Hope Through Art Scholarship
An original artwork scholarship for Utah artists who use creative expression to share their experience of mental health and to help someone else feel less alone.
Why this scholarship exists
The Ride to Prevent Suicide Mental Health Art Scholarship was established to encourage creative expression, raise awareness about mental health, and support individuals who use art as a way to share their personal experiences. Through artistic expression, we can foster understanding, reduce stigma, and create meaningful conversations about mental wellness and suicide prevention.
Your artwork should reflect your personal perspective, experience, journey, hope, challenges, recovery, resilience, or understanding of mental health.
Aislynn's Story
Aislynn had a beautiful way of seeing the world. She found joy in creativity and used art to express her thoughts, emotions, and imagination. Whether she was drawing, painting, or creating something new, art gave her a voice and allowed her unique perspective to shine.
Aislynn died by suicide at the age of 15 on October 18, 2022. She left before the rest of her story could be written. We believe that she continues to be with us through her art and the stories she wove into each of her pieces.
For Aislynn, art was more than a hobby—it was a meaningful part of who she was. It brought her comfort, inspired her curiosity, and helped her connect with others in ways words sometimes could not. Her creativity continues to remind those who loved her of the beauty she brought into the world and the lasting impact of her artistic spirit.
We hope that art will continue to inspire and heal others as they navigate their darkest times. We know that light can still shine through the darkness, and that many more will share their stories through creativity.
Award details
Two (2) scholarships, awarded annually.
$1,500 per recipient.
Utah residents pursuing education, training, or personal development opportunities.
Ride to Prevent Suicide Board of Directors.
August 31, 2026. Open to high school students.
Announced at the Drive Fore Life Golf Tournament, September 11, 2026, Eaglewood Golf Course, 1110 E Eaglewood Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054.
Any original form of expression
Submissions may be created in any artistic medium, including but not limited to:
Applicants must
- ✓Be a resident of Utah.
- ✓Be at least 16 years of age or older.
- ✓Submit an original artwork created solely by the applicant.
- ✓Complete the scholarship application and artist statement.
- ✓Agree to allow Ride to Prevent Suicide to display or share the submitted work for educational, awareness, and promotional purposes, with proper artist credit.
Each applicant submits
- 1Original Artwork — a completed piece reflecting the scholarship theme.
- 2Artist Statement (500–1,000 words) explaining the meaning behind the work, how it represents mental health, the message you hope viewers take away, and how creative expression has influenced your life.
- 3Personal Information — name, address, phone number, email, and educational institution.
How submissions are scored
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Connection to Mental Health Theme | 35% |
| Creativity and Originality | 25% |
| Emotional Impact and Storytelling | 20% |
| Quality of Artist Statement | 10% |
| Overall Presentation | 10% |
All eligible submissions are reviewed by the Ride to Prevent Suicide Board of Directors, who select two scholarship recipients. The Board's decisions are final. Recipients may be invited to present their artwork at the Drive Fore Life Golf Tournament, Friday, September 11, at Eaglewood Golf Course, 1110 E Eaglewood Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054.
Art as a path to hope
By supporting artists who courageously share their experiences and perspectives on mental health, the Ride to Prevent Suicide seeks to promote hope, encourage conversation, reduce stigma, and strengthen suicide prevention efforts throughout Utah.
Personal Statement & Artist Statement Form
Fill this out on screen or print it and complete by hand. Use the button below to print a clean copy.
Hope Through Art Scholarship
Artist Statement — Ride to Prevent Suicide
Artist Statement (500–1,000 words)
Please describe your artwork and its connection to mental health awareness, addressing:
- The meaning behind your artwork
- How the piece represents mental health from your perspective
- What message you hope viewers will take away
- How creative expression has influenced your life
Attach additional pages if more space is needed.
Award Ceremony
Drive Fore Life Golf Tournament
Friday, September 11, 2026
Eaglewood Golf Course
1110 E Eaglewood Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Support the Hope Through Art Scholarship
Your donation helps provide opportunities for individuals to pursue their education while sharing their unique stories through art. Every contribution, no matter the amount, directly supports the Ride to Prevent Suicide Hope Through Art Scholarship and helps inspire hope, raise mental health awareness, and create lasting positive change in our communities.