Mindfulness in May is a youth art exhibition held during BC Youth Week and National Mental Health Week.
This year’s theme is The Art of Empathy & Kindness
We invite you to create original art or writing that shows what empathy and kindness mean to you, your community, or the world.
This is your chance to express:
• Care for yourself or others
• Compassion and understanding
• Connection to people, nature, or place
• How kindness can make things better
Your voice matters. Your art helps start conversations.
EXHIBIT CATEGORIES 2026
You may submit ONE piece per category if you wish.
Category 1: Visual Art
• Drawing, painting, mixed media
• Sculpture or 3D art
• Fiber or fabric art
Category 2: Photography
• Original photos only
• Digital edits are allowed if you explain how you changed the image
• You must own the photo, no AI generated photography
Category 3: Writing
• Short story (250–500 words)
• Poetry (one page only)
Artwork Size Limits
• Photography & most artwork: 11” x 17” max
• Paintings: 20” x 24” max
How to Submit
Step 1: Submit Online
Upload a photo of your artwork or writing here:
OR email your submission to:
moraninthemoon@gmail.com
(put your name in the subject line)
Deadlines
• Early Bird: February 14, 2026
• Final Deadline: March 13, 2026
Early submissions are entered into a prize draw and may appear on posters.
What to Include
With your submission, include:
• Your full name
• School, grade, and age
• Email & phone number
• Title of your work and materials used
• Artwork size
• A short artist statement (max 75 words)
Awards & Prizes
Awards are awarded in two divisions:
Grades 5–8 & Grades 9–12
• Visual Art:
$150 $100 $50
• Photography: $50
• Writing: $50
• People’s Choice Award: $75
All participants receive a certificate.
Exhibition & Reception
• Exhibit Opens: April 28, 2026
• Artist Reception: May 2, 2026
🕜 1:30–2:30 PM (Awards at 2:00 PM)
• Artwork Pickup: May 10 at 4:00 PM or May 11 during library hours
Winners will be announced at the Artist Reception on Saturday May 2nd*, reception at 1:30pm-2:30 with awards announced at 2pm.
Questions?
Diane Moran
Founder & Curator: Email: moraninthemoon@gmail.com
Phone: 778-869-8964
Mindfulness in May 2026
The Art of Empathy & Kindness
Educator & Community Partner Overview
Mindfulness in May is a long-running youth arts initiative that invites young people to explore mental health, identity, connection, and belonging through creative expression. Taking place during BC Youth Week and National Mental Health Week, the exhibition offers students a way to reflect on their experiences and share their perspectives with the wider community.
This year’s theme, The Art of Empathy & Kindness, encourages youth to explore how empathy and kindness show up in their lives, relationships, and communities. The project supports both emotional literacy and creative confidence, while fostering dialogue across generations.
Why This Matters
Many young people struggle to articulate complex emotions in traditional academic or conversational settings. Art, photography, and writing provide an accessible language for expression, particularly for youth who may feel marginalized, overwhelmed, or unheard. Past exhibitions have addressed themes including stigma, mental health, isolation, kindness, environmental care, and social responsibility, often revealing insight and emotional depth beyond what might surface in classroom discussion.
For educators and youth-serving professionals, Mindfulness in May can:
• Support social-emotional learning
• Encourage self-reflection and empathy
• Promote youth voice and agency
• Build connection between schools and community spaces
• Normalize conversations about mental health
Who Can Participate
The exhibition is open to youth in Grades 5–12 who are:
• Registered in School District 69, or
• Enrolled in a home-learning program and residing in SD69 communities
There are no submission fees
What Youth Are Asked to Do
Students are invited to create original artwork, photography, or writing that reflects their interpretation of empathy and kindness. They may choose one or more categories and submit up to one piece per category (3 total).
Youth are encouraged to reflect on questions such as:
• What does empathy or kindness look like in real life?
• Where do we see it modeled, or missing?
• How does kindness affect ourselves, others, or the environment?
• What message do we want to share with our community?
Interpretation is intentionally open, allowing youth to work from personal, social, or environmental perspectives.
Submission & Exhibition Process
Students submit digital images or writing online by March 13, 2026 (early submissions by Feb 14 encouraged). Accepted visual and photographic works are later delivered to the Qualicum Beach Public Library, where the exhibition will be publicly displayed.
The library setting provides a neutral, welcoming “third space” where youth work is honored alongside community members, families, educators, and local partners.
Recognition & Celebration
Artwork will be juried by division (Grades 5–8 and 9–12), with awards for visual art, photography, writing, and a People’s Choice Award selected during the exhibition. All participants receive a certificate. Winners will be announced at the Reception on May 2, 2026.
How Educators & Adults Can Support Youth
Support may include:
• Introducing the theme and encouraging reflection
• Providing time or space for creative work
• Helping with submission logistics
• Discussing themes of empathy and kindness in age-appropriate ways
• Affirming that there is no “right” interpretation
Importantly, this is not an assessment task. Youth are not judged on technical perfection but on authenticity, thoughtfulness, and creative expression.
Project Leadership & Partnerships
Founded and curated by Diane Moran, Mindfulness in May is supported by community partners including the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Qualicum Beach Branch) and local organizations committed to youth well-being, literacy, and mental health.