By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 7/26/2025
We attended the Healing Hearts Art Show, a project initiated by the National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA). The event took place at The Santee Studios in Los Angeles and showcased the works of various artists, including Mikey Vibal, Ange Hardenburg, Marron Ramsey, Nik Kacy, Lorena Recionos, Emily WU Truong, Ren Kanoelani Markle, Barbara Dube, Warumono, Remington Michael Stone, and Xuli Garcia.
NAPAFASA is dedicated to advocating for mental health through research, public health initiatives, policy reform, and community empowerment via civic engagement. Central to their mission is the emphasis on incorporating community voices into their efforts. The organization is committed to promoting health equity and social justice, focusing on reducing substance misuse and collaborating with communities to enhance mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. Through the Healing Hearts initiative, NAPAFASA has facilitated crucial discussions and fostered community connections by integrating emotional expression through art. This objective was successfully realized by the artists showcased, who utilized their creative work as a means of healing and addressing solutions.
Nik Kacy remarked, “I have devoted my life to navigating the intersection of multiple marginalized identities and utilizing art to reclaim space, identity, and voice.”
I had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Marielle A. Reataza, the Executive Director and CEO of NAPAFASA. She demonstrated profound passion for her work with the organization. Our conversation revolved around various social and economic issues affecting our environments, including systemic oppression and the detrimental impact these systems have on the middle and lower classes. She is deeply committed to serving the community and fostering dialogue through a hands-on approach aimed at enhancing community welfare.
For more information on the National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse visit https://napafasa.org/
