor)
Paintings (e.g., acrylic, oil)
Animations
3D sculptures
Digital art & more
2
Open to ALL Youth
Elementary • Middle • High School • College • Graduate
Multiple submissions are allowed
3
Share Your Story (Optional)
Submissions may remain anonymous, or you may choose to include a brief story or explanation behind your work. Your contribution has the power to resonate deeply with someone else — more than you might ever expect.