MONDAY, April 5, 2021 | LUMINARIES | TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS
Treasure Coast Arts & Mindfulness Fest is May 22-23
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
COVER STORY
Treasure Coast Arts & Mindfulness Fest is May 22-23
Dorothy Kamm
Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA
PORT ST. LUCIE — A two-day, outdoor Treasure Coast Arts and Mindfulness Fest is planned for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 22-23, held at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, 9221 Southeast Event Center Place.
The event organized is by St. Lucie Cultural Alliance in partnership with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center, “Art and mindfulness warm our hearts and lift our spirits as we journey through life, combining the mind-opening benefits of art with the healing benefits of mindfulness is a perfect marriage,” said Alyona Ushe, executive director of the event.
The fest’s mindfulness offerings of alternative health vendors will feature acupuncture; nutrition; massage and hypnotherapy; yoga and Pilate’s studios; Reiki masters and Tai Chi practitioners.
Artists invited to exhibit include painters; potters; photographers; sculptors; artists who create works from recycled components and fashion designers. Organizers are arranging for live entertainment to be presented on a stage for guest to enjoy music, dance production and spoken-word piece performances.
In the photo, from left, Helia Mondou, belly dance instructor, assists Deena Rahill, a certified sound healing practitioner, who will play a set of crystal bowls in a live performance while, at right, Lisa Jill Allison paints a canvas for a symbiotic art and sound experience. CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE
Visitors can browse selections of all-natural soaps, handmade crystal jewelry, sound healing instruments and have a Tarot card reading or chakra analysis.
Family-friendly activities will be set up in a children’s corner to take a turn at hands-on crafts. Multiple food trucks are planned to offer healthy food choices.
Proceeds raised from sponsorships, vendor fees, purchased auction items and raffles will benefit the Cultural Alliance’s Grant Fund to be awarded to artists and cultural organizations. According to Ushe, the grant fund amount is $25,000 — $10,000 from the city of Port St. Lucie helped to launch the program and $15,000 received from proceeds raised from St. Lucie County Florida Arts License Plate program. Only local artists are eligible to receive a grant award.
“Creative mindfulness activities assist in the development of self-awareness and resilience. Both mindfulness and art creation are linked to a flow state, one that allows a person to think in different ways. “When we practice mindfulness, we’re
practicing the art of creating space for ourselves – space to think, space to breathe, space between ourselves and our reactions,” says Deena Rahill, certified sound healing practitioner and mindfulness fest offerings organizer.
While art lovers are mindful, and in turn, many mindfulness practitioners surround themselves with beautiful art, the Treasure Coast Arts and Mindfulness Fest will inspire a “jump over the fence” to find new ways of enjoying every day. “The arts and mindfulness offer a natural partnership between two powerful disciplines,” says Ushe. Linda McCarthy, director of MIDFLORIDA Event Center agrees. “Arts and cultural activities inspire civic pride, connect generations, bridge diverse groups, and serve as a symbol of Port St. Lucie,” says McCarthy.
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities contact info@artstlucie.org and for information about the event, visit https:// artstlucie.org/event/art-fest.