Oxnard filmmaker tackles Latinx Mental Health with new event on Jan. 23

OXNARD — As part of OPAC’s first Artist-in-Residency, Oxnard filmmaker Arcelia Martinez is raising awareness about mental health in the Latino community through a year-long programming series (June 2020 – May 2021) and the production of a short documentary. The next event is a Salon focused on Mental Health Stress Factors and will take place on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 2 pm via Zoom. It’s free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. The event will be professionally translated by Bridging Voices-Uniendo Voces.

Guest speakers from diverse places and perspectives in Ventura County will shed light on how Stress Factors can amplify mental health challenges in our community:

  • Kimberly Quinn (NAMI), Moderator

  • Talissa Hall-Hoover (School Counselor)

  • Marlen Barragan (One Step a La Vez)

  • Liliana Manriquez (MICOP)

  • Jessica Roman (Interface)

This virtual event is a mix of a panel discussion, conversation/ storytelling, and art. Salons are a platform for the community to learn, ask, and be engaged in this important issue. Teen Latinas have some of the highest rates of suicides amongst their peers, and this staggering reality motivated Arcelia to spend her residency raising awareness and creating dialogue around this issue.

For more information & to register, visit: www.oxnardperformingarts.com/esperanza-salons.html

ABOUT OPAC

A sustainable leader, OPAC is at the center of Oxnard’s artistic, educational, and economic life, inviting residents to discover, create, and connect through engagement with the arts and each other. Established in 1998 as the administrative, programming, operations, and fundraising arm of the Center, OPAC provides cultural and community programming by supporting, producing and presenting theater, dance, music, media/visual arts, residencies, and outside-the-box programs that are of, by and for Oxnard.