Our annual Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest aims to raise awareness of mental health experiences and challenge mental health stigma through open discussions with the Texas community. This year, over 600 participants of all ages submitted original artwork, writing, and photography that answered the question: “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”
We want to congratulate all 37 winners, including honorable mentions, across 10 categories who submitted thoughtful and creative artwork. We can’t wait to celebrate everyone’s accomplishment during our virtual reception on May 21!
The reception will include a slideshow of the winning artwork, poetry readings, a live Q&A panel with the artists, and remarks from executive leadership at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). We invite everyone to register for the reception.
See all 2024 winning art here
VISUAL ART WINNERS
Adult Original Artwork
- 1st: “An Ode to the Phone Workers” by Rachel Byrd
- 2nd: “Our Thoughts” by Kimberly Berriochoa
- 3rd: “I Lied” by Travon Childress-Smith
- Hon. Mention: “Lost Progress“ by Addison Dunavant
High School Original Artwork
- 1st: “Self-Destruction” by SunHee Choi
- 2nd: “Eternal Hope” by Caitlin Yoon
- 3rd: “Confrontation” by Junho Kee
- Hon. Mention: “Gilded” by Anonymous
Middle School Original Artwork
- 1st: “Charger Up” by Hannah Chang
- 2nd: “Support” by Marley Griggs
- 3rd: “If Lips Could Talk” by Amber S.
- Hon. Mention: “A Pig’s Reflection” by Natasha Meijia
Elementary Original Artwork
- 1st: “Dashing into the Brightness and Hope” by Luca Luxing
- 2nd: “Good Thoughts” by Harper Self
- 3rd: “Inside Schizophrenic Mind” by Anonymous
- Hon. Mention: “Rainbows” by Jennifer Cerda
PHOTOGRAPHY WINNERS
High School Photography
- 1st: “Not Enough” by Steven Eduardo Barrios Najarro
- 2nd: “Suffocating” by Elizabeth Ricardez
- 3rd: “Trapped” by Santiago Cardoso
- Hon. Mention: “The End of Despair; The Start of Hope” by Colby Miller
Adult Photography
- 1st: “When You See Me Again It Won’t Be Me” by Melissa Dorris
- 2nd: “Combat Veteran with PTSD” by Peter Buotte
- 3rd: “My Wounded Inner Niña” by Diane Gonzalez
- Hon. Mention: “The Darkness that’s Needed to See the Stars” by Christian Skruhak
WRITING WINNERS
Adult Writing
- 1st: “A Modern Day Plague” by Jennifer Leal
- 2nd: “Notice” by Mileena Martinez
- 3rd: “What am I Supposed to Do” by Anonymous
- Hon. Mention: “The Listening Chair” by Lydia Bothwell
High School Writing
- 1st: “I See You” by A. F.
- 2nd: “When the Sun Fades Away” by Jade Dinh
- 3rd: “I’m Sorry” by Alexa Coats
- Hon. Mention: “Where there is a Will, there is a Way…” by Shreya P.
Middle School Writing
- 1st: “Staring” by Zoie Martin
- 2nd: “Mental Health is Crucial for All” by Zoey Ramteke
- 3rd: “Journey of Self-Discovery” by Maanya Hebbar
- Hon. Mention: “Sometimes” by Anonymous
Elementary Writing
- 1st: “Music and Mental Health” by Adhesh N.
I thank you for the opportunity to submit. More than a contest, I see this as a Celebration of how artworks are a creative expressions for mental health concerns ! Peter Buotte, Art Therapist, US Army, Combat Veteran, Retired