Trap music, guided painting, free food, and conversations about mental health and self-expression—sounds like a fusion of the popular “paint & sip” and “trap karaoke” phenomena, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what it is! But it’s kid-friendly.
Picture a space where youth can spend the evening dabbling in grounding activities like freestyle painting, talking about what’s important to them, and participating in giveaways, all while live DJ vibes fill the room. That’s exactly what Molding Young Moguls, the youth services department of Community Outreach Advocates Resource and Referral Agency, has planned for youth who attend Beats & Brushes on Oct. 14.
“Our young people have real thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the things that affect them, and they deserve to be heard,” said program manager Brandy McGirt. “By giving them tools, resources, and safe spaces to express themselves, we can prevent crises and build a healthier, safer community for everyone. By building strong minds, we build strong future leaders.”
McGirt says she wants the community to know that strong mental health is just as important as physical health, and should never be seen as taboo. Instead of lecturing kids about their well-being or waiting for a crisis, Beats & Brushes keeps things accessible and fun with mental health and wellness tools “strategically embedded throughout the night.” She says their goal for the event is to “create a safe space where young people feel empowered to let down their walls, have fun and express themselves.” They’ll even have a licensed mental health professional present, providing resources and sharing a brief presentation.
Co-hosting the third annual Beats & Brushes are Alcohol & Drug Services and the Tia Hart Foundation. Molding Young Moguls often partners with a variety of organizations to host events, including their Community Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Talent Expo, and Freedom Day community cookout. Some youth members have even created recurring events such as Teen Talk Circle, an event formulated around the evidence-based Restorative Circles model. McGirt describes it as “an opportunity to address topics and events that affect their social and mental wellbeing in a judgement-free, positively affirming environment.”
With so many youth-centered events to choose from, why choose Beats & Brushes over any other? McGirt says attendees have so much fun, they don’t want to leave.
“Participants are always surprised at how much fun they have at these events! We have the toughest time getting people OUT the door at the end so we can clean up. Folks want to hang around to talk, recap and just continue to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Youth who attend wish they’d had resources like this sooner, according to McGirt.
“One of the most memorable comments I remember receiving was from a young adult who’d gone through the system who said, ‘I wish I had somebody like you 5 years ago. I know that would’ve helped me a lot,’” she shared.
Many youth want tools to deal with their mental health, but don’t know where to begin. Beats & Brushes brings them those tools.
It’s also about people who care for youth.
“This event is designed for everyone — whether you’re a parent, a teen, or a community member who cares about youth,” McGirt explained. “You’ll leave feeling uplifted, inspired, and connected. Plus, your presence shows our young people that their voices and well-being truly matter.”
“Come on out!” She encouraged attendees, “Our team can’t wait to meet you!”
Beats and Brushes will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 270 New Freedom Church Road. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/47VNxHj