Art Center Sarasota and Sunshine From Darkness Present 'Off The Wall' Next Month

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week (October 2-8), Art Center Sarasota and Sunshine from Darkness are collaborating on "Off the Wall," a joint fundraiser to benefit the work done in support of art and mental health wellness (Friday, October 7, 6-8:30 p.m.). This charitable event follows a special panel discussion held earlier in the week on "Art and Childhood Development" that explores the role art plays in the emotional wellbeing of young people (Wednesday, October 5, 5:30-7 p.m.) Both events will be held at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

Kinsey Robb, executive director of Art Center Sarasota, says that when Marlene Hauck, the executive director of Sunshine from Darkness, approached her about working together to highlight the importance that art plays in mental wellbeing, she was thrilled. "The more we talked, the more possibilities for meaningful collaboration were evident as well as the importance of incorporating it into future programming. In addition to these two events, ACS has added monthly workshops on wellness journaling with Joyce Zimmerman to the 2022-2023 education program. We fully intend to develop other opportunities to focus on how important visual art is to mental health and wellbeing."

Robb hopes these events will be a model for the future. "Identifying how respective nonprofits' missions align can inspire the development of programs and fundraisers that benefit the entire community," she says. "I believe there are endless possibilities for organizations to work together to create interesting opportunities for meaningful programs and collegial support."

Off the Wall: Friday, October 7, 6-8:30 p.m.: Art Center Sarasota joins with Sunshine from Darkness to present "Off the Wall," a benefit event for both organizations that features a range of art experiences, including the opportunity to select original artwork from gallery walls. "Off the Wall'' also features two interactive art exhibition spaces that encourage participants to express their emotional and creative life experiences. Guests who purchase VIP tickets at $150 will take home original works of art donated by more than 100 locally based artists. Guests also have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind sculpture (valued at $3,000) created by the celebrated architect and sculptor Carl Abbott. Tickets range from $25 (students) to $250, and sponsorships are still available. All proceeds support the missions of Art Center Sarasota and Sunshine from Darkness. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sunshinefromdarkness.org.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, artistic expression may decrease anxiety, feelings of anger and depression. In addition, the creative process can enhance cognitive abilities, foster greater self-awareness, and help young people regulate their emotions. Art Center Sarasota and Sunshine from Darkness will explore this potential in Art & Childhood Development: Wednesday, October 5, 5:30-7 p.m. The panel discussion examines the role art plays in the emotional wellbeing of young people. Panelists include art therapist Lisa Richardson, L.M.H.C.; neuropsychologist Amie Austin, Ph.D; and child and adolescent psychotherapist Ethan Weiss, M.S., L.C.S.W. The moderator is Jane Harris, Art Center Sarasota's education director. The event is sponsored by the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation/Sunshine from Darkness. Registration is $5. To register, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

Art Center Sarasota is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide Sarasota with opportunities for creative expression and cultural programs.

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