Programs | Creative Arts Expression

Art therapy is a powerful therapeutic tool for individuals impacted by cancer, offering a creative and emotional outlet to process the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It provides a safe space for patients and their families to express feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that may be difficult to put into words. Engaging in artistic activities like painting or drawing can help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, and promote a sense of control in a situation that often feels overwhelming.

At the GCC Art of Resilience gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Clubhouse, the healing power of art is celebrated each year. Members are invited to submit artwork they have created through the numerous GCC art therapy programs, showcasing their journeys and strength. This inspiring collection is unveiled at an art gallery opening in the late spring, offering a moment of reflection, connection, and empowerment for both artists and attendees.

Submission application fort the 2026 Art of Resilience Gallery will be open soon! If you have questions, email sophiecanade@gildasclubchicago.org.

Art is therapy! Each week, our caring art therapists conduct individual art therapy projects with those receiving treatment at the Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine. To request a session, please email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org or talk with your healthcare provider.

You don’t have to be “good” at art to benefit from art therapy. In fact, to simply make art is to be good at it. Art therapy provides joyful healing, self-confidence, inner peace, problem solving, and communication.

Gilda’s Club Chicago partners with the Caring Arts Foundation each month to bring creative expression activities to our members. Designed as an open arts studio, Caring Arts provides all the supplies and supportive instruction you need to create at your own pace and leave with a finished piece of art. Each session features a new theme and artistic medium. Art has the power to heal. Research shows that engaging in creative expression can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and improve both mental and physical health for people facing cancer.

The Caring Arts Foundation is a Chicago-based non profit dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer through music, fine art, journaling, photography, and other creative disciplines.

Join us during Saturday LIVE programming at both the Downtown Clubhouse and the GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Downtown Clubhouse | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2026 Dates: February 14, April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10, December 12

GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2026 Dates: March 28, May TBA, July 25, September 26, November TBA

Mondays | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Virtual

This group has evolved to focus on building skills with a diverse range of art materials. Each session begins with a bit of guidance, followed by time to create, and concludes with an opportunity to share artwork with one another. These sessions offer a welcoming, supportive space for participants to explore their creativity within a community. The group embraces all forms of affordable art-making, encouraging everyone to bring their ideas and a sense of adventure.

Facilitator:
Sophie Canade, LCPC, ATR

Wednesdays | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lurie Cancer Center, Galter Pavilion, 17th Floor

Unleash your imagination through the art of collage. Experiment with color, texture, and found images as you create unique works that reflect your own style and story. Whether you’re new to art or a lifelong maker, you’ll find inspiration and connection in this fun, hands-on class.

The Midweek Muse

Make Wednesdays your day for creativity, connection, and self-expression. Join us at Lurie Cancer Center for The Midweek Muse, where artist-led classes offer a welcoming space to explore your artistic side—no experience or supplies needed!

Wonderful World of Watercolor | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Discover the magic of watercolor through projects that invite you to play with color, texture, and technique. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned creative, you’ll find inspiration, relaxation, and connection in every brushstroke.

Tuesdays | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Downtown Clubhouse

This is an open studio, and we will provide the supplies for this self-directed activity. Come connect with others and find your creative flow.

Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Virtual

Journal writing can be a form of meditation, stress relief and self-expression. This class incorporates drawing, mark making, collage and creative writing techniques to give participants the tools and inspiration to explore their creative side.

Facilitator:
Audra Eisin-Banazek, LCPC, ATR

Wonderful World of Watercolor | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Discover the magic of watercolor through projects that invite you to play with color, texture, and technique. Whether you’re a first-time painter or a seasoned creative, you’ll find inspiration, relaxation, and connection in every brushstroke.

The Midweek Muse

Make Wednesdays your day for creativity, connection, and self-expression. Join us at Lurie Cancer Center for The Midweek Muse, where artist-led classes offer a welcoming space to explore your artistic side—no experience or supplies needed!

Creative Collage | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Unleash your imagination through the art of collage. Experiment with color, texture, and found images as you create unique works that reflect your own style and story. Whether you’re new to art or a lifelong maker, you’ll find inspiration and connection in this fun, hands-on class.