NORTHAMPTON — The inaugural R.I.S.E. Fest, a festival honoring youth art and literature, is set for April 18 and 19 at the Northampton Arts Council building at 33 Hawley St.
The festival aims to honor local and internationally renowned youth art and literature, featuring bestselling authors and illustrators who will join young area artists for the two-day community celebration and showcase dedicated to uplifting the mental health benefits of art in all mediums.
An acronym for Resilience in Self Expression, R.I.S.E. Fest is co-founded by Expressive Arts Educator Gina M. Krosoczka and Jarrett J. Krosoczka, a New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist behind 46 published books. The couple are Northampton residents.
“Northampton is known for its flourishing art community and the collection of artists of all mediums who have congregated in town because of like-minded people,” said Jarrett. “Valuing our town’s youth and their artistic abilities, talent and potential is one of the kindest and most generous favors we can do for their mental health.”
Jarrett was a National Book Award finalist for his graphic memoir “Hey, Kiddo.” The frequently challenged book details his childhood embracing art as a means to cope with his mother’s opioid use disorder and incarceration.
Jarrett’s partner and festival co-founder Gina has a master’s in psychology and a certificate of advanced graduate study in expressive arts, sees firsthand the value of creative expression among young people.
“Art of all mediums has been scientifically proven to increase self-esteem, foster community and connection, and process emotions, feelings, trauma and so much more,” said Gina. “We know that this has a profound impact on mental health — enhancing self-esteem, uplifting mood, serving as an excellent coping strategy and much more. It’s important to emphasize that no ‘talent’ or ‘artist’ label is needed to enjoy these benefits.”
R.I.S.E. Fest will include two days of main stage and workshop programming. Friday, April 18, will focus on teen art and artists, while Saturday, April 19, will be dedicated to children through tweens. Tickets are currently only $5 for the young adult Friday eve portion, and $5 for the Saturday Family Day.
A big highlight of the festival experience will include presentations and signings by lauded authors and illustrators in the Young Adult, Children’s and Middle-Grade spaces, featuring Holly Black, Emma Hunsinger, Kyle Lukoff, Jamar Nicholas, Raul The Third, Brian Selznick, Tillie Walden and others.
Jarrett said the two wanted to create something that would have a special mission focused on youth arts.
“R.I.S.E. is a bit of a Trojan horse in that we’re getting these fun authors that kids, teens and adolescents really love, and then we’re also going to expose the audience to arts in all sorts of modalities,” Jarrett told Reminder Publishing.
The festival will also include performances by local youth musicians, dancers and improvisers and workshops to introduce attendees to all modalities: singing, acting, dance, visual art, writing, and video. The weekend will also feature a youth makers market and community resource area.
“Maybe you were interested in improv but too shy to show up for a class, you can kind of dip your toes into it,” Jarrett said of the workshops available. “And on Saturday also we’ll have an Art Mart where young artists can table and sell their art or prints or jewelry or whatever it is they’re making. We’re also going to be displaying visual art from our area young artists on screens throughout the event. So, it’s a really ambitious event that encapsulates so many things.”
Jarrett credited Gina’s passion and motivation for helping young people discover the benefits from participating in the arts.
“Her big motivation is to let young people know they don’t have to be a ‘self-identified artist’ to reap the mental health benefits of getting involved with the arts,” Jarrett added.
“By celebrating and showcasing our children’s work, we raise their voices and display our commitment to their wellness and much-needed place in our community,” said Gina. “We look forward to reaching out to art groups and area schools, now and in future years, to engage with them in showcasing their work with the community.”
Tickets and more information on the inaugural festival are available at tinyurl.com/mpk75caw.
R.I.S.E. Fest is presented by the Northampton Arts Council and High Five Books.
“We cannot wait to celebrate the creativity and talent of Northampton’s young artists at R.I.S.E. Fest,” said Brian Foote, director of arts and culture at the Northampton Arts Council.
Jarrett said looking forward to the first R.I.S.E. Fest, he is excited and joyful to have this experience offered in Northampton.
“It’s going to be wonderful chaos. In my mind, it’s going to feel like the Muppet show and I’ll be the Kermit running around making sure everyone is getting off and on the stage at the right time,” he said. “It’s just going to be such a good time. We are in the middle of a mental health crisis for so many reasons and post-COVID we are all just yearning to be together and commune with one another, so this is just going to be a celebration of what we have to offer here in the valley for our kids.”
