Chronic Pain Awareness Month
Even Famous People Live With Chronic Pain
John Kennedy was a chronic pain sufferer. Like other presidents before him, he did his best to hide any hint of a health issue. He exhibited two tendencies typical of chronic pain sufferers.
First, he (consciously) hid his pain from the public. Most people with chronic pain don't intentionally hide it, but we know that our pain is not visible to the world. That increases isolation.
Second, he pushed through the pain, most of the time, because he had to. We share that with him. In order to have some quality of life, we struggle through the pain.
One way to decrease the isolation and the grind of pain, is to use art to communicate pain's impact. This is a big part of the mission of the Chronic Pain Project.
Last week was a bit of a doozy! The weekly-ish post never made it out. Hope you enjoy this week’s content.
In Person Event
Save the Date: Calm into Chaos
The CoVault group of artists and GALA - the Gresham Area League, for thArts have invited Janna Kimel. Execituve Director 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.
Thursday, September 25, 5.30—7pm
Gresham Council Chambers Building
1331 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, OR
In Person Event
“Prescription for Change” inspired healthcare dialogue
On Thursday evening, September 18th we hosted a wonderful conversation between artist McKenna Marvin and Dr Ron Turker moderated by board member Nancy Vuckovic, PhD. The evening spanned topics from the difficulties of getting care in our health system when you have chronic pain to how art can help you heal with chronic pain.
White Oak Books was our host for the evening. They had a table full of books on the topic of chronic pain, and everyone who attended left with a sketchbook and pen as inspiration to create.
The most eye-opening moment occurred when one woman shared that “just 30 seconds ago” did she realize her boyfriend, who sprained an ankle many years ago and works as a server now, lives with chronic pain.
People in chairs attending talk at White Oak Books
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Artists Reconnecting Through Sharing
Connect Remotely with Other Artists - Monday, September 29, 5-6.30 PST
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!
Epoch by Kaitlin Maude- $220
The Chronic Pain Project has been a breath of fresh air in my life, it has given me opportunities to expand the reach of my voice. As a mostly homebound artist, it has provided a safe place to come together and connect with other artists who are living a similar experience. There is something really special about having that instant understanding and connection with others creating through pain and hardship."
Like what you are reading? Please forward to a friend!
New Swag!
Make the Invisible Visible!
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!
Exhibit Update
Art For Sale
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.
"Well, making art is my number one pain management strategy. When I am making art, I There's this quote by Thomas Burton that says 'art is the place where you lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.' And I just, I just love that, because I do lose myself in the process, process of creating. I um, and I have to make art every day for my mental health, just so I can deal with this ... disease.”
There is No Light Without Shadow, sculpture by Jo G, $250
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.
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