May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, with events planned countywide to highlight critical mental health issues, according to Santa Barbara’s Mental Wellness Center (MWC).
MWC, a nonprofit with a 78-year legacy of mental health leadership, spearheads these initiatives. MWC provides free bilingual services in-person and virtually, ensuring care for all community members.
This year’s local events align with the national awareness campaign, continuing MWC’s work in the local community.
First, MWC is joining forces with Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness by inviting local residents and businesses to illuminate buildings, homes or offices in green lights throughout the month, showing solidarity and raising awareness of mental health issues.
Lighting Up Green, the official color of mental health awareness, is a powerful visual show of support.
For the 29th consecutive year, MWC is also bringing back its Artful Minds Art Faire, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at the center’s Fellowship Club, 617 Garden St., Santa Barbara.
The annual event showcases the talents of more than 50 local artists living with mental illness across a variety of visual mediums, including painting, drawing, jewelry and sculpture.
At the MWC Fellowship Club clients uncover hidden talents for the first time, guided by peer educators and an art specialist who help them explore their emotions through creative self-expression.
“Artful Minds creates a haven where individuals facing mental health challenges can celebrate and showcase their creative gifts, shifting focus from diagnosis to artistic achievement in an environment of acceptance and encouragement,” said Annmarie Cameron, CEO at the MWC.
There will be a tile paint zone, inviting community members to select a blank tile and paints to express their vision of joy and wellness.
The community-wide collaborative will create a lasting art piece to beautify the MWC Garden Street headquarters. Artful Minds is free to attend, and light refreshments will be served.
On Saturday, May 17, Alma Rosa Winery will host its sixth annual Peace of Mind Walk: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction, a fundraising walk, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 7250 Santa Rosa Road, Buellton.
The 4.5 mile walk through the 628-acre estate, was started in 2020 by Alma Rosa Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich to support mental health community services, as well as fund research on the causes, treatment and potential cures for anxiety and depression.
Guests can enjoy a walk through the rolling hills of Alma Rosa Vineyards and Ranch while raising money for mental wellness programs in the community.
Following the walk, visitors can sample tastings from Santa Ynez Valley wineries; good-time blues and rag music by Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan; and food for purchase. Each participant will receive a raffle ticket entry with prizes, such as Alma Rosa Winery gift basket and Deckers Brand gift card.
To sign up individually or as a team for the May 17 walk, visit
For more about Mental Wellness Center’s annual Artful Minds Art Faire, visit
Mental Wellness Center provides mental health education to local students; a residential services program, offering a home to some 100 community members across seven residential sites, and serving individuals and families impacted by mental illness through support groups and social connection programs offering community and a variety of resources for those working on their mental health and wellness.
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