The Power of Play: Creating Spaces for BIPOC Healing and Joy
Episode notes
In this episode, Adri sits down with Naomi Fierro Peña, a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, a space for BIPOC adults to engage in creative play as a form of self-care and liberation. 🌿
Naomi shares her journey from being a teacher burned out by the pressures of white supremacy culture to creating a business focused on using art, creativity, and play to foster healing and connection in the BIPOC community. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming creativity as adults, breaking free from the pressures of perfectionism and internalized capitalism, and creating spaces where creativity doesn’t have to be monetized or productive—it can simply be joyful and healing. 🎨
They explore how That Art Party offers BIPOC adults a safe space to reconnect with their creativity, form meaningful connections, and heal through community and play. Naomi also highlights the importance of collaboration with other BIPOC artists, and how her events foster a sense of belonging, freedom, and self-expression.
This episode will resonate with anyone who’s felt disconnected from their creativity, wants to embrace play, or is looking for community-driven spaces that center healing and joy.
Guest Bio:
Naomi Fierr-Peña is a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, an art and play space for BIPOC adults. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher, Naomi now focuses on creating transformative and liberatory experiences through creative playdates, bringing healing and joy to her community through art.
Links:
Website https://www.thatartparty.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/that.art.party/
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Naomi’s Journey
04:30 - Burnout and Breaking Free from White Supremacy Culture
08:00 - Creating That Art Party: Art as Liberation
11:30 - The Importance of Creative Play for Healing
16:00 - Internalized Capitalism and Creativity
19:45 - The Healing Power of Play for BIPOC Adults
24:15 - Art as a Tool for Mental Health
28:30 - Building Community Through Creative Play
33:10 - Intentional Living and Curating Meaningful Spaces
39:00 - The Power of Parallel Play and Collaboration
45:00 - Growing Up in San Francisco’s Mission District and Its Influence on Art
50:00 - Final Thoughts: Returning to Your Inner Child"