Third Annual Art Heals

“THIRD ANNUAL ART HEALS”
EXHIBIT OF WORKS BY ARTISTS LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS:

FUNDRAISER FOR
SANTA MONICA NON-PROFIT
STEP UP ON SECOND
AT AKWA RESTAURANT IN SANTA MONICA
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, RECEPTION 6:00 - 9 P.M.

Step Up On Second is celebrating 22 years of providing assistance to individuals suffering from mental illness with the charity fund raising event “Art Heals,” a group display of client artwork at AKWA restaurant in Santa Monica, 1415 5th Street at Santa Monica Blvd., Wednesday, September 20, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

This year’s theme, One Step Closer, will celebrate the recent acquisition of a
new property that adds additional facilities and housing for Step Up On
Second members. The Mayor of Santa Monica will attend along with
artists, celebrities and over 400 guests.

“The Art Show will highlight some of the gifted talents of our participants, all of
whom are living with a diagnosed mental illness,” said Tod Lipka, CEO of Step
Up On Second. Over 60 pieces of art will be on display, created by members
through the “Art Heals” program at the 2nd Street facility and Daniel’s Place a program for young adults in the initial stages of a mental illness. Several of the
artists will be at the reception, and there is a Prosecco bar, sponsored by
Martini and Rossi, gourmet cuisine from AKWA, imported French waters
supplied by Volvic and Badoit and live Jazz.

Following the fundraiser, the artwork will be on display for one month at the Focus Community Gallery in Santa Monica Place. All the paintings are for sale by the artists.

Step Up On Second is a nonprofit corporation that assists individuals with severe and persistent mental illness reintegrate into the community. The agency provides long-term support to people in recovery and their families, offering educational, social and work programs, quality housing, shower and laundry facilities, and a daily meal program.

“This past year we worked with over 1,200 individuals and prepared nearly 40,000 meals for members. We have housing for only 34, so most of our members live off site or are homeless. Because of the lack of affordable housing we are building a 46 unit apartment complex just blocks from our 2nd Street location to provide additional housing opportunities for our participants,” added Lipka.

Tickets are $100 apiece. For further information on “Art Heals”
call Kimm Baersch at 310/ 394-6889, Ext. 46 or kimm@stepuponsecond.org.

Today is: Tuesday, April 23, 2024