Leaders at the Childrens Healing Art Project, newly relocated to Sellwood, are - from left - Executive Director Sarah Panetta, Art Club Coordinator Grace Littig, and Program Manager Faye Pendergrass.

The “Children’s Healing Art Project” (CHAP) has moved to 8065 S.E. Grand Ave, #160, on the north side of the east end of the Sellwood Bridge.

Executive Director Sarah Panetta explains, “We bring the healing power of art to children and families facing medical challenges. We have a mobile team of teaching artists who work in local hospitals, clinics, and community art spaces. At our regular hospitals we have carts stored on-site, and patients know when we will be there.”

The unique program was founded in 2006 to provide free support to children in need, through in-hospital programs, Art Club, and outreach. “It helps patients and family members cope, encourages compliance with treatment plans, and increases self-confidence,” says Panetta. “The activities also encourage self-expression; reduce stress, pain, and isolation; and promote quality of life.”

The organization is partially funded by fees for services and parties hosted on the site, but mostly through fundraisers and donations. An annual auction, “CHAPlandia,” raises both funds and awareness of the project. This year’s auction will take place downtown in the Pearl District on November 5.

“When we moved to Sellwood,” reveals Panetta, “St Agatha’s hosted an Art Drive for us. CHAP also collaborates with other organizations to share donated materials, if we can’t use them.”

Program Manager Faye Pendergrass works to organize communication and volunteers. “We currently have seven employees and some 200 part-time volunteers, although many of our business partners also supply volunteers,” she remarks. “Volunteers in the hospitals require specific training, since fragile families need stable and committed volunteers. Teaching artists only work part-time, since the work can be emotionally intense. Many teens work with us, and are very good with the children.

“We offer classes such as jewelry-making, collage, sewing, watercolors, fabric painting, puppets, masks, clay, and photography. We even partner with a farmer who has a gentle white horse that allows children to hand paint on its sides!

“Crafts include yarn, glitter, sequins, colored tissue paper — whatever the children request. We also have a ‘Wish List’ on Amazon.” Pictures of many finished crafts are posted on CHAP’s Facebook page.

Art Club Coordinator Grace Littig helps outpatient kids, siblings, and adults, to enjoy the two-hour classes, and the summer and holiday workshops. “CHAP’s Mobile Art Studio features an ever-changing array of art supplies and projects, and ‘teaching artists’ who are trained to spark imaginations,” says Littig. “All activities are based on the needs and choices of children and their families. Through OHSU we serve everyone they serve, from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.”

Donations of art supplies and funds are always welcome, and the staff is happy to explain the program. Call 503/422-1893 for information, or go online: http://www.chap.name . “The neighborhood here is so welcoming,” smiles Panetta. “We have a partnership with ‘Collage’ on S.E. 13th Avenue, and we have regular volunteer groups from ‘Creative Goal Solutions’. We would also like to connect with local schools.

“CHAP brings so much joy and satisfaction; we’re pleased to provide a fun and empowering service to families.”