2025 Artability Art Show & Sale

The event will take place at Union Depot, 214 4th Street East, St. Paul, on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The 2025 Artability Art Show & Sale will showcase hundreds of original works created by adult artists who use art as a form of healing and self-expression. Artists receive 75% of the proceeds from their artwork sales, with the remaining 25% reinvested into the Artability program to continue offering free workshops and creative opportunities that foster community wellness. The event will also feature the Artability Writing Anthology, a collection of original poetry, short stories, and essays available for viewing and purchase.

New this year, the event will feature a special 55+ art display, showcasing the creativity and lived experiences of older adult artists. For the first time, this dedicated section celebrates the voices and perspectives of our 55+ community—and all pieces will be available for purchase alongside the rest of the artwork in the show.

This year’s theme, “Tell Your Story,” is more than just a phrase—it’s an invitation to heal, connect, and be seen. Through art, individuals share experiences of pain, strength, growth, and hope. By making space for these stories, Artability encourages empathy, celebrates resilience, and reminds everyone that every voice matters.

“Art has an extraordinary ability to connect people,” said Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated Mental Health Services. “When someone shares their story through art, it opens the door for understanding, compassion, and community. The Artability program gives artists the courage to be seen—not just for their challenges, but for their creativity, strength, and humanity.”

As part of this year’s theme, attendees can experience a variety of interactive stations that bring “Tell Your Story” to life. Experiences include:

• Live Haiku Writer – Attendees can pause for a mindful moment with the Haiku Artist, share a few words about themselves, and watch their stories transform into personalized poems to take home.
• Community Altered Book – Guests are invited to add their mark to a collective piece of art, using collage, paint, or illustration to fill a page that will later be bound into a one-of-a-kind community book.
• Make Your Own Bookmark – Attendees can design unique bookmarks by coloring, drawing, or decorating their way to a small piece of art to keep as a reminder of the day.
• “Tell Your Story” Recording Booth – Participants can step inside a vintage phone booth and record short reflections about their mental health journeys. Every voice becomes part of a larger story of resilience and creativity.
• Photo Booth Fun – Visitors can celebrate their Artability experience in a walk-in, magazine-style photo booth. Photos can be shared and tagged on social media to be featured by Artability.

Adding to the excitement, Tessa Weyhe, Artability Program Manager, noted how the show continues to evolve as a space for creativity and connection. “For more than three decades, Artability has given individuals the opportunity to experience healing through creative expression while finding community and confidence as artists,” Weyhe said. “This year’s theme, ‘Tell Your Story,’ encourages people of all ages to use creativity as a tool for self-expression, reflection, and connection. We want attendees to experience that joy firsthand.”