Over 400 people gathered to celebrate mental health week at the VIBE Youth Art Gala on May 2, at the Vermilion Regional Centre.
“It’s important that we remember that mental health is a part of each and every one of us, and one in four Canadians will experience a mental illness. We all need to continue working together to reduce the stigma,” said VIBE Coordinator, Pat Calyniuk.
Loads of activities included painting birdhouses and canvases, art journaling, zentangling, as well as making paper lanterns, foam and pompom animals, magnets, dream catchers, and buttons. Attendees were also able to enjoy a photo booth, yoga, a zen garden, henna tattoos, and a visit over refreshments. Both children and adults appreciated the artwork, activities, and chocolate fountain.
Feature performer, Sam Lundell entertained the audience while they enjoyed viewing the 266 pieces of artwork on display.
“I like open events like this because I feel like you get to really engage with people making personal connections. I sing most about hope and with my wife being an artist, this close to home the show was an easy sell,” said 19 - year – old Lundell, from Lloydminster.
Left: Sam Lundell
Right: Danielle Benard
Featured youth artist, Danielle Benard (also from Lloydminster), created an artwork called, ‘Fulfillment’ during the gala and auctioned it off with half of the proceeds going to VIBE.
Contest submissions included artwork from students in Innisfree, Mannville, Vermilion, Clandonald, Dewberry, Marwayne, and Kitscoty Schools. The top ten in each age category were awarded, and the top five artworks from Grades 4 – 12 went to a silent auction.
VIBE’s contest and gala were partnered by the County of Vermilion River FCSS, Village of Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree FCSS, Village of Kitscoty FCSS, and Town of Vermilion FCSS. Ten door prizes were donated by VIBE, Elevation, and Sheila Doherty.
“This evening would not be successful without the help of the VIBE staff, numerous volunteers, and the community that attended,” said Calyniuk.
From left, Nolan (6) and Paige (10) Kuntz from Kitscoty sharing the birdhouse and painting that they made at the VIBE Youth Art Gala in Vermilion on May 2. Photos Angela Mouly