Is Art Essential to Your Mental Health Journey?

Written by Bruce Cruser

Executive Director
June 16, 2025

Personal expression through art sustains recovery and fosters resilience. We are accepting applications now to be included in our Recovery Art Auction, when we celebrate artists and recovery month as part of our Victory for Mental Health event in September.

Artists can participate and support Mental Health Virginia by submitting art for our Recovery Art Auction, to be online from September 4-18. It features creative work from a variety of both emerging and established artists for whom the art-making process helps sustain their recovery or mental wellness.

The auction will be timed to end during our Advocacy Award Program at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture on September 18. Several pieces will be featured on-site at the dinner program.

Across generations and cultures, engaging with the creative arts can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. The experience of making art in any of its many forms can lighten the weight of living with a chronic illness. The creative process also enhances health and wellness for anyone.

We are seeking a range of styles from both emerging and established artists.

Proceeds: The purchased art will be donated 100% to MHV or split 50/50 between the artist and MHV, whichever the artist chooses.

Engaging with works of art as an observer also improves one’s mental wellness. Stay tuned for a link to the online auction when it goes live on September 4th!

Download a flyer to share with others. For more information, please email Jenny Sappington at jsappington@mentalhealthvirginia.org

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