Artist’s Reception
August 17th Artist’s Reception and Writing Workshop at the Vancouver Community Library
Join us for a delightful afternoon with 2 events at the Vancouver Community Library.

Join us at 1pm for a fun and friendly get-together where you can meet and chat with the artists! We'll be in the Skamania room, where you can mingle and enjoy some great conversations.
You'll find maps of the library's art displays, and there will be plenty of time to explore the pieces and discuss them with the artists themselves. Plus, we've got some light refreshments for you to enjoy.
This event is free and open to everyone, so feel free to sign up here and come along!
Join us at 3 pm for an engaging workshop hosted by the Northwest Narrative Medicine Collective and the Chronic Pain Project, led by Alexis Rehrmann from NWNM. Over the course of 90 minutes, you'll have the chance to dive into the world of art and even try your hand at some writing. Best of all, it's free and open to everyone!
Don't forget to sign up here.

Map of Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver, WA
Art Workshop
Photos from Art workshop at the Vancouver Library

Collage by workshop attendee

Workshop attendee sharing collage
We had a wonderful gathering last Thursday. Twelve people attended an in person workshop at the Vancouver Community Library.
They created collages, paintings and drawings about their experiences living with chronic pain.
What’s your experience? What medium entices you? Get out your old magazine, paints or pencils and share your experiences. We’d love to see them.

The spiral of chronic pain
Artists Reconnecting Through Sharing
Connect Remotely with Other Artists - Saturday, August 23
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.

Art by Jordan Delaine Brady - Behind the Veil
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!
Live, In Person Event
Save the Date: “A Prescription for Change” at White Oak Books in Vancouver, WA on September 18
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.

Online Community
Join our Online Community!
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.
That’s it for this week.
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