self-Worth youth art
exhibition - participant Information
Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth.
For 2026’s exhibit, we are focusing on the topic of Self-Worth.
Self-worth is a person's inherent sense of being valuable, capable, and deserving of respect and love, independent of external achievements or circumstances. It is an internal, unshakeable belief in one's own worthiness. Positive self-worth fosters greater self-confidence, resilience, and overall life satisfaction. Self-worth is the internal sense of being good enough and worthy of love and belonging from others.
The Downriver Council for the Arts (DCA) in partnership with Hegira Health, Inc., is presenting an art exhibit for Downriver middle and high school students (grades 6th-12th) centered around the theme of Self-Worth. May is traditionally known as mental health awareness month, so this exhibit will allow Downriver middle and high school students to express what self-worth means to them through art.
We are asking Downriver teachers, social workers and guardians to help facilitate the art creation with their young artists. You will need to register your class or student so we can gauge participation. NEW for 2026: Art will be displayed in the DCA’s Main Gallery, where we will hold a reception. Then the exhibit will travel to various locations around Southeast Michigan until September. We are still working out the details and locations., but will let you know once we have solid plans.
Each division will be awarded with prizes. There is no cost to enter!
Prizes will be awarded to the teachers/guardians of the winning entries for both Middle and High School categories. $100 Best of Show, $75 1st Place, $50 2nd Place, $25 3rd Place.
IMPORTANT DATES
Register to participate: November 1, 2025 – April 17, 2026 (artwork is not due yet)
Art due to DCA: by 8pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Art can be delivered anytime from April 20-28, 2026. The DCA will install the exhibit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Art Exhibit Run: April 30 - May 14, 2026
Closing Reception Event: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5-8pm - Refreshments, entertainment, awards, meet the artists, participate in a community art project.
Parking and admission are free to the public to view.
You must register to participate. Artwork does not need to be completed yet - We only need brief information so we can gauge participation and contact you if there are any questions.
DCA EXHIBIT GUIDELINES
GALLERY PRESENTATION: Mixed media (2-D, 3-D), performance and installation will be accepted.
Size: no limit on 2-D art. 3-D art must be displayed on a pedestal (the DCA will provide). Please contact us to discuss large pieces. Artists are welcome to submit display items for their artwork if needed.
Art can be for sale. Please include price or NFS if “not for sale”
Each entry MUST have the following information on the BACK: NAME - GRADE - SCHOOL - TITLE OF WORK - PRICE
Performance art can be shown live at the reception. Please inquire.
Artwork should be framed and wired if possible. If not possible, we will do our best to display.
Do not to use breakable glass on framed artwork, please use Plexiglass or no covering if choosing to frame.
NOTE: The arts center is a family friendly facility. The DCA reserves the right to remove artwork not suitable for installation in the galleries. Any submissions not meeting these requirements will be rejected from the exhibit. By taking part in this exhibit, you agree that the Downriver Council for the Arts shall not be responsible for any losses or damage to artwork.
VIDEO AND ANIMATION SUBMISSIONS: 1280 x 720 .mov or .mp4 uploaded to Google Drive or Dropbox where we can download is the best scenario. We will accept files on a thumb drive or CD/DVD. Do not format the CD/DVD as an auto play. Piece should be between 2-5 minutes in length. Longer submissions will be considered, but please contact us to discuss. Online exhibit: Link to Vimeo, YouTube, Animoto, and Wistia will be accepted.
DROP OFF OF ENTRIES: Art is due to the DCA by 8pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Art can be delivered anytime from April 20-28, 2026. The DCA will install the exhibit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Please email dc4arts@downriverarts.org to discuss if other options need to be arranged. We can work with you!
CLOSING RECEPTION EVENT: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 5-8pm - Refreshments, entertainment, awards, meet the artists, participate in a community art project. The reception and exhibit are open to the public to view at no charge. Ample free parking is available. Please check our website for any current health restrictions. Please contact us if you would like to read/perform during the exhibit opening.
PICK UP ARTWORK: The DCA will contact you in September when the traveling exhibit is over to coordinate pick-up of artwork.
RIGHTS AND IMAGE REPRODUCTION: The DCA reserves the right to photograph/reproduce selected artists’ work for the purpose of publicity and promotion.
Questions? Call: 734-720-0671. Email: dc4arts@downriverarts.org