UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Have a hand in putting your foot down on prejudice against the journey to mental well-being. The Center for the Performing Arts is partnering with the Jana Marie Foundation to build "Consuelo," a future fixture in Eisenhower Auditorium.
"Consuelo" is a Stompers Project figural sculpture to be unveiled in March. The public is invited to help paint and decorate the shoe-sole-sized outer panels that will constitute "Consuelo" in a free Stompers Project Public Workshop, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Monday, March 3, in the Eisenhower Auditorium lobby.
The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Complete the form online to register. Space is limited. Call 814-863-0255, or visit Stompers workshop online for more information.
“Consuelo,” from the Spanish word for "comfort," translates to the idea of providing solace or relief during difficult times. The Stompers Project, started by the Jana Marie Foundation in 2015, uses creative expression to bring people together and educate the community about mental and emotional health.
With the theme “Hope and Healing Through the Arts,” the project's mission is to engage local creatives in a caring and collaborative environment. Each Stompers workshop also serves as a catalyst for positive change through dialog and social engagement, where a community is gathered to support each other in wellness and with a common goal of finding joy.
“By teaming up with the Jana Marie Foundation, we hope to establish strong community ties,” said Keith Brainard, customer service supervisor at the Center for the Performing Arts.
“Our commitment to arts and entertainment coupled with the foundation’s commitment to stomping out stigmas associated with mental health creates a strong bond,” he said. “'Consuelo' will be a colorful reminder that the arts can truly bring about hope and healing.”