Strength in motion. Healing in unity.
Art of Fitness is a movement-based nonprofit initiative that uses creative performance, fitness, and community connection to advance mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and support accessible mental wellness resources. Through inclusive programming and purposeful storytelling, Art of Fitness empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies, express their stories, and contribute to meaningful mental health impact—locally and beyond.
What began as a single community showcase has grown into an annual, mission-driven platform that blends art, fitness, and advocacy. At its core, Art of Fitness believes that movement is medicine, creativity is healing, and community is essential.
To date, Art of Fitness has raised over $20,000 and supported more than a dozen organizations, including The Trevor Project, The Headstrong Project, PPAL, PFLAG chapters, Youth Pride, Student Veterans of America, and veteran-focused and community-based mental health initiatives.
Our Mission
The Art of Fitness Charity Showcase empowers individuals and communities through movement-based creative performance, blending art and fitness to raise funds, reduce stigma, and advance global mental wellness.
Our Vision
We envision a world where mental health is prioritized, movement is celebrated as medicine, and artistic expression becomes a universal language of healing. In this future, individuals are free from stigma and limitation, empowered to embrace personal freedom, emotional resilience, and well-being.
Through movement-based performance, creative advocacy, and global community connection, Art of Fitness advances this vision by using art and fitness to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and support mental health initiatives worldwide.
Why Art of Fitness Exists
Mental health challenges affect individuals and communities across all demographics; however, underserved populations continue to face significant barriers to accessing supportive, preventative, and stigma-free mental health resources worldwide. Traditional approaches often fail to reach individuals who would benefit most from low-barrier, movement-based, and community-centered mental health interventions.
The Art of Fitness Charity Showcase addresses this gap by leveraging movement, artistic expression, and community-led engagement as accessible tools for mental wellness. By combining fitness, aerial arts, and dance with advocacy and fundraising, the program reduces stigma, promotes emotional resilience, and expands access to mental health support for individuals and communities often excluded from traditional systems of care.
Through inclusive performance, shared creative experiences, and intentional outreach, the initiative generates both awareness and financial support for mental health organizations operating at local, national, and global levels. This approach creates inclusive spaces where participants and audiences alike can reconnect with their mental and emotional well-being while contributing to meaningful, measurable mental health impact.
Our Story: A Journey Through the Years
Rather than repeating the same structure each year, Art of Fitness evolves through themes that reflect the needs, challenges, and communities of that moment. Together, these chapters tell a larger story of creativity, adaptability, and impact.
Art of Fitness 2019: Story Book
The inaugural Art of Fitness showcase brought together over 20 performers and 175 attendees, raising more than $3,000 for Spina Bifida awareness. Proceeds supported Layla Rose Smith and other families navigating complex medical needs, establishing Art of Fitness’s foundation of community-centered giving.
Art of Fitness 2020: Carnival of Dreams
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Art of Fitness shifted to a fully virtual format. Twenty performers shared movement from their homes, meeting the $3,000 fundraising goal for families caring for children with severe medical challenges—proving that connection and generosity transcend physical space.
Art of Fitness 2021: Murder Mystery
Hosted at the historic Fall River Carousel, this Great Gatsby–inspired, interactive showcase blended storytelling and performance while raising nearly $2,000 for children with special education needs.
Art of Fitness 2022: Gallery Exhibition
Set at Cutler Mill, the Gallery Exhibition transformed the showcase into an immersive art experience, complete with narrative intrigue, fashion, performance, and audience participation—highlighting Art of Fitness’s growing emphasis on experiential storytelling.
Art of Fitness 2023: Aurora’s Eclipse
Held at Gallery X in New Bedford, the showcase centered LGBTQ+ youth mental health, supporting organizations such as The Trevor Project, PFLAG, and RI Pride. Featuring over 30 performances across disciplines, the event expanded both artistic reach and advocacy impact.
Art of Fitness 2024: Seasons and Reasons
The 2024 Art of Fitness Charity Showcase took place at the Eagle Event Center, bringing together community, creativity, and purpose in an unforgettable night of performance. The event raised critical funds for veteran-focused organizations, including $1,500 each for Student Veterans of America at Bristol Community College and Fall River Veteran’s Kitchen, along with $500 each for K9s for Warriors, Hope for the Warriors, The Headstrong Project, and Clear Path for Veterans New England.
The showcase featured over 30 performances spanning pole, aerial silks, lyra, belly dance, twerk team routines, and more! Guests enjoyed music by DJ Jackie Treehorn, food and sweet treats, a full bar, and a powerful color guard presentation. The evening also offered VIP table experiences with champagne table service, making the night both impactful and celebratory.
Art of Fitness 