Art has the power to help us understand ourselves—and each other—in deeper, more meaningful ways.
That’s the inspiration behind This Is Me: Works in Progress, a new 2026 exhibition presented through a collaboration between Artability, the University of Minnesota’s Center for the Art of Medicine (CFAM), and the Center for Health Interprofessional Programs (CHIP).
Together, this partnership brings art, storytelling, and community into one shared space—inviting artists and writers to explore identity, lived experience, and personal expression through creative work.
About the Exhibition
This Is Me: Works in Progress is a portrait-based exhibition that explores how we see ourselves—not only outwardly, but emotionally, psychologically, and symbolically.
Through both visual art and storytelling, the exhibition highlights how creative expression can:
- Illuminate identity
- Support healing
- Foster connection
- Build understanding across communities
The exhibition will be on view June through September at the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Education Center, culminating in a community reception and live storytelling showcase in early September.
The Theme: This Is Me: Works in Progress
This year’s theme centers on authenticity and personal expression.
Artists are invited to reflect on identity in all its complexity—capturing not just how we look, but how we feel, grow, and evolve.
Portraits may:
- Depict the self or others
- Explore identity through realism or abstraction
- Use metaphor, symbolism, color, gesture, or form
We especially encourage artists to explore themes such as:
- Mental health and healing
- Community and belonging
- Resilience and transformation
- Personal narrative and self-expression
Both representational and non-representational approaches are welcome.
Call for Art: Submit Your Work
Artists are invited to submit up to two original works:
- One representational portrait
- One non-representational portrait
Eligible Media
Painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, photography, textiles, and digital art.
Submission Requirements
Artists will be asked to provide:
- Artist name
- Title of artwork
- Medium
- Year
Important Guidelines
- All work must be original
- Artwork must be exhibition-ready (framed or wired if applicable)
- Work must remain available for the duration of the exhibition
- Artists are responsible for delivery and pickup unless otherwise arranged
- Artists retain copyright but grant permission for promotional use
How to Submit
The online submission form is now live and must be completed prior to dropping off artwork.
Artwork Drop-Off Options
May 4–8 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 York Clinic
(Ring the buzzer and leave artwork with the front desk)
Alternative Drop-Off Opportunities
Artists may also drop off work during Artability workshops:
- Saturday, May 2 | 2:00–3:30 PM — Abstract Watercolor Workshop
- Sunday, May 3 | 2:00–3:30 PM — Polymer Clay Charms Workshop (NCSP)
- Wednesday, May 6 | 3:30–5:30 PM — Open Studio (NCSP)
Submission Deadline
All artwork must be received by May 8 at 4:00 PM.
Storytelling Showcase: A Reception Feature
As part of the exhibition reception, 3–5 writers will be selected to present a short live reading of a personal narrative connected to the theme This Is Me.
This storytelling experience will highlight identity, lived experience, and mental health through powerful, first-person narratives.
Story Requirements
- Original personal narrative
- Approximately 3–5 minutes (500–750 words)
- Reflective storytelling aligned with the exhibition theme
- Suitable for a public audience
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed based on:
- Connection to the theme
- Authentic voice and emotional clarity
- Story structure and audience engagement
- Potential for compelling live delivery
Coaching & Preparation for Selected Writers
Writers selected for the storytelling showcase will receive dedicated support to develop and deliver their stories.
Participants will receive:
- One 1-hour session with an Artability creative writing instructor
- One 1-hour session with a CFAM speaking coach
Coaching sessions will take place June through August in preparation for the live event.
Interested writers can submit their work for consideration by completing the submission form.
Bonus Art Workshops (Designed for the Exhibition)
To support artists in developing work for the exhibition, Artability is offering hands-on workshops focused on portrait creation and self-expression.
Acrylic Self-Portraits
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 York Clinic
Create an expressive self-portrait while exploring identity, mood, and personal style. Participants will learn techniques for mapping facial features and mixing skin tones, with a focus on creative expression rather than perfect realism.
All skill levels welcome. Supplies provided. Register here.
Abstract Self-Portraits
Wednesday, April 29 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 York Clinic
Explore identity through color, shape, and symbolism by creating an abstract self-portrait. Participants will experiment with layering, mark-making, and expressive techniques to represent personal experiences without focusing on realism.
Open to all skill levels. Supplies provided. Register here.
Join Us
This exhibition brings together art, storytelling, and community to explore the many ways we define ourselves and share our experiences.
Whether you:
- Submit artwork
- Share a personal story
- Attend a workshop
- Or join us at the exhibition
—we invite you to be part of this experience.
The exhibition will culminate in a community reception and storytelling showcase in early September, celebrating the voices and perspectives that make up our shared community.