KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The 18th annual And Vine Arts Festival opened Friday to promote mental health awareness and brought more than 80 artists from across the Kansas City area to the art fair.
“We use cardboard in everything to create an urban feel,” Daisha Maria Breonna explained.
The Jersey City, New Jersey native pays homage to hip-hop through portraits of influential pop culture figures.
“A lot of my work has to do with cultural awareness,” she said. “I want people to see the possibilities and see the impact they’ve had on black culture. I also use these pieces for mental health. It reminds people to smile, and it helps people It allows you to stand up and be free.”
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa and artist Daisha Maria-Breona discuss mental health in the African American community.
The theme for this year’s 18th and Vine Arts Festival stems from mental health awareness. While not all of the works on display are related to mental health, they all express the artist’s vision.
“I try to dig into concepts of reality and bring them out of dreams,” says Claude Harris III.
This festival celebrates Black arts and culture. Harris and Maria-Briona put a unique spin on a difficult subject.
“Suicide rates are increasing in Black culture. There’s an added push to go to a therapist. These things are happening to us because we don’t have insurance that allows us to go to the doctor and get tested for these mental illnesses. Because sometimes we don’t have the best job to do. Sometimes, like I did, you have to overcome to the best of your ability or you’ll fall by the wayside. ” Harris said.
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
Artist Claude Harris III’s dream art at the 2024 18th Annual & Vine Arts Fest.
Struggling financially, he battled depression and often experienced night terrors while sleeping. He puts his brush to the canvas and paints his vision, pulling the viewer out of reality.
Harris says art saved her life.
“Whether you believe in the Bible or not, the saying that pride goes before corruption is true and honest,” he said. “It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to admit you were wrong, it’s okay to stumble, it’s okay to fall, but it’s not okay to not get up. When it comes to spiritual awareness, it’s okay to stand up. You are looking at a person who is living proof of that.”
The festival provides a platform for artists and community members to gain new experiences. Artwork will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.
Ryan Gamboa/KSHB
The 18th Vine Arts Fest begins in 2024.
For Maria-Breonna, the weekend’s message has a deeper meaning.
“People forget that asking for help is not a problem,” Maria-Breona explained. “Let’s put our egos aside and see what’s on the other side.”
Click here for more information on 18th and Vine Arts Fest.
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KSHB 41’s Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County, Kansas and Cass County, Missouri. Share your story ideas with Ryan.
