Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 7

The System of Care Project will be hosting the first “My Feelings Are a Work of Art” art show Thursday in honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day.

Annie Kling, project assistant of System of Care, said children and their families are invited to create art at the Old Stone Child College Auditorium/Gymnasium, 8294 Upper Box Elder Road from 5 to 7 p.m.

Last week, children and families created paintings during “Family Night.” The artwork was then displayed in an art exhibit at the facility.

“We had finger painting, acrylic painting, crayons, charcoal and pastels ... ,” Kling said. “We collected about 100 pieces of art.”

Kling said the art pieces created Thursday will be added to the existing art exhibit.

“We’re going to set tables up in the middle and replenish the paint supplies and stuff and let the kids create again,” she said. “We’ll display all their art around the walls.”

Kling said the Chippewa Cree Human Services Division and the Suicide Prevention Program will be partnering with her organization for this free event.

Snacks will be available, and there will be door prizes.

“It’s mainly just to celebrate their creativity and their wellness,” Kling said.

Kling added that the goal of this event is to bring awareness to children’s mental health and wellbeing and that there are no guidelines as to what the kids can create.

“They are free to express themselves,” she said.