Artist Showcase: “Rooted in Care” Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago NFP (EMHS) is excited to invite artists of all disciplines to be part of a meaningful and inspiring fundraiser celebrating the theme: Rooted in Care. This special event uplifts the power of creativity, connection, and community while raising critical funds to expand access to mental health care across Chicago. 

About the Cause: EMHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2010 by mental health professionals and advocates committed to addressing the growing need for accessible, high-quality, and culturally-informed care. Funds raised will directly support two vital community spaces:

• The Kedzie Center, one of Chicago’s first community-funded mental health centers, located in Albany Park.

• The LoSAH (Logan Square, Avondale, Hermosa) Center of Hope, serving residents across three neighborhoods with counseling and support services

Theme: Rooted in Care

What does it mean to be rooted in care? As an individual, as a community, as a city?

We invite you to explore care as grounding, as healing, as connection to self, to others, and to community. Whether your work reflects personal stories, cultural traditions, collective healing, or visions of care for the future, we welcome bold, thoughtful, and heartfelt interpretations.

We enthusiastically welcome:

• Visual artists (painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, etc.)

• Writers (poetry, prose, essays, spoken word)

• Interdisciplinary and experimental creators

• Musicians 

• Artists at all stages of their careers 

Ways to Engage with the Theme and Support EMHS

• Visual Artists

  • Donate an original artwork, no larger than 16in x 20in, to be featured in the silent auction. Your work will be displayed as part of a curated event experience.

• Writers & Literary Artists

  • Offer a unique, creative experience as an auction item, such as

    • A private poetry reading

    • A curated book club session

    • A storytelling or spoken word performance

    • A custom-written piece or creative workshop

• Music Artists

  • Offer a unique, immersive musical experience or original work as an auction item, such as:

    • A private live performance or intimate concert

    • A custom-written song or personalized composition

    • A curated listening session or themed DJ set

    • A songwriting, vocal, or group music workshop

    • A recorded piece, unreleased track, or limited-edition release

Please include:

• Name and Contact Information

• Artist Bio (100 words)

• Artist Statement (100-200 words)

• Donation Confirmation (All submitted works/experiences are donated to support EMHS)

Important Dates

• Please submit your work by June 1 with the following information so that your work can be included in the artist showcase

• Event Date: Thursday, June 18

Artist Recognition Selected artists will:

• Be featured as part of a meaningful, community-centered event

• Receive recognition in event materials

• Be highlighted and thanked across EMHS social media platforms

Get in Touch

Please email Grace Doppler (gdoppler@thekedziecenter.org) with questions and to participate in our event. Subject line: Rooted in Care - Artistic Response

Why Participate? Your contribution helps expand access to compassionate mental health care while connecting your work to a powerful mission. This is an opportunity to share your voice, support your community, and be part of something rooted in care, creativity, and collective healing.