Everything affects our mental health. Some things make us feel stronger. Others are holding us back. The tiles on these mosaics represent them all.

To create these works, community members were invited to decorate repurposed tiles with images and words to represent things that affect their mental health. They kept the tiles representing strengths whole and smashed the ones that were holding them back.  All of the tiles are included in these final mosaics because even though we can overcome some of our struggles, they still shape who we are as individuals and as a community. More than 120 people from across Anchorage contributed tiles, and volunteers from around the community helped construct the final pieces.
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We invite you to explore the images of the mosaics and see how they relate to your life and experiences. What thoughts and feelings do they inspire? What things affect your mental health? Perhaps you can use this art to spark conversations with those around you or just with yourself.

Thank you to everyone who contributed! This project was done in collaboration with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Anchorage using donated and repurposed supplies. Habitat Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Burtner provided space in the Make It Classroom, guidance, creativity, connections with volunteers, and more. Without Habitat, Sarah, and their invitation to collaborate, this project would not have been possible. We are also grateful to Evie Haven, who volunteered many hours and expertise to build the final works. 

The works are on display in the exterior widows of the Habitat ReStore at 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd in Anchorage through May of 2022.

Please note -- we are in the process of writing alt text for each of the images. If you would like to help, email anne@outnorth.org. If you would like to have one of these pieces for your organization, some are still available. Email Anne.