Heads Up Alabama! BPL Showcases Art Exhibit Sponsored by aPAF

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) hosts the opening night gala for Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living on July 22 in the Central Library Atrium from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Through the medium of public art, Heads Up Alabama! explores the critical role that emotion and behavior play in an individual’s overall health and wellness. Twenty professional artists, whose designs were selected through a juried competition, were commissioned to create art from a basic fiberglass head that is approximately three feet tall. The heads will be mounted on 40-inch pedestals placed throughout the library. Tickets are available for $25 to the general public through the www.alapsych.org, under Calendar of Events. Food, drink, and entertainment included. Proceeds benefit the Alabama Psychological Association Foundation. The exhibit will be on display in the library July 23 - August 10 free of charge.

In a collaborative public health education campaign to bring attention to the importance of mental health, the Alabama Psychological Association (aPA) and the Alabama Psychological Association Foundation (aPAF) chose the artists to decorate each head based on the artists’ interpretations of the connection between a healthy life and a healthy mind. The pedestals will also display information on issues ranging from stress reduction to weight management, to coping with chronic illness, and sleep disorders. The Birmingham Public Library is the initial venue of this traveling exhibit.

Sponsors and partners include the Birmingham Public Library, KBR, Jefferson County Department of Health, ALL Kids Children’s Health Insurance Program (Alabama Department of Health), BCBS of Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama, Forstall Art Supply, Two Men and a Truck, and psychologists across the state. Follow progress on the exhibition and other events at the Heads Up Alabama! Web site (www.headsupalabama.org) or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/headsupalabama.

Calendar of Events

• July 22—Heads Up Alabama! Opening Night Gala. Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place, Central Library Atrium, 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Experience the unveiling of this unique exhibit, meet the artists, and enjoy food, beverages, and entertainment. Tickets available through www.alapsych.org, Calendar of Events page.
• July 23-August 10—Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living exhibit on display. Through the medium of public art, Heads Up Alabama! explores the critical role that emotion and behavior play in an individual’s overall health and wellness. Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place. Free.
• July 24—Educational Event for Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living 2-5 p.m. Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place. Psychologists will be available to discuss the relationship between behavior, thoughts, and feelings and how this affects health and well-being. Free.
• August 8—Educational Event for Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living 2-5 p.m. Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place. Psychologists will be available to discuss the relationship between behavior, thoughts, and feelings and how this affects health and well-being. Free.
• August 12-August 31—Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living Exhibit and health education information. Aldridge Botanical Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216
• August 22—Educational Event for Heads Up Alabama! Psychology Promotes Healthy Living 2-5 p.m. Aldridge Botanical Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216. Talk with a psychologist about how behavior, thoughts, and feelings affect your health and well-being. Free.

MEDIA: Media coverage of the opening event is welcomed. Please contact Linda Wilson with the Birmingham Public Library at (205) 226-3746 prior to the event for a Media Pass if you will be assigned to cover the event.