Marin Youth Art Event Aims To Promote Mental Health Awareness

SAN RAFAEL, CA — When it became apparent to Preston Lee the extent to which fellow community members experiencing mental health issues were suffering, he felt compelled to do something about it.

The Marin County high school senior soon found others who shared his conviction.

Lee is among a group of like-minded Marin high school and college students who banded together to form the Marin County Board of Supervisors Mental Health Intern Team.

The team is commemorating September Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month by organizing an event next week showcasing art and film created by Marin youth that aims to raise awareness of mental health issues.

The Youth Art and Film Showcase for Suicide Prevention will be held in-person Sept. 25. The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael).

The submissions deadline for this event is Wednesday.

“The goal of our showcase is to bring the young community of Marin closer together through art and use it as a medium of creative expression to help others who are suffering,” said Lee, who lives in Tiburon and is also a videographer.

“So many people endure hardship under the radar. When I first got exposed to how many people in my life struggled, it inspired me to advocate for such a prevalent issue in my community.”

Event attendees will be required to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, including mask-wearing.

The event will feature a panel of youth artists chosen by the program team who will discuss their submissions’ perspectives about or experiences with mental health.

Submitted art will also be showcased digitally on the project website.

“If you ask those who have struggled with psychological or emotional pain, many will mention that the connection and support of their neighbors and loved ones was critical for their recovery,” said Kara Connors, senior program coordinator for the County’s Suicide Prevention Collaborative.

“With each piece of artwork submitted, these youth are sending a powerful message that stigma has no place in Marin and that as a community, we can talk about mental health and suicide in open and direct ways.”

The Mental Health Interns are aware of stressful issues among their peers and methods to address them.

“Sometimes kids talk about suicide online in a casual way that might not be taken seriously,” said Scarlett Goh, a team member and high school junior from Mill Valley.

“Or, some kids are afraid to reach out for help if they see others ‘joking’ about suicide. I think one way we can help create action through social media is for everyone to share the Crisis Text Line (text MARIN to 741741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1- 800-273-8255) and to help get the word out. At the end of the day, we just want to keep each other safe.”

For youth who express personal struggles, Lee has created videos on the sensitive subject of mental health and suicide prevention.

“Every day I continue to strive and help my peers through offering them support and using my creative abilities in filmmaking to spread the message that you are never alone, and there are people out there to help.”

Submission Guidelines

An individual’s mental health journey can range from wellness, challenges, or crises and may change and shift over time. Please share your story through art that reflects messages that are hopeful and focused on what someone can do to help themselves or others and draw from your unique perspective and experience.

Art of all kinds is accepted, including, but not limited to,; photography, painting, digital art, poetry, dance, and video. Video submissions can be short films, animations, etc… and must be 10 minutes or shorter. See more video guidelines, including resources to feature.

Please respond to one or more of the following prompts:

• What is your personal experience with mental health and well-being?
• What helps you deal with difficult emotions and challenging times?
• What gives you hope, joy, and inspiration?
• What role do your family, friends, and community play in your mental health and well-being?
• What stories and perspectives surrounding youth and mental health do you think need to be told?

Some of the art submissions will be selected for a Caring Card campaign. Recipients of the campaign will be given personal handwritten cards with themes of empathy, compassion, and hope along with relevant resources as they transition to recovery. Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you for your participation in the showcase. You will be promoting the importance of mental health among youth in Marin and helping to start important discussions in our community. For any questions regarding submitting art or the showcase, please reach out to Nancy Vernon. Note that art will be submitted anonymously, so no names will be shown with art when showcased unless permission is received.

If you or someone you know is in distress, please contact:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• Lifeline Crisis Chat[External] Available 24/7
• Need help now? Text "MARIN " to 741-741
• For substance use or mental health services, contact BHRS Access Line: (888) 818-1115