Downtown Artery’s month of mental health art and exploration kicks off tonight

Downtown Artery’s month of mental health art and exploration kicks off today. Wellbeing: Stigma and Impact is the feature for the month of mental health art & exploration during February.

As the Fort Collins community, neighborhoods, organizations, businesses, and families face uncertain and turbulent times, The Artery examines ‘What does wellbeing mean in the current environment? How do stigmas of mental and behavioral health impact wellbeing? Can a better understanding of mental and behavioral health help us contribute to more equitable wellbeing?’ through featured events.

First Friday’s schedule welcomes the conversation around breaking the stigma and will be open for the month with other events that encourage an open dialog around mental health.

Art! 6:30 pm “Wellbeing: Stigma and Impact” Opening Reception

Music! 7:00 PM Main Stage DW Doucet

Taste! 8:00 pm Sip a free craft brew, courtesy of New Belgium.

Music! 8:15 PM Various Artists

Video! 9:00 PM Presentation by Kent Bradley

Music! 9:15 PM Main Stage Fat Stallion

Fashion! 9:45 PM Community Mental Health Fashion Show

Dance! 11:00 PM F-ether

The work “Stigma Stains”, by Jennifer Ivanovic, will be in the upstairs gallery. This is a traveling art installation that aspires, through paint, to make the stigma of mental illness transparent. It comprises free-formed, poured “stain” paintings and corresponding stories taken from personal interviews with volunteers about the struggles and triumphs of living with mental illness.

Other events part of Downtown Artery’s month of mental health art and exploration:

Musician Mental Wellness Meetup on February 2, 2019. The Artery is hosting a Meetup for members of Fort Collins music community who struggle with their mental wellness and are looking for support whether through storytelling—or asking questions—or just listening. People can text the word WELLNESS to the number 50555 and someone will communicate with them leading up to the Meetup. No one really needs to Rsvp. SUPER low-pressure situation. https://www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Meetup/

On Saturday, February 16, 2019, an event for youth to explore new ways to practice self-care, including yoga, medieval long sword, art, gardening, compassion, story sharing, team building, qigong, aromatherapy and much more. DOORS OPEN at 11:30 and sessions start at noon. Pre-register to receive 2 extra raffle tickets & a free event t-shirt. Please spread the word https://shatter.imaginezerosuicide.org/

Help open the dialogue and encourage others to do the same. These events will give resources and foster a supportive network of change. Gallery Hours: Tu-Sat 2-6PM.