CONTACT 34 GALLERY

The 34 Gallery aims to channel the power of art to explore monthly mental health themes through art therapy. Your participation is a form of mental health advocacy that also brings global attention to these conditions.

•  This month, we are particularly interested in works by artists utilizing this art therapy open call to address:  Low Self-Esteem, Self-harm, Eating Disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Skin Conditions, Trauma Recovery, Bullying, Physical Disabilities and Disfigurement. 

Our August Open Call, “Portraits of Self,” is an annual open call now in its third year. 

Themes: As artists, we already know facing ourselves is crucial to the creative process. The way we think and feel can shape the technique of our craft with intensity. But how do we portray the parts of ourselves that need healing, safety, and validation in a world that constantly requires us to mask? This month, we ask you to channel your energy into providing support for others facing the mirror with honesty.

Each of the conditions covered in this Open Call takes a toll on human life:

• The eating disorder anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any other mental illness.
• One in four individuals with BDD, chronic skin conditions and/or disfigurement will commit suicide.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, often as a result of unaddressed bullying, abuse or neglect.
• Cited traumatic reasons for suicide attempts among adults: severe financial hardship, chronic pain, domestic violence, assault, childhood abuse and/or addiction.
• Many individuals experiencing these issues often do not seek help in any capacity before attempting suicide.

For 2026, Artists are invited to explore what a “Portrait of Self” means. Delve into the heart to find the sacred space within. Explore the path you've navigated in life to bravely face the mirror. Seek out the epiphany that freed you from mental anguish. Authenticate the experience of self-compassion after rejection. Remind us why who we are matters. Show us what a“Portraits of Self” means to you.

Please Note: As a Mental Health Art Gallery, we are asking Creatives to mobilize to help save lives at this time. Someone seeing your work can be inspired to keep going with hope and resilience despite their mental health struggles. Your artistic advocacy with us can and will make a difference!

Requirements: Open Medium. Fine Art, Poetry, Audiovisual, Short Film & A.I. Artwork Accepted. Submit up to 3 artworks or poems by July 31st. Include the following questions in your cover letter: 

• Your artist name, artwork titles, and website/social media links.  
• 1 - 2 paragraphs describing the creative process regarding your work & how it fits with the Open Call Theme. 
• 1 - 2 paragraphs on your experience of recovery from a mental health crisis, a trauma situation, or substance abuse. Describe the “aha” moment that made you realize you needed to change. 

Selected artists will be notified by August 10th.

• Be advised that this open call also includes a global youth & adult audience.
• Works that are sexually graphic and/or advocate violence (self or others), discrimination, or hatred (societal/gender/religious/cultural) of any kind will be disqualified.
• Technique for this call is open but not limited to: Open Medium. Poetry, Audiovisual & A.I. Artwork Accepted. 
• File Type: .MP4, .JPG, .PNG --File Size: Up to 100 MB for art & audiovisual submissions; Word, Google Docs,  or .PDF for poetry.

34 Gallery is proud to present “Storms,”  an open call inviting artists worldwide to explore the dramatic side of the impending storms. By using the storms as a creative focal point within the work, this challenge asks:

• How do storms affect you and your loved ones?
• When do storms signify a positive or negative change?

Storms can wreak havoc in a person’s life. When an individual realizes the upcoming storm, they try to either fight it, or seek cover. As artists, we define these concepts creatively based on the situation. This open call invites artists to explore:

• The mental storms we create during times of massive change.
• The aftermath of the storm, and how humanity heals.

Theme:  “Storms” explores the destruction and rebirth within the influences of life. Submissions should reflect:

• The washing away of the negativity stored in the mind.
• The impending doom of the possible destruction of the storm, during a crisis.
• The resurgence of light after the storm’s dissipation.
• The way a storm feels like it continues to follow, even after the light is shining. 

• Form & Suspension: Describe the beginning of the storm.
• Release & Letting Go: The rains that come, and wash away either the darkness or the light.
• Movement & Drift: The clouds that continue to move through the mind as an afterthought.
• Breath & Space: Acknowledging the emotions after the storm.

Traditional Interpretations:

• A thunderstorm forming over a city.
• The rain’s continuing force of washing away dirt.
• A storm is forming.
• The aftermath of the storm.

Outside the Box Concepts:

• The storm within the mind, during a crisis.
• The proverbial cloud hovering over a person’s head.
• Using an umbrella to shield oneself from the impending storm.
• The conjuring of a storm within the Universe, which helps create new galaxies within the cosmos.

Traditional, digital, AI-assisted, mixed media, and experimental approaches are all welcome. Submit your work between July 1st & July 31 , 2026.

Create or Complete Your Webbie Social Profile:

1. 🌐 Visit webbiesocial.com
2. 🖼️ Add a profile photo.
3. 📝 Write a short artist bio.

Submit to the Open Call:

1. ➕ Click Add New Content.
2. 📂 Select Post Type: Open Calls.
3. 🏷️ Choose "Bridges"
4. 📤 Upload your submission and hit Submit.

• 🏆 Be featured in The 34 Gallery’s official digital showcase hosted on Webbie Social.
• 🌍 Gain visibility across Webbie Social’s creator network and partner media.
• 💎 Be featured on The 34 Gallery website and social media.

• Selected artists will be notified by August 10th. 
• Technique for this call : Open Medium. Fine Art, Photography, Audiovisual & A.I. Artwork Accepted. 
• Works that are sexually graphic and/or advocate violence (self or others), discrimination, or hatred (societal/gender/religious/cultural) of any kind will be disqualified.