An arts festival in Northampton focused on building mental toughness in youth features a “wimpy” headliner this year: author Jeff Kinney.
R.I.S.E. Fest — a celebration of youth creativity and mental wellness — returns for its second year on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Northampton High School. The festival’s name is an acronym for “Resilience In Self-Expression.” It will feature presentations by authors, public officials and mental health professionals; performances; resource tabling; bookselling and activities from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst; and a youth vendor market.
Co-founders Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the “Lunch Lady” series, and Gina Krosoczka, an expressive arts educator, are excited to bring the festival back as a single-day event at a new venue. According to Jarrett, the new location offers “better stagecraft” and a stronger connection to the public schools to better serve local youth. The timing is also intentional, as May marks Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Last year was beautiful,” Gina said. “I think that we saw all of the amazing things that happened in each separate room that it was in. The kids really responded in ways that were … better than we expected. There were so many people there; so many people responded. I think we had always hoped it would be an annual event, but we definitely wanted to do it again.”
“Even if this was our 20th year, we’d be having the same discussion: how do we improve upon what we already built?” Jarrett said.
Expanding on last year’s success, there are a number of additions to the programming — and perhaps the highest-profile is “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author Jeff Kinney, who is also a longtime friend of the Krosoczkas.
“You cannot overstate how wonderful he is as a person, but also how popular his books are with readers,” said Jarrett, who added that the couple’s youngest child has read the “Wimpy Kid” series in its entirety twice. “We’re so thrilled to be able to utilize those connections we have in the literary world to excite the community.”
Other participating authors include Holly Black, Amber Akin, Cara Bean, Fiona Cook and Katrina Goldsaito.
All participating authors will sign books simultaneously at 3 p.m. — a format Jarrett adopted from previous literary events. By hosting the signings together, the festival ensures fans don’t have to choose between their favorite creators, creating a high-energy atmosphere Jarrett likens to a comic-con.
The festival will also include a few speakers: Cutchins Programs CEO Dr. Tina Champagne, Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, who will take part in the event’s opening ceremony at 10 a.m.
There will also be performances by Art In Motion, Ruby, Zac Hartley, Louie Walker Phipps, Planned Adolescence and Rocking Puppies.
While the authors serve as “an anchor” to draw a crowd, Gina emphasizes that the festival’s true purpose is to highlight how art and self-expression support youth mental health — a critical priority today.
“There’s a crisis,” Gina said. “And treating while children are young is essential because their brains are forming, and it is much harder to treat while you’re an adult. Unfortunately, waitlists are long, even though we live in the Valley and there are so many therapists, and it’s important to give kids coping skills and tools and anything you can, just to help them relax and find a way to chill — to be a kid.”
“My hope is to get the word out there that you don’t have to be an artist to benefit from the arts,” she continued. “And by participating in the event, you can see that you can enjoy the arts, but also benefit from the mental health aspects of it.” For arts activities like bracelet-making, for example, “You’re like, ‘Why do I enjoy that so much?’ Because it’s really soothing and it takes me away and it’s distraction, but it’s also something that’s good for my mental health, but you wouldn’t even think about it.”
Admission to R.I.S.E. Fest is $10. Visit risefest.homesteadcloud.com to purchase tickets, apply as a performer, vendor or volunteer, or submit student artwork to be displayed digitally during the festival.
