Mental Wellness Center’s 28th Annual Arts Faire

Mental Wellness Center Supports Green Ribbon Campaign, 28th Annual Arts Faire, and Peace of Mind Walk to coincide with National Mental Health Awareness Month

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and several events are planned by Mental Wellness Center to elevate awareness around mental health issues and the importance of good mental health.

First, Mental Wellness Center’s Green Ribbon Campaign kicks off May’s events… with an effort to encourage local residents and businesses to display a green ribbon in their homes and workplaces. The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health awareness, and its proud display demonstrates solidarity. “The green ribbon is a way to visually raise awareness of critical mental health issues while unifying the community,” said Annmarie Cameron, Mental Wellness Center’s CEO.

Mental Wellness Center is also bringing back its highly successful “Artful Minds,” arts faire on Saturday, May 4, from 11 am – 3 pm on the beachfront opposite Chase Palm Park. This annual event showcases the talents of approximately 60 local artists living with mental illness, across a variety of visual mediums, including painting, drawing, jewelry, and sculpture. Many discover their talents for the first time as participants in Mental Wellness Center’s Fellowship Club, where peer educators and an art specialist help them explore their emotions through self-expression.

New this year will be the addition of a collaborative community-based art project inviting the community to share personal sentiments regarding what mental health means to them. All Ages and levels of ability are welcome to participate in this free event during arts faire hours!

Finally, on Saturday, May 18, Alma Rosa Winery will host its fifth annual “Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction” fundraising walk. This approximately 4.5 mile walk throughout the 628-acre estate, was launched in 2020 by Alma Rosa Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich to support mental health community services.

To sign up, donate or start a fundraising campaign for the May 18 walk, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Buellton/PeaceofMind10000StepsintheRightDirection.

To learn more about Mental Wellness Center, and its annual Artful Minds event, visit https://mentalwellnesscenter.org.

About Mental Wellness Center

Celebrating 76 years of service to Santa Barbara, Mental Wellness Center provides mental health education to local students; a residential services program, which offers a home to more than 100 community members across seven residential sites; and serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups and social connection programs like the Fellowship Club, an onsite Recovery Learning Center, offering community and a variety of resources for those working on their mental health and wellness.