The 7th Annual Alchemical Vessels Exhibition and Benefit at the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery - The Transformative Power of the Written Word - is inspired by Smith Center’s Cancer Support Programs community. We have selected written pieces authored by Smith Center participants over the years from which 100 artists have been asked to respond to create their vessel. The ethos of Smith Center is the transformative experiences and practices that take place throughout the center. The wellness programs offered at Smith Center give participants the unique opportunity to explore the process of healing through personal expression, integrative healing practices, and community support.

Together, our community of artists, healers and those in need of healing, has experienced alchemy — the inexplicable, magical, and profound transformation of the human spirit. Since 2013, our Alchemical Vessels exhibitions have featured the responses of hundreds of artists to the promise of this transformation and the 2019 exhibition promises to be no exception. As words enable us to define our truths, experiences, and emotions, this year, we want to recognize the power of the written word to serve as a vessel for healing.

Not only does your generous purchase of a premier or standard benefit ticket allow you to own a unique piece of art from some of the finest artists in the DMV and enjoy a lovely night of music and food, but all proceeds help fund Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, the only independent cancer support center based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to develop and promote healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental wellness and lead to life-affirming changes to those affected by cancer.

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2019 participating artists include: Negar Ahkami, Sobia Ahmad, Julie Ainsworth, Lina Alattar, Maremi Andreozzi, Damon Arhos, Andrew Baritz, Meg Biram, Daniel Brooking, Nikki Brugnoli Whipkey, Patrick Burns, Adjoa Burrowes, Renee Butler, Craig Cahoon, Rosyln Cambridge, Martin Cervantez, Kung Chee Keong, Kay Chernush, Schroeder Cherry, Naomi Christianson, Irene Clouthier, Mandy Cooper, Susi Cora, Tory Cowles, Sala Damali, Marcel Deolazo, Juliee Dickerson-Thompson, Elsabe Dixon, Patricia Eprem, Sharon Fishel, Lillian Fitzgerald, Kate Fitzpatrick, Maya Fletcher Sun, Elaine Florimonte, Cianne Fragione, Carey Francis, Barbara Frank, Helen Frederick, Emily Fussner, Ric Garcia, Beth Hansen, Sarah Hardesty, Robin Harris, Francine Haskins, Mira Hecht, Alessandra Hernandez, Jeff Herrity, Lisa Hill, Leslie Holt, Gary Honig, Noelle Imparto, Bahar Jalehmahmoudi, Benjamin Jancewicz, Barbara Januszkiewicz, Guy Jones, Christopher Kardambikis, Anna Katalkina, Nilou Kazemzadeh, Jean Kim, Gary Kret, Kate Kretz, Jeremy Kunkel, Shelley Lowenstein, Jayne Matricardi, Carolina Mayorga,Scot Mckenzie, Tim Moran, Cynthis Mosley Sands, Kelsey Nieto, Lisa Noble, Jen Noone, Shanti Norris, Zsudayka Nzinga (Terrell), Anthony Palliparambil, Elizabeth Piper Board, Kelly Posey, Rafeal Rodriguez, Azadeh Sahraeian, Rael Salley, Renee Sandell, Rhonda Silver, Anne Smith, Champ Taylor, James Terrell, Evans Thorne, Jerry Truong, Denise Valdez, Ellyn Weiss, Michael West, Josh Whipkey, Dawn Whitmore, Elise Wiarda, Jenny Wu, Thomas Xenakis, Bobby Yi, Abigail Yitagesu, Saaraliisa Ylitalo