Real Life Stories of Living with Mental Health Challenges
A collaborative art exhibit that pairs local artists and writers to share stories of hope and recovery, to give others insight, inspiration, understanding, strength, connection and raise awareness.
2025 Exhibit Participation: Overview
The purpose of the exhibit is to inspire insight, understanding, strength, connection, and to raise awareness by sharing stories of hope and recovery. All artists are asked to create pieces consistent with this goal.
Eligibility & Guidelines
Applications to participate in Journey of Hope as a writer or artist are open to Sacramento County residents who register by the March 17, 2025 deadline.
All participants must be 16 years of age or over. Participants under the age of 18 will need a signed permission slip from their parent or guardian.
Lived experience with a mental health challenge is required for participating story writers, but not for artists. Participation is limited and it is not guaranteed that all applicants will be called upon to participate in this year’s event. Everyone will be notified regarding their participation by March 28, 2025.
This exhibit is not an art sale. However, artists may sell their artwork after the conclusion of the show through other avenues.
Signing Up
To apply, please review the guidelines and complete the application.
Important Dates for Journey of Hope 2025
| March 17, 2025 | Last day to sign up to participate |
| March 28, 2025 | Registrants will be notified of their participation |
| April 14, 2025 | Stories due |
| April 25, 2025 | Stories distributed to artists via email |
| June 9, 2025 | Bios/Headshots/ photo release due |
| August 4, 2025 | All artwork due to County office building |
| October 4, 2025 | The Gallery public exhibit reception 1-3 |
| October 1-31 | Exhibit open at The Gallery – Wed-Sun |
| November | Artwork pick up – details to follow |
Please contact us at DHSPUBHJourneyofHope@SacCounty.gov with any questions or concerns. If you’d like to help spread the word about our call for participants, check out the flyer HERE.
Journey of Hope 2024
Last year’s event was a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With over 65 artists and writers collaborating, the exhibit showcased stunning visual art alongside impactful stories. Both attendees and participants were profoundly moved by the raw honesty and beauty of the pieces, sparking meaningful conversations about mental health. See for yourself on KCRA and Sacramento Public File.