About
Our annual competition
Each year, through our Hall of Personal Expression contest, Robbie’s Hope offers creative teens a platform to give voice to their artistic perspectives on the complex emotions young people experience today. Teens from across the world are invited to submit creative works in a variety of categories that reflect their personal journeys with mental health. Through our online gallery and curated, traveling exhibits, these powerful expressions move audiences in unexpected and meaningful ways — amplifying the conversation around the emotional wellbeing of today’s youth.
The juried competition features an annual creative prompt and awards a Grand Prize of $2,500 along with Category Winner Prizes of $1,000 each.
The 2026 competition will open in the spring!
Art’s role in healthy self-expression
and positive mental health:
The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says making or even just experiencing art can impact the brain. Whether it’s part of a creative arts therapy exercise, or something you experience in your everyday life, art can help:
Increase serotonin levels.
Increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure.
Foster new ways of thinking.
Imagine a more hopeful future.
Our traveling exhibition
Our immersive gallery exhibition — dedicated to exploring mental health through the perspectives of teen artists from across the United States — debuted at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art in August 2025.
“Through Their Eyes” aims to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of young people dealing with mental health issues. The exhibition features a diverse collection of artwork, including fine art, digital media, poetry, music and film, all created by talented teen artists who have bravely shared their personal experiences and perspectives. The works are curated from Robbie’s Hope’s annual Hall of Personal Expression art competition.
“We were thrilled to be able to host Robbie’s Hope Hall of Personal Expression at the Museum in our Teen IdeaBox. Our parallel work in supporting and honoring youth voices and creativity made this a natural partnership that highlighted the work we do with teens in our community. The show illustrated the power of expression in navigating life’s uncertainties. We are grateful for their partnership, and know that our audience and visitors were struck by the artwork and stories.”
“We believe art has the incredible power to heal and connect people. We aim to amplify the voices of teen artists to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health.”
Featured artists
We’ve received hundreds of competition entries since our first contest in 2019. We’re honored to share a few featured artists and their stories of courage, development, transformation and success.
Bella Wright
Co-writer & Producer of The Gardening Club
Ethen Meyers
From H.O.P.E winner to contemporary figure painter
Sloane Simon
Singer, songwriter, & The Voice contestant
In the news
First Lady Jill Biden and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy meet with students who lead mental health club, Robbie’s Hope.
Kari Eckert speaks about Robbie's Hope how parents can talk to their kids about anxiety, depression and suicide.
Nonprofit Robbie's Hope dedicated to teen suicide prevention helps provide creative outlet and raise awareness.
