NAMIWalks NYC

The 2024 NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest was an incredible success with over 1 million dollars raised for NAMI NYC. Artist Calicho joined the event and painted a live You Are Not Alone mural in Spanish. The day was an amazing celebration of New York community and a special day to come together to uplift and advocate for access to mental health resources.

NAMIWalks NYC is the nation's largest mental health event and since 2007, the event has convened thousands of supporters, including individuals, families, companies, and community organizations. This year alone there were 6,500 attendees and $1.26M was raised to support NAMI’s crucial work.

The Mural

Live Mural Painting by Calicho

This year’s mural was painted by our friend Calicho, a long time supporter of the project and local painting legend. To make this year’s mural more interactive there was a QR code that one could scan in order to see the central figure come to life and dance.

Live painting provides an amazing opportunity for artists to interact with viewers in a way that is unique to the typical experience of both painter and viewer. Live painting allows for more personal connection and the opportunity to share process and craft. See the mural and read the artist statement here.

This mural was painted on a movable wall that could be disassembled and transported to the NAMI-NYC office after the event concluded. They are on view to anyone who goes to their office to receive the free mental health support that NAMI-NYC is able to offer to all New Yorkers.