When the world is constantly moving, and it may feel as though the weight of it is heavy on the shoulders, it’s important to remember to take care of the mind just as much as the body. Since Mental Health Awareness Month is approaching in May, get yourself started early in a positive mental mindset with ArtsQuest! Now, kick back, relax, and let the healing journey begin.

Rust Dyeing

We all need a distraction here and there, and there’s no better way to distract the mind than with hands-on art projects! Join us at The Banana Factory in the Visual Arts Classroom for Rust Dyeing on Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m. Rebecca Kelly, storyteller, visual artist, and curator, is excited to showcase her talents and teach those around the community how they also can make stunning designs using metal objects with little to no experience!

Improvised Standup

Sometimes what you need to ease the mind and relax the brain is a good laugh, and luckily SteelStacks is ready to have you crying tears of laughter! Join us for Improvised Standup, performed by incredible comedians from the Lehigh Valley and beyond. This comedic event will take place in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room, Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 p.m. Come watch your best standup suggestions come to life, allowing a smile and laughter to light up your day!

Poets for Justice Presents: Silent Battles

Justice comes in many different forms. “Poets for Justice Presents: Silent Battles” is presenting this poetry slam as a dedication to the victims and survivors who suffered from domestic violence and all other forms of abuse; a time to give justice to those who have fallen victim. A place with no judgment. A place with no labels. A place to be able to feel, truly feel. Join us in honoring those who suffered in silence Sunday, April 16 at 3 p.m. in Fowler Blast Furnace Room at the ArtsQuest Center.  This event is for those 18 years or older.

Needle Felting: Turtle Portrait

Happiness can home in many forms, such as cute animal art pieces! Now, even better, you can create one yourself! Artist Katrina Heebner, graduate from Moravian University in Art and Psychology, will be presenting Needle Felting: Turtle Portrait in Studio 102 at the Banana Factory, Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. This workshop will be dedicated to helping those with little to no experience create beautiful needle felted turtle portraits that will bring serotonin to the mind, and fun to the workshop.

13th Annual Hope & Healing Juried Art Show

Forms of healing therapy can come in many different shapes and styles and are never limited to just one. It can be anything you think of from writing to cooking, sewing, running, literally anything. 13th Annual Hope & Healing Juried Art Show will present many forms of art from high school and college students so those who are healing can find strength, hope, and inspiration through the arts. The Banana Factory’s Crayola Gallery is honored to present and bring together the community through art and serenity from March 11 through April 23.

Paint & Be a Dreamcatcher

Michelle Lee, a free spirit and intuitive heARTist, will be showing the community her passion for art and commitment to the creation of peaceful minds with Paint & Be a Dreamcatcher! Whether you are an expert or just here to have fun, this painting class provides freedom from stress while allowing clarity and relaxation to overflow the mind. A place where you can forget about the to-do lists and outside stressors. A place where you can be a true free spirit. This interactive painting class begins Friday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m., in the Visual Arts Classroom at the Banana Factory. All participants must be registered by Wednesday, May 3.   

Jim Norton

Jim Norton is excited to exhibit his comedic gold at the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling for a time of laughter and unapologetic humor. This show is the place to be when you’re feeling as though you’re in a slump and need an amusing pick me-up. Tag along with us Friday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. as we all ease our minds with laughter and delight! Humor lies within all of us, and sometimes all you need is that one person to bring it out of you.

Banana Factory Block Party

Sometimes the best cure for a mental block is joining the community around the block! At the Banana Factory Block Party, ArtsQuest invites everyone to enjoy a family-friendly party with live music, exhibitions, art workshops, and more. Coming together in the community can strengthen the bonds with those all around, but it also lights up the strength and courage within. Join us at The Banana Factory Arts Center on Saturday, May 20, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a day filled with laughter and fun! 

Eric Gales

It is easier to go through struggles when you know you aren’t the only one facing them. When you can feel someone’s support and comfort during hard times, it gives hope for better days, and better lives. Eric Gales will join us at the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling on Sunday, May 21 at 6 p.m. to represent his album Crown. This album pertains to the the struggles he had gone through in life and how he continues to persevere despite these challenges.

No matter where you may be, it is crucial to recognize that there are people out there to help you not feel so alone. ArtsQuest is honored to host such inspirational and supportive events, and we hope to see you there too!