Sublette County Prevention Art Contest Inspires Healing and Awareness Through “I Want You to Live” Theme
Sublette County, WY — In a powerful display of creativity, vulnerability, and community connection, Sublette County Prevention hosted its annual art contest centered on substance use awareness and suicide prevention. This year’s theme, “I Want You to Live,” invited artists of all ages to explore messages of hope, resilience, and healing, an invitation that resonated deeply across the county.
Eleven artists submitted original works, each offering a unique perspective on life’s challenges and the importance of staying connected through difficult times. The artwork was displayed at both the Pinedale and Big Piney libraries, transforming these community spaces into galleries of reflection, conversation, and support.
Judging was conducted by local artists from Art of the Winds, alongside a community-wide People’s Choice vote, allowing residents to actively engage with the exhibit and uplift the voices of participating artists.
Top honors were awarded to Kyla Oren, who received Best in Show for her oil painting titled “I Wish You Were Here.” The piece captures the devastating impact of suicide and the lost innocence of childhood happiness. This piece is dedicated to Oren’s childhood friends lost to suicide.
In the youth categories, Astrid Karain (age 11) was recognized with the Youth (Kid) Award for her painting “Glory of the Mountains.” Featuring a phoenix rising against a mountainous backdrop, the piece symbolizes resilience and the possibility of renewal, even after life’s darkest storms.
Torrey Raugutt (age 13) earned the Youth (Teen) Award for her watercolor painting “Gardening Nourishes Us Twice.” Her work illustrates a young girl tending to a garden, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between caring for something and being nourished in return, a metaphor for healing and personal growth.
The People’s Choice Award went to Natalie Strong for her mixed media piece incorporating rock and metal. Her artwork offers a raw and textured portrayal of the psychological and physical realities of abuse, highlighting the slow, non-linear journey toward healing.
Organizers would like to give special recognition to the Sublette County Library Teens group for their collaborative project, “The Thread of Connection.” The piece visually represents the invisible bonds that link individuals within a community, reinforcing the message that no one is truly alone.
The success of the contest was made possible through the support of the Sublette County Libraries, Sublette County Public Health, the Sublette County Wellness Collective, and Art of the Winds. Organizers also extended heartfelt thanks to all participating artists and the many community members who attended the opening gallery, demonstrating a shared commitment to healing and connection.
As the exhibit closes, its message remains clear: in a community willing to show up for one another, hope is not only possible, it is alive and visible.
