Flourishing Arts Nonprofit Will Host 'Afterlight' Showcase At Pablo Center
the 'healing arts' incubator will present musical works by S.Carey, Luray and Scott Burton's Ritual Magick on May 23
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Andrea Paulseth, Frank H. Robinson |
Just before heading into the busy summer season, locals can look forward to an end-of-spring immersive experience where music and visual art combine – with the goal to uphold the future of of intersectional arts in the Chippewa Valley.
At 7pm on May 23 at the JAMF Theatre in the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire), local nonprofit Flourishing Arts will present “Afterlight,” a showcase of visual arts and music to support the organization's fundraising and community engagement efforts.
This live event will feature audioreactivity visuals by Dathan Boardman along with music by Eau Claire’s own genre-bending artists Luray, S.Carey and Scott Burton’s Ritual Magick.
The nonprofit – a collection of local creatives, musicians, business owners and community members dedicated to the arts – invites the Chippewa Valley to consider these mediums as powerful tools to express individuality and offer healing in everyday life.
Boardman and Jo Ellen Burke, two multidisciplinary artists in Eau Claire and founding members of Flourishing Arts, believe the upcoming event will showcase the nuances of what it means to embrace the contemporary ideas behind “healing arts.”
“Recognizing that the arts are broader than we often think and that the healing arts, I’ve noticed, really appeal to the idea of providing art that is not elitist and that is not just kept for viewing in a gallery,” Burke said. “The pure interest of (healing arts) for us, is what makes this work (and) helps us create these great opportunities.”
In previous seasons of Flourishing Arts, its mission was brought to life through recurring – and free-to-attend – events throughout the Chippewa Valley, where locals could engage in multidisciplinary art forms.
Since its launch in 2024, a diverse array of programming, from therapeutic writing workshops to urban nature expeditions, has served as the catalyst for the upcoming Afterlight event, Boardman and Burke shared.
“I just think of these aspects as little incubators,” Boardman said of Afterlight’s impact in the Valley. “We think of art as movement and so movement is the driving force that creates this opportunity for things to click into place.”
Within the JAMF Theatre, Afterlight will illuminate the transformative power of sonic healing – delivered by the three musical acts – complemented by a curated silent auction. On display will be visual works by notable area artists, experiential opportunities from across the Chippewa Valley and teasers to forthcoming healing arts sessions, Burke added.
“Many healing and health providers are recognizing that their services fall in the areas of healing arts, which is what we're all about,” Burke said. “We have confirmed potential artists to paint live at the event: Terry Meyer and Holli Jacobson. They will paint for two hours while the music and projections go on.”
Shannon Carey, the vocalist behind Luray, said she believes each individual can benefit from greater access to the arts – no matter their background. For her creative vocations, healing comes through songwriting and live performance.
“The contact between healing and music for me is direct and almost immediate,” Carey said. “I am happy to help raise awareness and funds to help support Flourishing Arts’ efforts to bring healing arts to Eau Claire.”
Scott Burton, a local improviser, composer and Flourishing Arts board member, agreed with Carey’s sentiments. He interprets the vision of Flourishing Arts as anchors in feelings of vulnerability and selflessness on stage and with audiences.
“I think I find healing anytime I see an artist fully committed to the moment; I hope that I can show the audience the same commitment that I look for in artists,” Burton said.
Local businesses, organizations and other curious minds in the arts are welcome to connect with both Burke and Boardman – via email at info@flourishingartsec.org – for collaborative opportunities at the Afterlight showcase and future Flourishing Arts events.
This summer, Flourishing Arts will continue its next iteration of healing arts events, featuring returning sessions including “Writing to Heal” with BJ Hollars and “Art Therapy” with Amy Hahn, among other new offerings to be revealed.
“Afterlight,” presented by the Flourishing Arts nonprofit, will be held on May 23 at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) with tickets priced at $35/person and additional sponsorship tiers available. Visit flourishingarts.org to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission, vision and how to support its future events in the Chippewa Valley.
