FTC’s Artists Undistilled Challenge submission deadline extended to March 2nd

By Grace Bonamico

The Artists Undistilled Challenge at Five Towns College continues to grow beyond its original focus, offering students a creative and reflective way to examine personal habits while prioritizing mental well-being.

“The program started off as an event to promote alcohol awareness. The idea was to dispel the myth between substance use and creativity,” said Hajra Naeem, Five Towns College’s mental health counselor, adding. “We thought, why stop at substance use. Why not ask students to use art in place of whatever vice they would like to stop from reducing sugar intake or social media consumption?”

Rather than emphasizing a final product, the challenge centers on the creative process itself. Participants are encouraged to make art whenever they feel the impulse to engage in a habit they are trying to curb, using creativity as an intentional pause and alternative response.

“In that moment, where you do something new instead of what you usually do, that could be a portal to self-discovery,” Naeem said. Mental health support is built directly into the structure of the challenge. “The sign-up form comes directly to the counseling office, so if you need emotional support as you are uncovering the source of certain habits, you have it.”

According to Naeem, the challenge reflects a larger truth about the college experience, where students are often navigating identity, pressure, and constant distraction.

“Self-discovery is such an integral part of the college experience,” she said. “Ask yourself what is behind this habit that really doesn’t serve me? Knowing yourself well will always give you a leg up on anything life throws at you because so many people don’t spend enough time with themselves. We have so many distractions now.”

Students are encouraged to approach the challenge with flexibility and curiosity, especially when choosing a medium. “Here’s your opportunity to try something new. Pick up a camera, doodle. You really can’t go wrong with anything that you choose because the students are the authority on the message they want to convey.”

For students who feel hesitant about sharing their work publicly, anonymity is an option. “You can submit anonymously. We don’t have to put up your name,” Naeem said.

Naeem also emphasized that the challenge is designed to fit naturally into students’ daily routines. “You are replacing one activity with another, so no time has to be set aside,” she said, encouraging students to connect with the counseling center if the process brings up unresolved emotions.

The challenge will conclude with a gallery-style event on April 9, where student work will be displayed in a formal setting. “Students will be asked to dress up, and we will serve mocktails,” Naeem explained. Organizers are also working to invite local artists to speak about their creative journeys, and participation can be included on a résumé.

The submission deadline has been extended to March 2. As the challenge continues, Naeem hopes students take the opportunity to slow down and reflect.

“Take the journey inward. Spend some time with yourself,” she said. “Self-awareness will always give you an advantage.” Naeem added that she hopes participants leave with “self-awareness and the tools to cope with complex and intense emotions.”