By Laura Kepner
Tarpon Springs Promotes
the Positive Effects of the Arts on Health this Saturday
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May 14 from 10 am-4 pm
Free
Craig Park, Tarpon Springs
Details here
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This Saturday, the City of Tarpon Springs’ Tarpon Arts, a division of the Cultural and Civic Services Department, is hosting The Art of Health at Craig Park, 5 Beekman Lane in Tarpon Springs, a free all-ages event.
Let’s face it, many of us have experienced a level of stress over the past few years. People lost jobs, experienced rent increases, and many chose a new and different path. Just recently, I was shopping at a local craft store and noticed a woman holding a string of glass beads under her phone’s flashlight. “I’m looking for light,” she announced as I excused my cart through the narrow aisle.
I sensed that the fellow shopper spent a lot of time creating. Maybe she designed jewelry or used beads in macrame or arts and crafts. Whatever it was, she was obviously content in the moment.
Art does that to us – it allows our minds to stop for a moment and search for a reflection, and sometimes, even light. Tarpon Springs is encouraging the public to attend this free event, which will focus on the ways art uplifts and improves lives through music, painting, dance and more.
The event is presented by Tarpon Arts with support from the City of Tarpon Springs Public Library, Tarpon Springs Recreation Department, Peace4Tarpon, Advent Health North Pinellas, AARP Tampa Bay, Kathryn DePumpo Harding Memorial Trust & David Harding, Tampa Bay Times and Tampa Bay Magazine. It is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
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Here is what the day has in store. . .
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Live Entertainment in the Craig Park Bandshell (10 am – 4 pm)
Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Enjoy a variety of genres from these talented artists.
Dr. Michael Longley (Chief Medical Officer at Advent Health North Pinellas) & Friends
Shaun Hopper & Christopher Barbosa – Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar & Violin Instrumentalist
Joshua Reilly – Folk-Inspired Singer-Songwriter
John Demas & The Omega Project – Traditional Greek Dance Music
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HuDost – Electric-Folk, World Rock Duo
Angela Hunsicker – Event Closing with Original Song
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For Kids
Special Kids’ Concert at 10 am featuring Mr. Brad’s Music (In the Recreation Building)
Arts & Crafts “Make it and Take it”
Glitter & Giggles Face Painter 10 am – 12:30 pm
Storybook Yoga 11:15 am & 12:15 am
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“Tarpon Springs’ Craig Park is a beautiful location to experience the arts and their positive effects,” says Diane Wood, Director of Cultural & Civic Services for the City of Tarpon Springs. “The day will be filled with music, activities, demonstrations, and an opportunity to learn more about our local healthcare organizations, clubs, nonprofits and classes that serve children or adults.”
Let the kids run around at the playground and share a lunch under the park’s shady picnic areas with beautiful views of the water. Wander through exhibitor tents and check out a variety of tables featuring unique products, services and classes.
Enjoy visual and performing arts demonstrations throughout the day. This is a rain or shine event. Parking is free.
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More Arts and Health Resources
The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg’s Picture of Health program
Arts in Health at the USF College of Medicine
Arts for Mental Health – a nonprofit open free to college students
around the globe, with the opportunity to explore, experience and learn together
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