ArtHealthy 2025 - Art in Motion: Igniting Wellness, Cultivating Joy

The ArtHealthy Festival returns with more excitement, more movement and more ways to celebrate wellness than ever before. The event takes place 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, on Front Campus.

Now in its 11th year, the ArtHealthy Festival is hosted by GCSU in partnership with CREATE Inc., and continues to grow in size, energy and impact. The 2025 event theme is "Art in Motion: Igniting Wellness, Cultivating Joy,” putting a spotlight on physical activity through dance, creative arts, fitness and community wellness.

“This is the year we truly move,” said Toyia Barnes, coordinator of ArtHealthy and office coordinator for the Georgia College School of Health and Human Performance. “’Art in Motion’ is about celebrating movement in all forms. Whether you’re dancing, cycling, cooking or playing laser tag, wellness is an experience meant to be joyful and engaging.”

More than a dozen GCSU offices and organizations are involved in the ArtHealthy Festival, including the Athletic Training and Health & Human Performance programs, the School of Nursing, the Department of Art, Academic Outreach, the Office of Sustainability and Continuing & Professional Education.

The GCSU Mobile Health Unit will be open to provide health assessments (such as blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol and glucose testing) and prostate cancer screenings.

New this year are Laser Tag and the Gelly Ball Shooting Gallery — two thrilling, family-friendly attractions that bring out the fun in fitness and teamwork. Also making waves is the Art in Motion Zone where guests can join in aerobic workouts, line dancing, art-based fitness sessions and hands-on Krav Maga self-defense classes.

This year also introduces the ArtHealthy Authors Showcase, featuring regional authors and live readings that promote literacy and well-being. And there will be healthy cooking demos focused on easy, affordable meals.

Over 100 vendors will participate offering wellness resources, food tastings, art projects, giveaways and more.

Young guests can enjoy an expanded Kid Zone and families can get moving together in the inflatable obstacle course or on one of the many bike rides offered (1 mile, 5K, 31 miles, and 61 miles). Georgia Bikes will provide bike safety lessons for youth and promote active lifestyles for all ages.

“The 11th ArtHealthy Festival is a testament to what we can achieve together as a community,” Barnes said. “This isn’t just about health. It’s about joy, creativity, connection and fun. We invite everyone to come out, celebrate movement and experience wellness in motion.”

The festival is open to the public. Admission to the festival and all activities are free.