Winners of the

National Consumers Art Competition 2024

Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is proud to announce awards for our annual National Consumers' Art Competition 2024. Each year during National Mental Health Month, the MHFA recognises the dedication of the artists to raise awareness about mental health. 

• 1st Place - "Reaching out helps" by Fayra Petriaton
• 2nd Place - "Celebrating Diversity, Healing Together" by Victoria Soar
• 3rd Place - "Endless Path" by Helen Fenner

Fayra Petriaton

Fayra, a Year 8 student, chose to participate in this competition to express how a simple question can help someone in need. She conveys this message through her painting, where a person is depicted holding on to another, with hands reaching from a light source into a dark background. This artwork connects to the theme "Celebrating Diversity, Healing Together," emphasising that helping others transcends identity — it’s for anyone and everyone.

Victoria Soar

Vicki Soar is a qualified Art Psychotherapist in England and Australia with nearly 10 years of experience supporting diverse clients with mental health needs. She believes that creative interventions help clients express complex emotions and heal through art. Inspired by her passion for mental health advocacy, Vicki entered this competition to highlight art as a tool for healing, awareness, and transformation. Her artwork, using mixed media and gold leaf, represents diverse children in awe of butterflies, symbolizing the universal impact of mental health and the importance of community in healing.

Helen Fenner

Helen has used art and creativity throughout her life to navigate the challenges of schizophrenia, finding relief through the artistic process. As an advocate for the role of creativity in nurturing mental health, she explores themes of connection to our ancestral past. Her artwork, *Endless Path*, features mono and lino print, 3D layers, hand-coloring, and collage, symbolizing life’s ongoing journey. The colors represent emotions and experiences: blue for happiness, red for danger, white for cleansing, and yellow for change.