July Open Call: Animalia

Our July Open Call, “Animalia," has been created by our 34 Gallery Art Advisor Lawrence W. Lee to generate discussion on emotions that often defy words. Previous Winners can be found on the Open Calls page of our website. Our initiative aims to channel the power of art to explore monthly mental health themes through art therapy.  This month, we are particularly interested in works by artists who reduce mental health distress through self-care with the assistance of pets, guide/therapy animals and the natural world.

Why Animals Matter in Art

• "Animalia" is scientific name for the kingdom that contains all animals, including humans.
• Artists use animals in their art to show feelings they don’t want to say out loud. It’s like telling a secret to a pet who won’t judge you.
• Animals and the nature depicted in art assist in the expression of fears, dreams, hopes, and the intangible.
• This method can be utilized to explore often intangible concepts like instinct, aloneness, freedom, or the sublime.
• For reference, a few examples of artists uses animals and nature as a form of expression: Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst, & Banksy.

Themes: We ask artists to explore the connection between humanity and the natural world. We invite you to express your own connection with animals and nature.  It might be an old cat who shared your childhood bed or a wild bird of prey that represents the strength and freedom you are longing for. Show us what "Animalia" means to you!

Remember: Artists create Golden Ages. Join us in starting one! Let's remind humanity to embrace the light of who we are. Your artistic advocacy with us can and will make a difference. As a Mental Health Art Gallery, we are asking Creatives to mobilize to help save lives at this time. Someone seeing your work can be inspired to keep going with hope and resilience despite their mental health struggles. 

Requirements: Submit up to 3 artworks or poems by June 27th. Include the following questions in your cover letter: 

• Your artist name, artwork titles, and website/social media links.  
• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing the creative process regarding your work & how it fits with the Open Call Theme. 
• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing how animals and nature play a role in your mental health routine or have helped you navigate difficult emotional circumstances. 

Selected artists will be notified by July 10th. 

Restrictions: 

• Be advised that this open call also includes a global youth & adult audience. 
• Works that are sexually graphic and/or advocate violence (self or others), discrimination, or hatred (societal/gender/religious/cultural) of any kind will be disqualified. 
• Technique for this call is open but not limited to: Open Medium. Poetry, Audiovisual & A.I. Artwork Accepted.  
• File Type: .MP4, .JPG, .PNG --File Size: Up to 100 MB for art & audiovisual submissions; Word, Google Docs, .PDF for poetry.