Submissions are now being accepted for the second ‘Mindfulness in May’ youth art exhibition in Parksville Qualicum Beach.

This year’s theme is ‘Forest, Sea and Self’, according to Diane Moran, founder and organizer.

Students in District 69, including home learners, from Grade 5 to Grade 12 can submit in three categories: photography (digital or film), literary (short story, poetry) and visual (painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, sculpture, fabric arts and more).

“This isn’t just for artists,” said Moran. “This is for any student in the district, and home learner, that is excited about the theme and wants to participate in the exhibition.”

The deadline to submit is April 2. There will be $150 top prizes for both the junior (Grade 5 to Grade 8) and senior (Grade 9 to Grade 12) categories in the visual arts category. Prizes are also up for grabs for photography, literary art and People’s Choice Award. All exhibitors will receive Certificates for Participation.

Each artist may submit to all three categories (visual, photo and literary) if they wish.

The formal exhibition will be hosted from April 30 to May 11 at the Qualicum Beach branch of the Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL).

Students are encouraged to explore what “Forest, Sea and Self” means to them in their own lives, and in their own language.

Below are some potential interpretations of the theme:

• Who benefits from our Forest or Sea
• Where is your favourite place when you visit the Forest or Sea?
• What does the Forest or Sea feel or look like?
• What can the Forest or Sea offer you?
• What can the Forest or Sea offer to others?
• What would you like to share about Self?
• How can you nurture Self?

READ MORE: ‘Mindfulness in May’ showcases youth creativity in SD 69

“The whole reason I came up with the concept for Mindfulness in May is there aren’t a whole lot of opportunities for youth, regardless of where they live, to have exhibitions and showcase their work,” Moran said.

Moran organized her first youth arts exhibition called ‘The Silence of Stigma’ in 2015 when she lived in Port Coquitlam. After moving to the Island she became the South Island Culture Days Ambassador while she and her husband lived in the Port Renfrew area. They relocated to Qualicum Beach in 2021 and in 2023 Mindfulness in May was born.

“Now that I’m in Qualicum I want to give back to my community and I see the need to have opportunities for youth,” said Moran, who was a children’s programmer for 22 years at a community centre in Burnaby. She also worked for the City of Burnaby for 29 years, including as a youth worker.

The event will coincide with BC Youth Week in the first week of May and National Mental Health Week (May 6 to May 10).

“Youth and mental wellness are two themes and ideas that I’ve been very passionate about,” Moran said.

Entries received by March 13 will be eligible for a prize and the possibility of artwork featured in posters.

Submissions should be ready to hang; assistance is available if required.

A gala event and awards presentation is set for May 2.

Mindfulness in May is sponsored by Qualicum Beach Rotary, VIRL and MLA Adam Walker. All funds received go towards sustaining the event, covering costs such as printing, framing and signage for the exhibition.

For more information visit https://mindfulmay.artistquarter.com/ or contact Moran at [email protected].