In April 2025, ArtReach will work with area libraries and other multi-disciplinary partners to present NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley. This month of programs will evolve around Kevin Wilson’s unpredictable novel Nothing to See Here where the children are literally fiery. It challenges us to reconsider neurodiversity, self-control and caregiving.
“They didn’t want to set the world on fire. They just wanted to be less alone in it.”
Nothing to See Here
Call for Artists: Mental Health, finding creative solace
ArtReach St. Croix is seeking artists who currently create or have created work around themes related to mental health to be part of an exhibition during NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley.
NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is a regional month-long program that features multi-disciplinary art events focused on themes found in the selected book. This year’s book is Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson.
Mental Health, finding creative solace will encourage artists and viewers to consider the emotions, stigma, struggles and healing that surround mental health and how individuals impacted personally or tangentially find solace and strength. Like the Art on Caregiving, Death and Dying that was a highly successful part of the 2023 NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley program, ArtReach expects to treat this exhibition with the respect and dignity that the artists and their work are entitled to.
All forms of creative work are encouraged. All media, subjects and styles are welcome including—but not limited to—painting, fibers, printmaking, sculpture, glass, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, photography or video. All applications will be reviewed by members of ArtReach’s Visual Arts Committee to ensure an appropriate mix of work for the exhibition with some consideration for space.
Artists living and/or working in the St. Croix Valley are encouraged to submit applications. Artists can submit up to three pieces of work for consideration though not all pieces may be selected for the exhibition. Artists are encouraged, but not required, to submit a brief statement about their work and how it reflects the exhibition theme of mental health and using creativity to find solace.
Where:
ArtReach St. Croix’s Royal Credit Union Foundation Gallery, 224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
Dates to know:
February 17: Art Submission Forms Due
February 28: Accepted Artists Notified
March 31: Artwork drop-off, 10am-3pm*
*If this date does not work for you, please contact the gallery to schedule a drop-off time.
April 3: Opening Reception and NEA Big Read Kick-off Event, 6-8pm
April 3-May 10: Exhibition on view
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Stillwater Public Library and other library branches located between St. Croix Falls, WI, and Hastings, MN.