Every member of the Trauma Community has a story.
Sometimes, a picture can help tell it.
Stories in Art invites all members of the Trauma Community, from Trauma Survivors and their loved ones to the clinical staff and first responders who care for them, to share their stories through art. Stories in Art is open to individuals of all ages.
You don’t need to be an artist. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to draw. You only need to create something that means something to you. Your art might show something you love, a person who makes you feel supported, a place that makes you happy, something that helped you through a difficult time, or what hope and healing look like to you. It could be a picture of a memory you are struggling with or a moment you want to celebrate.
For first round of submissions for Stories in Art will close on October 15. The art will be reviewed by a TSN team at the Network-level. One piece of art will be chosen to be part of the 2026 TSN ornament. Other pieces may be highlighted and promoted on the TSN platforms, such as our website and social media.
To participate in Stories in Art,
- Download the Submission Form and print it out!
- Grab your crayons, markers, colored pencils, water colors, or paints.
- Create a picture or art that represents your story of trauma and healing.
- Take a picture of your submission form and send it as an attachment to the [email protected]. Be sure to tell us the story behind your picture in the body of the e-mail!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit art?
Anyone in the Trauma Survivors Network community can participate! Trauma Survivors, loved ones, friends, and trauma professionals are all invited to submit art. We encourage submissions from both children and adults.
Is there an age requirement?
No! There is no minimum or maximum age to participate. We want everyone to have the opportunity to share their creativity. Children and adults can create artwork on their own, or children can have help from a parent, caregiver, family member, or another trusted person.
Do I need to be an artist?
Absolutely not! This is about sharing your story, not creating a perfect picture. Your art can be simple or detailed, colorful or black and white, serious or silly. Use crayons, colored pencils, markers, paint, or pastels. Just make it yours.
Why should I participate?
Because your story is worth sharing! Your art could help someone else feel connected to the TSN community, bring a smile to someone’s day, or simply give you an opportunity to create something meaningful.
Selected artwork will also be considered for the 2026 TSN Ornament, giving your artwork the opportunity to become part of something that celebrates the Trauma Survivors Network community.
Can I create my art with someone else?
Absolutely! We welcome art created together. Participants of any age with a parent, child, caregiver, sibling, friend, Trauma Survivor, clinical staff, or another member of their community.
You can each contribute to the same drawing, work together on an idea, or have someone help you with part of your art. There is no requirement that one person create the entire piece on their own.
If you collaborate, please include the names of everyone who helped create the artwork when you submit it, if they would like to be recognized.