By J.A. Jones, Staff Writer
The Soul Revival Art Festival and Sickle Cell Fundraiser “bridging the gap between art & wellness” returns the last weekend in January for two days of creative, life-affirming events.
“This year’s Soul Revival Art Festival theme is ‘A World of Wellness: Connecting Cultures Through Creative Healing,’ shared Myiah Moody, a St. Pete artist and educator who founded the festival.
Myiah Moody/Myiah Pink, artist and festival founder
The event’s key emphasis remains on raising awareness about sickle cell while creating a space for community healing, cultural celebration, and empowerment.
The 2025 festival features the Revival Art Gala Brunch on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the James Museum; day two brings the festival to the Deuces on 22nd Street and 9th Ave South with musical performances, health advocacy, and a vendor’s market.
Moody noted that The Soul Revival Art Festival “has grown from a small community gathering to a transformative weekend event; it has expanded its reach by incorporating more diverse artists, wellness practitioners, and interactive activities, reflecting the cultural richness of the community it serves.”
The artist says that people living with sickle cell have found the festival to be a safe and supportive space “where they can connect, learn, and share their experiences with others who truly understand.”
Past festival donations raised have enabled the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America St. Petersburg Chapter to fund scholarships, providing support to students with sickle cell as they pursue their college education.
She added that artists and performers have expressed how being part of the festival strengthened their bond with the community and also given deeper meaning to their art – while many have noted that the timing of the event offers “a powerful catalyst for their year, leaving them with a true sense of revival and restoration.”
This year introduces exciting artists and features, including:
- Yes Chef Village will provide attendees with a healthy, culturally creative brunch spread of dishes from around the world, inspired by dishes experienced during his international travels
- A fashion show featuring clothing from Akua Imports and HappySoul by Pink, with live painting by Jay Coachman, and visual artwork by Tavia Reyes, Takeya Trayer, Karel Garcia de Leon, and Azura
- Artists and performers including poet/singer Imani Ruz and vocalist Yvonne Armour-Sigers
- Festival headliner, Orlando artist DeMitrious Wyant, also known as AR the Prophet, sharing powerful music inspired by his journey with sickle cell
- January 26, the Arts Conservatory for Teens and local artists Tymia, Frxxmxn, and Johnny Champagne
- Group art therapy sessions focused on emotional release and creativity, facilitated by Jasmine Parker-Rodriguez MA, ATR,CTP, RMHCI with Listen to Your Art Therapy and Dr. Tavia Reyes. Therapy sessions will be available for $25 online or at the door.
AR the Prophet
AR the Prophet/DeMitrious Wyant is a dedicated advocate and performer deeply committed to raising awareness about sickle cell disease and men’s health, as well as advancing reproductive health education.
Embracing his role as an influencer, he initiated Save The Male Trunks, where he created literature and educational materials for men young and old who maybe experiencing priapism, a complication from sickle cell. He has produced two musical projects sharing sickle cell education, titled “Supernatural Souljah’s” and “A Sickle Cell Holiday.”
Wyant says his journey with sickle cell has involved “a lot of research and studying my body. Learning my triggers and what puts my body into a crisis. Most of all my journey has been made well with sickle cell these past couple years due to self-discipline.”
He added that prioritizing self-care – being proactive instead of reactive regarding his well-being living with sickle cell has helped.
Wyant shared that his biggest challenge living with sickle cell has been priapism, a complication that happens with men due to sickle cell, a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended.
After two major surgeries for the condition, Wyant has made it his purpose to educate and advocate around this very vulnerable topic “so that more men can know that they are not alone and what can help to manage this painful complication.”
Wyant noted that it is “self-empowering and therapeutic for me to talk about all the trials and tribulations I’ve lived through and overcame with sickle cell. It’s a testament of my faith and strength.”
Brunch tickets are $50 on Www.HappySoul.Pink: “Be sure to come dressed in your best dressed cultural attire OR all black attire when attending the brunch.”
To purchase tickets go online to EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/425908723457.
To learn more about Myiah’s work and HappySoul, follow her on Instagram at @myiahpink @happysoulbypink @happysoulrevival @myiahtheartist; on Facebook: HappySoul by Pink LLC & Myiah Pink.
Visit her online at www.happysoul.pink and www.Myiahpink.com for more information.
