NAMI Broward’s 5th Annual Artful Minds Returns May 9 Showcasing the Power of the Arts to Support Mental Health

Dania Beach, Fla. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Broward County will host its 5th Annual Artful Minds fundraiser with proceeds supporting thousands of individuals and families across Broward County navigating mental health challenges. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood serves as the event’s Premier Sponsor. Artful Minds will take place from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Mad Arts, located at 481 S. Federal Highway in Dania Beach.

This year’s event highlights the transformative and therapeutic power of art, music, creative expression, and community, showing how creativity can give voice to the feelings we often struggle to put into words. Artful Minds delivers a high-impact, multi-medium showcase spanning visual art, live music, theater, fashion, and culinary arts, with all participating artists generously donating their time and talents to support the cause.

Guests will experience a sensory-rich evening featuring a mental health-inspired program lineup, including a live musical performance by Broadway Kids Studio, a stage performance by playwright Carlo Feliciani Ojeda, and a fashion show featuring the designs of Alyssa Ostroff of Self-Care Shirts and Janell Walko of Hip Apparel Company. The night also includes artfully crafted hors d’oeuvres, a live painter, and live music from accomplished musicians, including violinist Carl Schmid, who has performed with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Jason Newsted of Metallica, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and a benefit concert featuring Better Strangers, whose drummer Nic Collins continues the music legacy of his father, Phil Collins.

Throughout the gallery, all artwork by esteemed artists, including William Lynch, Carolina Luz, Derrick Campbell, David Siqueiros, and Brian Poli-Dixon, the former NFL player, among others, will be available for purchase through an online art auction that launched on April 9 and runs through the conclusion of the fundraiser on May 9.

“Every element of Artful Minds, from live music and fashion to theater, visual art, and culinary expression, is infused with the spirit of mental health and wellness, reminding us of the power of creativity to bring people together and spark hope,” says Lisa Ruggieri, President of the NAMI Broward Board of Directors.

Proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, and the art auction directly benefit NAMI Broward County, helping fund programs that serve more than 12,000 individuals and families across Broward County each year. NAMI’s programs include free, peer-led education programs, support groups, and skills training for individuals experiencing mental health conditions and their loved ones. All proceeds from Artful Minds support the continued growth and expansion of NAMI Broward County free programs.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. The online art auction is open for bids. To purchase tickets, bid on auction items, or make a donation, visit: https://namibroward.auctions.networkforgood.com/auctions/artful-minds-2026—art-auction 

In addition to premier sponsor Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, other event sponsors include Warten Foundation, Inc. (Gold Sponsor), Memorial Healthcare System and Rotary Club of Weston (Silver Sponsors), Ricardo Bichara CPA, P.A. and TransWorld Business Advisors (Bronze Sponsors), and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Mad Arts, New City Players, Better Strangers, Broadway Kids Studio, HIP Apparel Company, Self-Care Shirts (Patrons of the Arts).

To learn more about NAMI Broward, purchase tickets, or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.namibroward.org/artful-minds.

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About NAMI Broward County 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots non-profit

organization dedicated to individuals facing mental illness and their family members,

caregivers, and friends. NAMI Broward County was founded in 1984 and is one of 650

affiliates throughout the U.S. with the mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals

and families affected by mental illness. Trained NAMI volunteers across Broward

County facilitate peer-led programs, providing free education, skills training, and support

to those living with or supporting a loved one with a mental illness. For more

information, please visit www.namibroward.org.