A local spoken word artist is centering faith, creative arts and wellness through her PinkNic outdoor affair. In its second year, the celebration’s theme is “Out of Isolation into Joy.” Attendees can expect interactive creative arts experiences, storytelling hour (featuring poetry, music and authentic stories), mental health and community resources, food vendors, a Kids’ Zone, wellness, self-care experiences and much more.

Hosted by Pursuit of Joy, this event is being held at 200 Rivers Edge Dr. in Medford on Saturday, Aug. 15 from noon to 4 p.m.

Community members are encouraged — but not required — to wear their favorite pink outfit, bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and an open heart to meet new friends or bring old ones.

Nahomie St. Louis, founder and leader of the Pursuit of Joy company, shared more about the purpose and the history of the annual celebration.

“Last year, when I did PinkNic, I really wanted to bring mental health resources to the faith community. That was how it first started. A lot of people who are in faith organizations, I feel, are not receiving the [mental health] counsel that they need [or the] support,” she said. “[It] could be just because they’re people of color. It could be a religion aspect. It could be that this isn’t something normal within their families or in their communities. I wanted to create an event where people can have fun but also get connected to resources as well.”

While this event is tailored to women, St. Louis said all are welcome to PinkNic.

“I wanted to create a space… [where people] feel like they belong somewhere, a space of belonging. … Families are welcome.

Men are welcome, too, as allies,” she said.

St. Louis’ desire to create this space was born from her experience seeking therapy as an additional support system alongside her church connections and cultural community. She believes that she can bridge that gap between faith and mental health for others through events like PinkNic, letting them know help is available for them.

“A community event like this is going to help people understand that joy is their portion. Joy is for them. The joy is available for them,” she said. “You don’t have to stay in depression. There [are] resources out there to get you free. There are resources out there to provide you with the help that you need.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more at pursuitofjoy.org/featured-event