World AIDS Day is December 1, 2009

"Act Up! Mix it Up 2!" Returns to MoLAA for a FREE Public Event

Last year 505 people attended an evening of entertainment, interactive art, education, health exhibits and live performances. The best news was that 267 of the attendees were between the ages of 15 to 24!

Today, 54% of all new HIV infections occur among those ages, 15 to 24. Nearly half of them are unaware they are infected.  On World AIDS Day we reflect on those we lost to AIDS, support those in ending HIV infections and show love and compassion for those living with HIV/AIDS.

The "Act Up! Mix it Up 2!" program is the continuation of our successful community outreach, The World AIDS Day Public Education Program. The event has entertainment, health provider tables, interactive art, artists, free giveaways, sampling and more.  This fun-filled event is FREE and perfect for the entire family to attend. 
 

This is our 3rd year hosting the World AIDS Day at MoLAA.  The event is a bit smaller than last year and designed more like a Health Fair Expo and entertainment event.

Project: Red Paint

November 2009 - Finalist selected for the World AIDS Day Event

An unqualified success, the art program expanded for 2009!

Project: Red Paint is our HIV Awareness through Art program was first introduced in 2007 with the Long Beach Unified School District, California State University - Long Beach and the University by the Sea program.  It is designed with a single purpose -- to create dialogue about HIV through art.  The community wide art project is open to middle school, high school and the public for our third annual event.

This year, our third year of Project: Red Paint, a record number of entries were entered into the event.  We even received "non-competition" entries from students at a Colorado Middle School doing African studies and AIDS in Africa.  Once again students demonstrated understanding of the topic, resourcefulness and use of color and medium for their artwork.

We encourage them to use any medium they feel comfortable using and incorporate a "Red AIDS Ribbon" in the artwork. Kids are very resourceful.  Here's what some kids told a reporter for the Press Telegram: "People this is a disease that affects only certain people, but it affects everyone," said Devyn Amescua.  "It's good to know how we can keep others aware," said Carolina Vallejo. "They don't really talk about this at school."

15 finalists were selected at a public art exhibit displayed at The Hellada Galleries located at 117 Linden Ave in the East Village Art District. Artworks were judged by the public and an Art Jury Panel.  All 15 Finalists are advancing to the Final Competition Round at the World AIDS Day event on December 1, 2009 at MoLAA.

Winners in each age category will be selected from the finalists on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009.  This is a day that includes art, education, entertainment and activities in the Balboa Room and free to the public.  More...

Download your art entry rules and application here.

Hundreds of people viewed and judged the artwork entries at Hellada Galleries in the East Village Arts District.