My Article in NAMI Voice Newsletter

Bringing Peace and Happiness to the Psych Ward An article which ran in the NAMI Voice newsletter, Spring 2013 As a member of the National Alliance of Mental Illness and lecturer in a psych ward, I introduce a meditation exercise to my groups. I have everyone get comfortable and relaxed and count from toe to … Continue reading →

A Favorite Memory

I was painting from a picture of a lady on a swing on a warm springs day. It was a blend of impressionism and realism and I was overcome by the feeling of peace and tranquility as I painted it. It reminded me of all the times I lectured at the psych ward and gave … Continue reading →

Mother’s Day

It is a sunny wonderful day today. I felt that I was losing my footing. I woke up remembering all the wonderful things that my mother had done for me, like helping me to walk with polio and bringing the source of art into my life. I felt like bursting in tears, sprinting through the … Continue reading →

Looking forward to the President’s Address

Releasing the pressure of paranoia, grief, and depression of the last year as I calm my spirits by painting this Rose. I hope that people are able to discover the healing meanings in their projects and art as their projects lead them into unique patterns of imagination for the future.

Tempering the storm

“I want to temper the storm of injustice and to bring passion to those struggling with pain and loss.” Painting of an African American girl by Sherry M. Joiner

Easter

This Easter I was having emotional feelings about our leaders and the ones who perished needlessly including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honoring Dr. Luther King Jr.’s passing Day. I went to the Grotto and lit a candle for strength, for the ones that I believed caressed the world with truth, peace, equality, love, … Continue reading →

Spring

Painting by Sherry Joiner. Thanks Sherry for sharing and opening up your heart to so many people  You are a Trailblazer in an unique, powerful, and inspirational way! This might be Women’s History Month but your life is “Experiencing and Living History of Creativity and Over-Coming Obstacles” and “Rising UP” Helen Nolen

Madam Secretary of Interior

What a beautiful embracing time it is for the tribal communities and our Nation to have Representatve Deb Haaland elected for Secretary of Interior. Throughout the years I did portraits of Native Americans and I admire the strengths, beauty and arts of the Native American Indians and their way of life. My father was part … Continue reading →

In Gratitude

Thank you so much President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Biden Administration for your hard work in creating and passing the Rescue Plan Act. Your love and caring for the America people who have be suffering and struggling through this pandemic is making a difference. Our country is beginning to blossom. Everyone please … Continue reading →

North Clackamas Arts Guild

During this pandemic an art organization named North Clackamas Arts Guild that I am a member of has been encouraging its members to paint and to submit their pictures for their Newsletters. We had been through sickness and fires but the leaders never gave up, energized us with email contacts, kind words of caring, giving … Continue reading →

Painting of Mt. Hood

Two weeks after my fortieth birthday, Feb. 24th, my mom took her life. She wrote a note saying that she would like her ashes to be spread on the heel of Mt. Hood in a valley by a crystal blue stream. My mom’s life was rocky with disappointments meeting her at the doorstep. Still she … Continue reading →