Bloomington-Normal, IL – YWCA McLean County, the Bloomington/Normal Hub of Envisioning Justice, a project of Illinois Humanities, is excited to announce the inaugural Wellness Weekend February 21 – February 23. This community-wide event invites local organizations, businesses, and individuals to engage in activities promoting self-care, self-investment, and self-expression as avenues for justice and well-being. 

Envisioning Justice is a statewide initiative that harnesses the power of the arts and humanities to examine mass incarceration and foster a more just society. Since 2017, Envisioning Justice has developed free public programs and provided grants to support individuals and organizations working towards systemic change. 

The newly formed Bloomington/Normal Hub is launching Wellness Weekend to create opportunities for critical engagement with systemic injustices while encouraging personal and collective restoration. Activities will take place at various locations throughout Bloomington-Normal and will highlight different aspects of wellness, including counseling, nutrition, housing, childcare, education, art, and movement. 

Friday, February 21 

Opening Event at the Creativity Center 6:00 – 8:00 PM | 107 E Chestnut St., Bloomington, IL 61701 Hosts: BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities, Creative Healing Art Therapy, and King Moosa 

• Art and education with King Moosa (mask making) 
• Live printing with Silver Back Apparel 
• Music and refreshments FREE registration. Donations to participating organizations accepted. Additional mask-making sessions: Saturday, Feb. 22 (2:00 – 4:00 PM) & Sunday, Feb. 23 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM). 

Saturday, February 22 

Saturdays at the Station | Illinois Art Station 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 101 E. Vernon Ave., Normal, IL 61701 Host: Illinois Art Station 

• Drop-in artmaking for young artists (ages 2-14+) and families, inspired by artists working on themes of justice and self-expression. FREE to attend. No registration required. 

Artmaking Workshop | University Galleries of ISU 1:00 – 2:30 PM | 11 Uptown Circle #103, Normal, IL 61761 Host: University Galleries 

• Create tactile sculptures inspired by artist Andy Slater’s work, materials provided. FREE registration: Event Link 

Yea Big’s Neuroplasticity Concert Event | Illinois Art Station 7:00 PM | 101 E. Vernon Ave., Normal, IL 61701 Hosts: Illinois Art Station, Yea Big (Stefen Robinson) 

• Featuring performances by Estrogen Molotov, Creatian/Heap, and Swim Ignorant Fire Tickets: $20 pre-sale for both shows, $10 at the door Saturday, Pay-What-You-Can: Ticket Link 

Sunday, February 23 

Mask Making at the Creativity Center 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 107 E Chestnut St., Bloomington, IL 61701 Hosts: BCAI Cultural Arts & Humanities, Creative Healing Art Therapy, and King Moosa 

• Community mask-making workshop; masks will be displayed at the Sunday concert. FREE registration. 

Yea Big’s Neuroplasticity Concert Event | Illinois Art Station 7:30 PM | 101 E. Vernon Ave., Normal, IL 61701 Hosts: Illinois Art Station, King Moosa, Matthew Ryals, Yea Big (Stefen Robinson) 

• Featuring King Moosa and modular synthesist Matthew Ryals 
• Community-made masks on display. Tickets: $20 pre-sale for both shows, $15 at the door Sunday, Pay-What-You-Can

Envisioning Justice is a project of Illinois Humanities that uses arts and humanities to critically examine mass incarceration and envision a more just future. Through public programs and grant funding, Envisioning Justice engages communities and individuals impacted by the carceral system in creative and educational initiatives. Learn more at www.ilhumanities.org. 

Illinois Humanities activates the arts and humanities as essential tools for strengthening society. By providing grants, fostering dialogue, and supporting community-driven projects, Illinois Humanities empowers people to create a better future. Learn more at www.ilhumanities.org. 

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YWCA McLean County has been supporting women, children, and families in our community for nearly 115 years. YWCA McLean County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For information on programs serving infants to seniors, please visit www.ywcamclean.org.