ARTUOK? – First Friday Celebrates the Impact of Art on Mental Health at 2nd Annual Resource Fair
The First Friday Foundation is gearing up for its second annual ‘ArtUOK?’ event, celebrating how art and self-expression help with mental health and save lives!
Hosted at the Historic Fifth Street School this Saturday, March 23rd, from 10 AM to 2 PM, the event will feature creative workshops, presentations, live performances, and speakers. Various local organizations will also be tabling resources and information on mental health and suicide prevention. There will be counselors on-site, and local artists and musicians will share stories and positive messages with attendees.
Corey Fagan, Executive Director of the First Friday Foundation, spoke to News 3 about the event and the importance of self-expression.
“Through creative outlet, you’re able to express yourself. If you’re suffering loss in your life, you can paint with color. If angry, it’s going out through canvas, through poetry, journaling. All these creative forms of expression that help us find out where we are at and check in with ourselves,” Fagan said.
Attendees will receive goodie bags that include an ArtUOK-themed shirt, stickers, buttons, a journal, a pen, and more.
This event is free and open to the public to families of all ages!
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ARTUOK? Performances and Speakers
Several performers and guest speakers will present throughout the day on the City of Las Vegas stage on the school’s lawn. The stage schedule is as follows:
- 10 AM – Breathwork Meditation w/ Christian Thomas from Veterans Care
- 11 AM – Mai Tran with Suicide Prevention
- 11:45 AM – Elijah Stone
- 12:15 PM – Darya Shahbazy, MA, NCC, LCPC-I Psychotherapist
- 12:30 PM – Lit Reeezy
- 1 PM – Lindsay and Radio 99.7
- 1:15 PM – Monica Garcia from the Love Yourself Foundation
- 1:30 PM – Mike Xavier
ARTUOK? Workshops
The event covers a wide range of activities, from music and meditation to journaling, painting, poetry, and more! The following workshops will be conducted between 10 AM and 12 PM:
- Lyrical workshop with BC Entertainment in the courtyard
- Big Head Bob children’s book readings and coloring workshop
- Kidpreneur Alena Winter’s Slime workshop
- ‘Mapping Your Journey’ workshop Gina Cifonelli
- ‘Symbolic Signatures’ – Daniella and Effie’s project with Open Art Las Vegas
- AI video workshop
- Stickers and Journaling workshop
- Silent Disco
- Poetry Workshop
- Painting with Expression workshop
Resource Tables
Touching on a number of different issues affecting the community, various local organizations will be tabling information and resources at the event.
Art and Music Resource Tables
- Juan Muniz
- ViBE 99.7
Healthcare and Education-related Organizations
- Roseman University – Genesis
- Promotora Las Vegas – Brissa Arana
Mental Health Organizations
- FEAT
- Love Yourself Foundation
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- LGBTQ+ Booth
Organizations Addressing Sex Trafficking, Sexual Assault, or Violence
- Teens against Trafficking
- Safe Nest
- Vegas Strong
Organizations Aiding Our Veterans, Houseless Neighbors, & Other Underserved Members of Our Community
- Salvation Army
- CORE Academy
- Southern Nevada Veterans Advocacy Council
#GetinMotion with ArtUOK? & The First Friday Foundation
For people wanting to help support the event, volunteers are needed for various tasks throughout the event, from 9 AM to 2:30 PM. Different shifts are available to allow volunteers to enjoy the event as well.
Those interested in volunteering may contact me at Catherine@FirstFridayLasVegas.com. You may also contact me if you’re interested in volunteering at future First Friday festivals and other events.
To support the First Friday Foundation, visit its website to learn more about the organization and donate to its cause.
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