Beginning in April of 2024 I Am More will be featuring the art and writing of North Shore artists in an exhibition at Northshore Mall. The exhibit will include the I Am More portraits of Founder/Artist Amy Kerr, self-portraits by student and professional artists, and resources from area non-profits as a mental health resource center in the mall. You are invited to submit a self-portrait accompanied by a short piece of writing describing how you are more than your challenges, to help educate and inspire those who might need it.

Portrait

Your self-portrait can be any medium, including drawing, painting, collage, photography, and mixed media, but must be able to hang on a display panel (not on a table). It can be any style, but please avoid overly graphic images due to the public nature of the space. I Am More was created so that viewers walk away feeling better and less alone.

Writing

Your self-portrait should be accompanied by a short piece of writing of no more than a page in length describing what the phrase, “I am more,” means to you. The writing can be in any style–prose, poetry, lyrics, or can be included in the self-portrait itself. This is not a formal essay, imagine you’re speaking to the viewer in your unique voice. Please understand that although honesty and vulnerability are welcome, this is not the place for airing grievances against a person or group.

Your art and writing can be identified with a first name, full name or anonymous, and the medium used.

Each piece will be on display for at least a month, and then will be returned to you.

Prepping Art and Writing

The artwork will be hung on display panels and should be mounted by the artist on heavyweight paper or mat board with or without a mat and frame, and prepped with either velcro (one-sided) or a wire for hanging (hooks provided). The written piece should be printed in an easy-to-read font (size 16 is recommended) and should be mounted on heavyweight paper and prepped with velcro.

Please label the artwork and writing on the back side with your name and contact information so your work can be returned to you.

The exhibit is in an open area of the mall (see below) so art is displayed at your own risk. I Am More and the Simon Corporation are not responsible for lost or damaged artwork.

Please contact Founder/Artist Amy Kerr at amykerrdraws@gmail.com if you would like to share your self-portrait and writing (include a photo and dimensions). Thank you for helping to spread the message of I Am More for the public benefit!