Frank Warren is a keeper of secrets in the sense that he curates thousands of unspoken secrets sent to him on postcards by posting them online and in books, not by keeping them to himself. In 2005, Warren began PostSecret, a project where anyone can anonymously mail him a postcard with a secret written on it. Warren will bring the interactive "PostSecret Live" to Midwestern State University's first 2018 Artist-Lecture Series event at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Akin Auditorium.

Warren started the PostSecret blog in February 2005, after passing out post cards he printed and handed out to people outside public transportation stops in Washington, D.C. He invited people to be part of an art project and on the post cards, share a "regret, fear, betrayal, desire, confession or childhood humiliation. Reveal anything - as long as it is true and you have never shared it with anyone before."

What started as a community mail art project has since evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Several New York Times best-selling books, national art exhibits, an album, and theatrical production later, Warren's PostSecret website has become the most visited ad-free blog in the world, honored with multiple Webby Awards for "Best Blog on the Internet."

In the interactive multimedia event, "PostSecret Live," he engages audiences with the inspiring, funny, and at times heartbreaking stories behind the secrets. As he delves into how the project led to his involvement in suicide awareness, Warren demonstrates that by sharing personal struggles, people can help each other and release burdens. He demonstrates the power of sharing your hopes, dreams, fears and failures.

PostSecret became the catalyst for Warren's commitment to mental health advocacy, and earned him a Mental Health Advocacy Lifetime Achievement Award. Through PostSecret, more than $1 million has been raised for suicide prevention.

Warren has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and other broadcast news outlets talking about the six PostSecret books, the Smithsonian Museum exhibition, and the emotional PostSecret events held around the world.

The Artist-Lecture Series was established in 1964 to bring noted lectures and quality programs in the performing arts to the MSU campus and the Wichita Falls community.

Admission is $20 to general public; $18 for senior citizens, active-duty military, and MSU alumni; free to MSU students, faculty, and staff with ID. Tickets are available at the Clark Student Center Information Desk. For tickets or more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at 940-397-7500 or student.affairs@msutexas.edu.