Three finalists will be selected from each age group (elementary and middle school) and will have their art displayed at the Health and Human Services Department’s table at the Victorian Fair, where the public will be able to vote for a winner.

The Melrose Health and Human Services (HHS) Department is excited to announce a Melrose youth art contest for elementary and middle school students with a theme “what makes you happy”. Melrose youth in grades K-8 can submit artwork focused on self-care to the Health & Human Services Department from July 26 - August 26, 2022.

“We selected this theme as a creative way to introduce students to the practice of self-care and to emphasize the importance of establishing a mental health maintenance routine early,” said Emily Hatchouel, Public Health Specialist for the City of Melrose. “Thinking about things that make you happy is a great way to support youth in identifying coping mechanisms for anxiety, stress or sadness.”

Students can submit a piece in any 2-D medium (i.e., paint, markers, colored pencils, digital, etc.) that is no larger than 8¹/₂ by 11 inches to the Health and Human Services Department Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  no later than August 26. Students who create digital artwork can email their work to [email protected].

Three finalists in each age group (elementary and middle school) will be selected to have their artwork on display at the HHS Department’s table at the upcoming Victorian Fair, where the public will be able to vote for a winner.

The winner will be announced on the HHS Department’s Facebook www.facebook.com/CoMHealth, and winner will be notified by email and will receive a prize which will be picked up at the HHS Department.

The HHS’s department will continue to find creative ways to engage Melrose youth in the areas of mental health and wellness.

“I’m delighted by the Health and Human Services team’s creative approach to supporting Melrose youth health needs,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “My hope is that this contest can make an impact on any young person that’s currently struggling with individual or societal challenges as well as reduce the stigma of discussing mental health. As the year of community health and wellness in Melrose continues, I look forward to more innovative ways of reaching and supporting out Melrose’s young people.”

For more information about the contest, please visit www.cityofmelrose.org/health-and-human-services/news/2022-youth-art-contest-what-makes-you-happy

About the Melrose Health and Human Services Department

The Health Department, now the Health and Human Services Department as of March 2022, is continuously evolving and has recently shifted to expand its services in both physical and mental health, where there is a focus on prevention, remediation, and maintenance. The Department’s mission has always been to promote the personal and environmental health of the community through education and policy development supported by enforceable regulations, and collaboration with other people and organizations. This name change better encompasses the services the Department is providing. To learn more, visit www.cityofmelrose.org/health-and-human-services

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