The Service of Hope is one of HAPI’s most meaningful gatherings of the year, a powerful moment when community comes together through healing, reflection, and the arts. It is more than a program. It is an invitation to pause, honor resilience, restore spirit, and reimagine what’s possible when creativity and compassion lead the way.

This year’s Service of Hope will feature a moving blend of music, poetry, and visual art, offered by HAPI teaching artists, peers, and community partners. Each element is designed to open space for reflection, remembrance, and renewal. Together, we will honor those whose journeys have been touched by loss or struggle and lift up the strength it takes to continue forward.

Participants can expect an atmosphere that is both reflective and celebratory, where silence, song, and shared expression weave together to create a collective experience of hope.

September is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to break silence, reduce stigma, and extend compassion to those navigating pain.

The Service of Hope carries this spirit forward. At HAPI, we believe in the healing power of creativity; that every brushstroke, every note of music, every shared word can affirm:
You are not alone. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Healing is possible.

By gathering together, we create a living reminder that art can hold grief, honor resilience, and spark renewal.

ALL are welcome. The Service of Hope is open to everyone, regardless of background, tradition, or religion. It is a space where diversity of experience is honored, and where each individual is invited to participate in a way that feels meaningful to them. Whether you come seeking comfort, connection, or inspiration, this service is a place to belong.

This hybrid event has four different options to participate state wide: 

📍 Middle Tennessee - In Person: The Salvation Army - Citadel Corps, 425 Neelys Bend Road, Nashville, TN 37115

🎬 West Tennessee Watch Party:  Join our West Tennessee Coordinator, Lisa Chibbaro and a group of artists to view the event together at 580 South Royal Street, Jackson, TN 38301.

💻 Virtual Option Available: For East Tennessee and those unable to attend in person, you may participate virtually via Zoom. You must register to receive the Zoom link. 

We invite you to join us for this extraordinary gathering of creativity and compassion. Together, let us celebrate resilience, extend light to those in need, and affirm that there is always hope to be found, even in our hardest seasons.

Any questions or for more information, contact hapitennessee@gmail.com. 

Recently, Joshua Jackson, HAPI’s Middle Tennessee Program Director, graduated from the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville’s Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training program, finishing as one of only eight finalists in the Class of 2025.

Periscope is a competitive nine-week program that helps working artists see their creative practice through an entrepreneurial lens. Participants engage in intensive workshops on business strategy, marketing, and planning, and the program culminates in a showcase and pitch event. Each artist has the opportunity to present their work, with a select group chosen to pitch their ideas before a panel of judges and community leaders.

With his company, Moved, Joshua advanced as one of the eight finalists, highlighting his ability to merge artistry with vision, sustainability, and impact. His journey reflects both the resilience and creativity that drive his leadership at HAPI, where he coordinates classes, exhibitions, and events across Middle Tennessee to uplift artists in mental health and addiction recovery.

The West Tennessee HAPI Art Exhibition is now open at the Ned McWherter Cultural Arts Center in Jackson, TN, featuring a wide variety of works by talented local artists. The exhibition highlights how art can inspire, heal, and bring communities together.

The opening reception on September 9, 2025, marked the official start of the exhibition and was a successful gathering of artists, supporters, and community members. Guests had the chance to view the artwork, meet some of the creators, and celebrate the shared creativity of the region.

The exhibition itself showcases a broad range of artistic styles and mediums. From bold paintings to delicate sculptures, each piece reflects the unique perspective of its creator and the personal stories behind their work. The artists involved in this exhibition have been supported by the Healing Arts Project, Inc., which provides opportunities for individuals in recovery and mental health programs to explore creative expression and share their voices through art.

Visitors to The Ned can experience the exhibition in person through the end of October. Each work invites reflection, conversation, and connection, offering a meaningful experience for both casual art enthusiasts and dedicated collectors. Anyone interested in purchasing artwork can contact the Lisa Chibarro, West Tennessee coordinator, at lchibbaro@healingartsprojectinc.org for more information.

The West Tennessee HAPI Art Exhibition demonstrates the powerful role of art in personal growth, community connection, and public awareness. It’s more than just an art show. It’s a space where creativity meets healing, and where local voices are seen and valued.

Courtney Haynes is a dynamic visual artist and educator from Jackson, Tennessee, known for vibrant murals, expressive portraits, and pop culture-inspired works. He is quickly emerging as a distinct voice in the regional art community.

Haynes is featured in the HAPI Art Exhibit at The Ned in Jackson, TN, running through the end of October, alongside other talented West Tennessee artists. The exhibition provides a space for the community to experience a range of creative voices, including Haynes’s bold and expressive style.

In addition to his exhibitions, Haynes mentors emerging artists through The Gifted Studios, where he emphasizes creativity and self-expression to help others explore their artistic potential.

His work is defined by striking color, emotional depth, and imaginative energy. From custom murals to community art shows and mentorship, Haynes continues to make a meaningful impact on Tennessee’s art scene.

For more on his work or custom art opportunities, visit his Facebook page. We’re excited to see where his art will take him within the HAPI community.

Written by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP, QPRT, 
Community Engagment, Culture Awareness & Belonging Manager

Hard times can weigh heavily on us, making even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable. Some days, merely getting through feels like a victory. In these moments, art can become more than just a hobby; it can be a lifeline. It offers a way to process emotions, release pent-up feelings, and discover flickers of hope amid despair.

Creating art is not about perfection or technical ability. It’s about expressing what you feel deep inside. A brushstroke, a line in a journal, or a note sung aloud gives shape to feelings that can be too overwhelming to carry alone. By engaging with art, we confront our emotions, honor our experiences, and ultimately find glimpses of light where darkness once prevailed.