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Springing Forward: A Season of Healing & Connection
by Lynece Benton-Stewart, Executive Director
Dear HAPI Community,
Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it a fresh energy that reminds us of why we do this work. April is a time of renewal, reflection, and for us, deepening impact. As flowers bloom and days grow longer, we’re reminded that healing and growth are processes, not events. That’s the heart of HAPI’s mission: nurturing space for connection, creativity, and collective well-being.
Over the past month, we’ve seen powerful examples of how art and dialogue can spark transformation. Whether it's through our community conversations, workshops, or quiet moments shared in our creative spaces, we continue to witness how healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that our next Rhythm & Rhymes HAPI Hour will take place on Thursday, May 16. These open mic nights are a cornerstone of our community - intimate, soulful, and always a little magical. We invite you to bring your voice, your art, or simply your presence to this upcoming gathering. As always, the vibe will be moody and meaningful, held in the spirit of radical belonging and expression.
This month, we also continue our commitment to education, advocacy, and support through our public programs and partner collaborations. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for upcoming workshops and events that center healing justice, cultural awareness, and the power of community storytelling.
Thank you for walking this path with us. You are a vital part of the HAPI family, and we are better because you’re here.
In solidarity and creativity,
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Lynece Benton-Stewart
Executive Director
Healing Arts Project Inc - HAPIÂ
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The 411 about Healing Arts Project, Inc.
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🌟 Exciting UPDATES! 🌟Â
Now that the Phoenix Art Gala is over...
…the fire is still burning.
We’re still basking in the glow of the incredible energy, artistry, and connection sparked by the 15th Annual Phoenix Art Gala. That evening wasn’t just a celebration, it was a rising. And now, as we carry that momentum forward, HAPI is proud to present a series of upcoming events that continue to nourish our creative community and expand the reach of healing through the arts.
Each event we host is more than a gathering, it’s a declaration. A declaration that art heals, that community matters, and that every voice, brushstroke, beat, and breath of expression has value.
From bold exhibitions to soul-stirring spoken word, from open mic nights that light up the room to workshops that dig deep, these events are where artists, supporters, and seekers come together, not just to witness, but to participate in something transformative.
Whether you’re an artist looking for your moment, a neighbor seeking connection, or a supporter wanting to fuel something meaningful, you belong here.
Stay tuned for:
🎤 Rhythm and Rhymes HAPI Hour: “Boots on the Ground” – where poetry meets purpose, Friday, May 16, 2025.
🎨 Marta Beatriz’s “Blooming Through the Storm” exhibit – a celebration of resilience in color, May 2025, with a reception
đź“Š Arts & Advocacy Mini Conference - "Artopia: Community & Connections"Â - Thursday, June 26 2025. This year Art for Awareness will be held in conjunction with the conference. Location TBD.Â
đź‘Ą Community Connections - developing connections within the community, Saturday, August 9, 2025.Â
🌅 Service of Hope - "Words of Resilience: Overcoming Adversity," Sunday, October 5, 2025.
🌱 New workshops, pop-ups, and healing art circles coming soon
This season is about growth, expression, and showing up for one another, boots on, hearts open, ready to bloom.
Let’s keep rising, together.
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Artist SpotlightAt HAPI, we are honored to celebrate not just the creativity of our artists, but the incredible generosity and spirit they bring to our community. This month, we’re shining a light on one of our very own HAPI Artists who embodies the true essence of our mission.
West Tennessee Artist, Angie Byers's work was featured in both the 15th Annual Phoenix Art Gala and the West Tennessee HAPI Art Exhibit, where she captivated attendees with her vibrant, emotionally rich creations in fiber/textile, glass, and painting.Â
As a mixed media artist, Angie works with fluid art, resin, alcohol inks, and layered techniques that create movement and depth. Her work is a fusion of color and emotion, blending materials and textures to tell bold, dynamic stories.
After submitting powerful, heartfelt pieces to both exhibits, Angie took her commitment even further, graciously donating proceeds from her art sales back to HAPI, supporting our mission to make healing through the arts accessible to more individuals and communities.
Angie's work not only moved guests with its emotional depth and authenticity, but her gift reminds us of the ripple effect one artist can create when art and purpose come together.
We are beyond grateful for this act of kindness and for the continued support that fuels our vision of healing through the arts.
