Michael G. Tompkins, who you might recognize as a regular contributor or American Spa, is more than just an executive recruiter at Hutchinson Consulting. A St. Louis resident and wellness visionary, last year Tompkins launched St.ART Street Art Festival, a non-profit event showcase where local artists got to exhibit canvas paintings, poetry, and performance art created to represent the emotions of the underprivileged and silenced communities within the city of St. Louis. After a successful debut weekend in October 2017, the St.ART Festival is being recognized this year at the 2018 Hope Global Forums in Atlanta, GA, March 26-28.
“There is still so much to be done to bring awareness to the socio economic and racial divide in St. Louis and other inner cities in America,” says Tompkins. “We are hoping that we can continue to fund these types of events in St. Louis and in other location through corporate donations wanting to have programs of purpose for social impact within their communities. Being recognized by the Hope Global Forum offers us a platform to continue that effort.”
The two-day event will feature the artists and their work that were created at St.ART, as well as their stories, in hopes of encouraging hope and healing, as well as to create a positive dialogue through art. The Global Hope Forum will be first location following St.ART where the works of the festival will be displayed. In addition, a commemorative book of the artwork, titled Catharsis, will be released at the event and will be available for purchase as well.
“All of the artists are honored to have their work recognized during this special meeting, which is the largest gathering in the world focused on empowering the poor and underserved,” says Tompkins. “We hope that the large canvases and spoken works of art will provide a positive backdrop as leaders from over 45 countries meet about this important and timely topic.”
In addition to the Forum, a tour of the artwork and individual St.ART gallery shows highlighted at exclusive locations across America is planned.
Last year, American Spa was fortunate enough to attend the inaugural St.ART street art festival. Check out our Facebook Live video tour to get the first hand experience below.
For more on the Global Hope Forum and to register to attend, visit www.hopeglobalforums.org. For more on St.ART and to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.st-artstlouis.org.
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