On July 23, 2022, we hosted our ‘National Minority Mental Health Awareness’ Virtual Event, where we talked about artists and mental health in minority communities, all while painting. We had an incredible time with you and wanted to continue the meaningful conversation through this blog. Read, comment, share and let us know what you thought! If you missed it, subscribe and watch the event below on our Youtube
We started by introducing why we chose to recognize National Minority Mental Health Awareness for our virtual event. In 2008, Congress officially made July ‘National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month’ in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, who spearheaded mental health in her community of Inglewood. She, as an author, wanted to provide a safe space for her community. She created what is known today as NAMI, “National Alliance on Mental Illness,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and supporting the community on issues in mental health.
Co-founder Rawan then guided us on how to paint the template she created, inspired by Mexican painter and artist Frida Kahlo. Rawan used pastels to color her template, and explained the artistic perks of using pastel, an inexpensive medium, to create this beautiful piece. Once done, she suggested framing the completed template, giving it as a gift or hanging it anywhere personal to you.
Supporting Artist Maryam Sedadi, who is very inspired by Frida Kahlo, talked about how Frida influenced her work and style. Frida, a Mexican female painter from the 1900’s, faced many social issues once introduced to the American culture, in addition to the physical and mental pain she experienced from her tragic accidents. It was nice to hear how mental health could be reflected in art as a form of expression in a beautiful manner.
Alexandra Houston, our newest committee member, talked about Maya Angelou, a famous poet and civil rights activist. Experiencing selective mutism as a child for five years after being sexually assaulted, Maya Angelou turned to books and reading as a form of healing. This helped her become one of the most famous poets in history, reminding us that tragedy can be turned into triumph.
Mónica A. Rivera Vázquez, experienced social worker and birth worker, talked about her experience growing up in Puerto Rico, and seeing cultural differences between mental health there and here in the United States. Oftentimes, minority cultures do not encourage therapy as it is seen as a form of stigma. However, through education and awareness, we can better address mental health specifically facing minority communities. Check out her list of resources below:
- Clinicians of Color https://www.instagram.com/clinicians_of_color
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Dial 9-8-8
- Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
- Better Help https://www.betterhelp.com/
- National Alliance of Mental Illness, NAMI https://www.nami.org/home
- Regain https://www.regain.us/
- Latino Health Access https://www.latinohealthaccess.org/
- OC Asian, Pacific Islander Community Allicance, APICA https://www.ocapica.org/mental-health-services.html
- The OC Warmline – call/text (714) 991-6412
Giovanna Sanguinetti, program director for Phoenix House California, also talked about how art can be an expressive and healthy form of communication for minority community members experiencing mental health issues. In Puerto Rico for example, Bomba is an expressive dance recognizing Puerto Rican culture. (Check out Bomba on Youtube below.) Giovanna highlighted issues facing treatment for minority communities, for example, are there therapists who can relate to patients that share similar backgrounds? Understanding these issues can better equip us to find solutions to improve mental health for everyone. Bomba Video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=z0vzkGKEWX4
Our Minority Mental Health Awareness Workshop was filled with resources, professional insight, personal experiences, and painting tips. We truly enjoyed learning, spreading awareness, and creating together. You can grab your template from our shop and paint along, too! Download our free template here : National Minority Mental Health Awareness Template
We have more events planned for you to join!
August: Hang out with us and Featured Artists, JD, on Instagram Live as we paint and chat about life, what inspires us, and more.
September: Be a part of our next virtual Art-&-Adversity Awareness Workshop on social anxiety and issues arising when going back to school.
November: Don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 12. Attend our next in-person art exhibition!
Be sure to join our mailing list so you can stay up to date on our free, upcoming events!
See you next time
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I learned a great deal from Mónica and Giovanna. It was such a joy to hear about their experiences in both Puerto Rico and the US. As a minority member myself (Chaldean ethnic background), this workshop resonated deeply with me and my family!
This was a fun, fantastic event. Thanks for the guest speakers and teaching us how to create!