Beginning in April of 2024 I Am More will be featuring the art and writing of North Shore students in a rotating exhibition at Northshore Mall. The exhibit will include the I Am More portraits of Founder/Artist Amy Kerr, self-portraits by student and adult 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.

Students from middle school through college are invited to participate.

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, such as how you are more than whatever life challenges you face. It should be a reminder to the viewer to consider what is overshadowing their life and how they can see past it. The writing can be in any style–prose, poetry, lyrics, or can be included in the self-portrait itself. This is not a school essay, use 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.

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

Please submit your self-portrait and writing through your teacher, professor or guidance counselor to simplify pick-up and drop-off of artwork. If you are homeschooled and under 18, arrangements can be made with a parent.

For Educators, Guidance Counselors and Parents:

The artwork will be hung on display panels (see below) and should be mounted on heavyweight paper with or without a mat and frame, and prepped with either velcro 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 back of each piece of artwork and writing with your school and contact information so the work can be returned to you.

Please share any concerns the student might have about anonymity and any other questions you might have.

Arrangements can be made for a pick-up date once a semester, and artwork will be rotated on a first-come/first-serve basis, including throughout the summer months. The exhibit will open in April of 2024.

Please contact Amy Kerr at amykerrdraws@gmail.com to discuss including your students in this public exhibit. Thank you for sharing this opportunity!