Thanks to those of you who were able to join us in person for these events mid August. It’s always wonderful to connect in person. Shout out to Trader Joe’s for the snacks!

Artists Andrea Vincent, Nicholas LaHeusen, Kat Cramer, Ash Jorgenson and Philip Yassenoff joined and were able to share more about their art and their personal journeys.

Get ready for an connected experience every fourth Saturday of the month! Artists living with chronic pain come together for an inspiring 90-minute session that you won't want to miss.

This is your chance to dive into a world of creativity, where participants share their latest artistic endeavors, showcase completed masterpieces, or even highlight a moving piece by another artist. With voices from across the nation and around the globe, this vibrant conversation is a true celebration of art and resilience. Don't miss out—visit our events page for all the details and secure your spot now!

On Thursday evening, September 18th, from 6-8 pm, we invite you to join us for a discussion where we will hear from McKenna Marvin, one of our artists, and Dr. Ron Turker, MD, a Fellow with the Patient Revolution. Entry fee includes a free sketchbook and pen to encourage the artist in you!

Ron Turker started in the ’80s as a standup comic and, through a series of nonlinear events, became a pediatric surgeon and chronic pain clinician. Thirty years of caring for kids shaped, sharpened, and ground his sensibilities into a resolute yet witty voice for healthcare change and equity. He is also the author of a satirical novel, The Wandering Jew of St. Salacious.

McKenna Marvin is a painter and illustrator based in Portland, Oregon, working primarily in watercolor, pencil, and graphite. After studying physics and astronomy in California, she moved to Tokyo to pursue art at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, where she earned her BA. Following seven years in Japan and a long creative hiatus, she returned to the U.S. and rekindled her practice in the Pacific Northwest.  Inspired by shoujou manga from Japan, surrealist painters in Eastern Europe, and ancient, historical events, McKenna’s paintings consist of chromatic, dreamlike beings, and seemingly angelic motifs drenched in sunset, twilight worlds.

In Person Event

The CoVault group of artists and GALA - the Gresham Area League, for the Arts have invited Janna Kimel of the Chronic Pain Project to give a talk during their exhibit Calm into Chaos.

Janna will be talking about how, for many of us, art is a wonderful space that truly gives us a moment of quiet amidst the storm of managing chronic pain.

FREE to attend. No sign up required.

Thursday, September 25, 5.30—7pm

Gresham Council Chambers Building

1331 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR

Join our vibrant Slack community, where artists, chronic pain professionals, board members, and dedicated volunteers come together to share insights, support, and inspiration. Whether you're looking to connect with like-minded individuals, collaborate on projects, or simply find a supportive network, our community offers a welcoming space for everyone. Engage in meaningful discussions, access valuable resources, and be part of a dynamic group committed to making a difference. We can't wait to welcome you and see the unique contributions you'll bring to our community!

*Slack is an asynchronous online community where people can share ideas, research, connections with anyone else in the group. There’s a great tutorial here.

Want to read longer articles on the topic of chronic pain and art? Join us on Substack. We publish monthly longer form writing in that space. Free to subscribe, though you are always welcome to donate.

Keep showing up, keep cheering each other on — and as always, take care of yourselves!💛

If you like what you are reading, consider forwarding it to a friend!

Janna and the Chronic Pain Project Team