Letting Your Soul Bloom

Thursday, July 27

The Bloom Collaborative is a special place. "We're primarily a healing art studio," explained Heather McBrier, Bloom's director of business development. The art and wellness center, (located between French and Holland Streets on 26th Street), provides a place for people to channel their feelings into something new and fulfilling for the soul. Founded by Stairways Behavioral Health, Bloom understands the powerful force that creativity can play in someone's life.

"We're of the 'maker' mindset, but in a healing way," McBrier elaborated, clarifying that "art is healing in its own way of course, but we work with people who are going through things, first and foremost."

Thanks in part to its partnership with Stairways, the arts center works with those living with mental and physical illnesses, in addition to at-risk teens and people going through recovery.

It's an inviting atmosphere that strives to have no barriers. "We're not art with a capital 'A'," McBrier reasoned, reminding any interested party that "art is for everybody."

On Thursday, there will be a special fundraising celebration deemed the Soul Party. There will be an open bar along with a botanical garnish section, featuring artisanal meats, cheese, and vegetable treats. There will also be biscuit bar with homemade jam and honey.

Taking place at BLOSSOM's Clay Studio, the event will also be host to a pottery sale, with the pottery wheels close by and ready-to-spin.

Local indie rock band Pine Diary will be playing throughout the evening too, shaping the evening with the rich, soulful vocals of singer Jess Royer. The night promises to be a funky, soul-enriching time, all while benefitting a good cause. — Nick Warren

5:30 p.m. // 138 East 26th Street // squareup.com/store/bloom-collaborative // $75 // for questions, call 814.878.3688 or email hmcbrier@bloomcollaborative.org