You see the tip. We live with the whole iceberg. 🧊

September is Chronic Pain Awareness Month, and this visual says everything we wish people understood.

That "persistent pain" everyone sees? It's just the beginning. Underneath are sleepless nights, medical bills, isolation, grief, and so much more that stays hidden beneath the surface.

But here's what else lives underwater: our incredible resilience, deep empathy, and creative solutions we've had to build just to navigate the world.

To everyone living with chronic pain: You are seen. Your whole iceberg matters.

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!

We will discuss the challenges of our current healthcare system and how making art can support your well-being.

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

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!

New merch alert! 🎉

Your favorite Chronic Pain Project logo is now available on the goods you actually use every day! Rock our signature design on comfy hats, carry it with you on water bottles and notebooks, or start your morning with it on a cozy mug. ☕✨

Every purchase sends a portion of proceeds directly back to CPP to fund more life-changing workshops and exhibits for our community. So you're not just getting quality merch (it really is good quality, we checked it out ourselves!) - you're investing in spaces where chronic pain voices are heard, art gets made, and real connections happen.

Ready to rep your community while supporting the cause? Hit up our store now!

Our gallery isn't just art - it's raw, honest expressions of the chronic pain experience created by incredibly talented artists in our community. These one-of-a-kind pieces capture everything from the struggle to the strength, the isolation to the connection, and everything in between that words can't quite express.

The best part? Most pieces are priced so affordably you won't believe the level of talent you're getting. Plus, when you purchase, proceeds are split between the artist (supporting their creative journey) and CPP (funding more opportunities for our community to create and connect).

Whether you're looking for something that speaks to your own experience or want to support artists who deserve recognition, you'll find meaningful work that belongs on your walls - not hidden away.

Browse our gallery and bring home art that truly matters 💜 Reach out directly to inquire about a purchase.

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