(Cleveland, Mississippi)— The Delta Arts Alliance is excited to present its annual block-party fundraiser, A Night in the Arts, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, starting at 6 PM at 104 S. Court St., Cleveland, MS. This vibrant community celebration will spotlight the live auction of “Rebel Reet,” a moving new watercolor painting by Geoffrey Latham, Fine Arts Instructor and Art Program Coordinator at Coahoma Community College.
Latham, a Cleveland native and celebrated Delta artist, created and donated the piece in honor of the late Jimmy Pambianchi, a well-known local figure who passed away this past New Year’s Eve. Pambianchi, a Cleveland High School and Delta State University alumnus, was a member of the popular 1960s band The Reets, and was often seen cycling throughout town—becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the community. In “Rebel Reet,” Latham portrays Pambianchi riding away from the concrete world into a luminous, otherworldly beyond—a touching depiction of legacy, passage, and peace.
Already generating significant attention on social media, the painting is expected to draw strong interest at auction, with proceeds supporting Delta Arts Alliance’s arts education programs and operational efforts.
This year’s A Night in the Arts holds added significance as it coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. At Delta Arts Alliance, we recognize that art is more than self-expression—it’s a pathway to mental wellness. Creative activities such as painting, drawing, and sculpting have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. According to the American Art Therapy Association, engaging in the creative process fosters emotional regulation, mindfulness, and a sense of accomplishment.
Recent studies, including a 2020 publication in Frontiers in Psychology, reveal that even brief periods of artistic engagement can significantly improve mood and lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Group settings like art classes and workshops further amplify these benefits through shared connection and support.
“At Delta Arts Alliance, we believe everyone should have access to the healing power of creativity,” said a representative of the organization. “Through our youth programs, exhibitions, and community workshops, we strive to create spaces where individuals can explore their creativity and nurture their well-being.”
Attendees of A Night in the Arts will enjoy a dynamic evening of regional artwork, live music, creative community, and a powerful reminder of how art uplifts and unites.
For more information & tickets, visit: www.deltaartsalliance.org.