To see more of Angie’s work, visit @angie.art21 on Instagram. Her creativity and generosity continue to inspire us all and serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of art to transform and uplift.
Stay tuned for more features and stories from the artists who make HAPI such a vibrant and meaningful space for growth, connection, and creativity.
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Final Workshop in the Navigating Neurodiversity Series – May 3!
Unlock the power of creativity in self-discovery and connection! Art is a powerful tool for neurodivergent individuals, offering a way to express emotions, advocate for needs, and build meaningful connections. In the final session of our Navigating Neurodiversity Workshop Series, we’ll break barriers and celebrate the beauty of unique voices through artistic expression.
Join Board-Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, LeeAnn Love, ATR-BC, LPC-MHSP, for an engaging workshop. Together, we’ll explore how art can be used to embrace strengths, identify needs, and amplify self-expression in a world that isn’t always built for neurodiversity.
Workshop Details
đź“…Â Date:Â Saturday, May 3, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM CT
đź“ŤÂ Location: 223 Madison St. Suite 102
           Madison TN 37115
This workshop is a space to create, connect, and empower. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a transformative artistic experience!
📩 To register, contact Lynece Benton-Stewart at hapitennessee@gmail.com.
Let’s come together to celebrate neurodiversity and the voices that make our world more vibrant! 🎨✨
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🎤 Rhythm & Rhymes HAPI Hour: “Boots on the Ground Edition”
Step into the rhythm, feel the vibe, and let your voice rise.
Boots on the Ground isn’t just a theme for this event, it’s a call to presence, purpose, and power. This special edition of Healing Arts Project, Inc.'s (HAPI) Rhythm & Rhymes HAPI Hour is all about fostering community and creativity through the transformative force of spoken word, storytelling, and live performance.
Join us for a night where healing meets artistry and the mic becomes a tool for truth, joy, resistance, and connection. Whether you’re stepping up to share or stepping into the circle to listen, you’re part of something bigger.
The evening will feature five dynamic spoken word artists who embody the spirit of showing up, speaking out, and standing firm. Surrounding their powerful voices, we welcome open mic performers to bring their own fire to the stage: poets, emcees, singers, and storytellers alike.
Come as you are. Come ready to clap, snap, cheer, and maybe even dance a little.Â
This is your moment. These are your people. This is HAPI Hour.
đź“…Â Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
⏰ Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM CT
đź“ŤÂ Location:Â The Velvet Room
   511 Gallatin Pike South
   Nashville, TN 37115
🎟 Tickets $10, VIP $20. Free Parking is available.Â
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Blooming Through the Storm
Marta Beatriz shares her life story and testimony of resilience by creating art pieces that emulate parts of her life. With this exhibit: “Blooming Through the Storm”, Marta's mission is to bring Hope to those touched by a mental health challenge. Marta Beatriz believes that recovery & healing are possible and takes pride in sharing that her faith has been the key breakthrough in her journey.Â
"Blooming Through the Storm Series" is a testament to resilience, a tribute to those who do not wait for the tempest to pass but choose to bloom within it. It speaks to the souls who, despite the relentless winds of hardship, dare to stretch their roots deeper, drawing strength from the very storm that threatens to break them. Instead of seeking shelter, they allow the rain to nourish them, the thunder to awaken them, and the lightning to illuminate paths they never saw before.
“This journey is not about merely surviving but thriving, finding beauty in the chaos, purpose in the pain, and transformation in the turbulence. Like wildflowers that flourish in the cracks of concrete, they remind us that even in the harshest conditions, growth is not only possible but inevitable. They do not wait for the skies to clear; they rise, petals open, defying the storm with every bloom.”
Feel, reflect, and find yourself within the art. Come witness the power of blooming, not in spite of the storm, but because of it. This exhibit is held the entire month of May at Cordova Library, đź“š 8457 Trinity Rd, Cordova, TN 38016.Â
Join Marta and HAPI for a special reception on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CT, to celebrate this beautiful collection. This event is FREE and open to the public, however, space is limited. Details are in the above image.
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đź“ť Invitation for Writers & Creatives to Shine
Have a story of resilience, recovery, or hope? We want to hear from YOU!
