St. Petersburg, Florida, (February 14, 2023) – The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance (SPAA) is launching the Murals in Mind Gallery activating 12 existing SHINE murals with virtual performances (music, drama, poetry, song, dance, meditation) to be experienced in-person in front of each mural.
SPAA is working to evidence the power of art to help heal, communicate and change the way in which we perceive our world. With the help of our outstanding muralists and performing artists, this collaborative gallery promotes wellness through art. Murals in Mind (MIM) shifts negative perceptions and offers hope and help for day-to-day living. SPAA understands that Murals in Mind is not therapy, but rather therapeutic in nature. This 24/7 accessible gallery is a public and daily reminder that there is hope, help, and resources to provide a shift in thinking, feeling and action.
SPAA is grateful to all those that have made this project possible, including the generous support of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Love IV Lawrence and the expertise of Dr. Paige Dickenson from Eckerd College, who is trained in trauma and art therapy, for making this project come to life.
Added to the expertise of the artists involved, is technology made possible through PixelStix, and videography from Sunsation Media. We encourage the community to stop; experience the synergy between visual and performing art, while deriving the benefits of shifting their emotions or outlook towards the positive through the healing power of art.
“This project was conceived through the passion and understanding of the power of art to heal.” States Terry Marks, CEO. “As our community continues to rise after so many challenges, it is evident how much we all have endured. The way to lift spirits from loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress is to continue to utilize art as a healing tool. Murals, music, dance, drama, poetry communicate and lift our outlook towards hope and happiness. That is the core of Murals in Mind, our valentine to our friends and neighbors and to the city we love.”
Beginning February 14, all twelve Murals in Mind can be experienced on your own schedule. SPAA will be highlighting and celebrating one specific piece each month throughout the year via social media and e-newsletter. Go to stpeteartsalliance.org/muralsinmind to find the locations of each mural and how to tour the Murals in Mind Gallery. Remember to bring your headphones!
SPAA’s Mission
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is the umbrella organization serving this vital arts and cultural community. We do so by driving arts-related economic development and funding, advocating for art and artists, educating at all levels and facilitating the growth of our City of the Arts.
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