We're accepting submissions for this year's theme:
Words of Resilience: Overcoming Adversity
Whether it's a poem, personal essay, or short story—your voice matters.
🌟 Open to individuals in mental health and addiction recovery, as well as family members, counselors, advocates, and professionals. Illustrative drawings also welcome!
đź“Ź Up to 400 words | Max 2 entries per person
đź“… Deadline: June 27, 2025
📧 Preferred: Email your Word doc + completed 2025 Writings Receipt to hapitennessee@gmail.com
📬 Or mail to: 107 A Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Select entries will be published in our annual booklet—and some writers may be invited to share their piece at the Service of Hope on October 5, 2025 during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Questions? Contact Joshua Jackson at jjackson@healingartsprojectinc.org or 615-485-4249.
Your story can inspire others.Â
Submit your writings now!
For more details, please contact HAPI's Executive Director, Lynece Benton-Stewart at hapitennessee@gmail.com.
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Calling All Art Teachers! 🎨
HAPI (Healing Arts Project, Inc.) is seeking passionate and creative art teachers to join our mission of promoting healing, self-expression, and empowerment through the arts. If you have a heart for teaching and want to make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you!
For more details, please contact HAPI's Executive Director, Lynece Benton-Stewart at hapitennessee@gmail.com.
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Employment Opportunity for Students
Are you a high school or college student looking to build your resume and experience that offers both valuable learning opportunities and a stipend? We have an exciting opportunity for you!
This part-time position is ideal for students involved in cooperative education programs or those seeking to develop practical administrative skills in a real-world setting. Through meaningful and engaging work, you’ll build your resume, acquire practical knowledge, and gain experiences that can serve as a foundation for your future career.
Hours: Between 10 and 15 hours per weekÂ
Ideal for: High school (11th-12th grade)Â or college students --
This position is perfect for earning an income while gaining skills, but it is not intended to be a long-term, sustainable living income. College students are strongly encouraged to apply. If you’re interested, please contact Lynece Benton-Stewart at lbstewart@healingartsprojectinc.orgÂ
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Honoring Mental Health & Resilience Through the Arts
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At HAPI, we continue to champion the vital connection between mental health and the arts, a space where healing, expression, and resilience thrive.
This April, as we move into a season of renewal and reflection, we deepen our commitment to supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. Through every brushstroke, poem, performance, and shared story, we witness the power of creativity to uplift, empower, and transform.
Join us this month as we celebrate the courage it takes to heal, the strength found in community, and the beauty that blooms when we create from the heart. Together, we can break down stigma, nurture wellness, and keep building a culture of compassion, one artistic expression at a time.
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|  | Artwork: "Imprisoned" by Elzie Denley
Breathe. Create. Heal.April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to pause and reflect on the impact stress has on our minds, bodies, and communities. At HAPI, we believe in the power of creativity as a path to peace. Whether through painting, poetry, music, or movement, the arts offer space to process, release, and restore. This month, we invite you to slow down, express yourself, and tap into the healing power of art. Let’s take care of ourselves, and each other, one breath, one brushstroke, one moment at a time. Because healing doesn't always come in silence, it often shows up in color, rhythm, and voice. To learn more about managing stress and accessing support visit the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.
| |  Artwork: "Let's Bring Peach" by Rainbow Mosho National Minority Health MonthApril marks National Minority Health Month, a time to highlight ongoing health challenges that affect many communities across the country. This observance focuses on increasing awareness, encouraging preventive care, and promoting healthy living through access to information, services, and support. It’s also a chance to spotlight the importance of early detection and treatment for chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact certain populations. Through education and community-driven efforts, we can help more individuals take charge of their health and well-being. To learn more and access helpful resources, visit nimhd.nih.gov. | |
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 *All art depicted in images can be purchased from the artist on our website.
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By subscribing to @HealingArtsProjectInc, you'll gain access to exclusive content that highlights the resilience, talent, and journeys of artists from vulnerable communities. Whether it’s visual art, spoken word, or musical performances, HAPI’s YouTube channel is your gateway to the beauty of healing through creativity. 📲 Watch, like, share, and stay inspired. ➡️ www.youtube.com/@Healingartsprojectinc
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Healing Arts Project, Inc. programs are made possible, in part, by:
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HAPI, Post Office Box 23584, Nashville, Tennessee 37202
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