Chicago-based sustainable art initiative Janie’s Art Journals has been selected to present a new series of handmade art journals at Salud Chicago’s Inaugural Gala, an event supporting the nonprofit’s community mental health work. The gala will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the National Museum of Mexican Art, located at 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608. The series, titled “Joy In Resilience,” was created by Chicago paper artist and Janie’s Art Journals founder Janie Flores and comprises five handmade journals that celebrate the resilience of Chicago’s neighborhoods and communities as they navigate daily challenges to their life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The significance of this announcement lies in its dual impact: it brings visibility to the intersection of art, sustainability, and mental health advocacy, while also providing direct support for Salud Chicago’s nonprofit mental health services. By showcasing works that are deeply rooted in the experiences of immigrant communities, the event underscores the power of creative expression to foster connection and healing. Moreover, the “Joy In Resilience” series demonstrates how discarded materials can be transformed into powerful narratives, challenging perceptions about value and worth in both art and society.
Each journal in the series is constructed from reclaimed materials, including protest signs and materials gathered from local communities and businesses, along with discarded papers, vintage materials, repurposed fabrics, and special touches of handmade art sourced from Oaxacan artisans in the Mexico Cultura y Orgullo collective. Together, these elements tell a story about the interconnectedness of immigrant life in Chicago and reflect lived realities shared by immigrant communities throughout the United States. “This series celebrates the incredible resilience that exists within our communities,” Flores said. “Our communities continue to thrive amidst uncertainty, fear and struggle, because there is joy. There is family. There is culture. There is unity. There is hope. That is the joy in resilience.”
The concept aligns with the foundation of Janie’s Art Journals, a sustainable art initiative founded in 2023 that transforms materials destined for landfills—such as old books, cardboard packaging, vintage papers, and reclaimed fabrics—into unique handmade works of art. Flores returned to paper arts during a deeply personal period following the loss of her mother, and what began as a creative outlet and a way to process grief has grown into an initiative centered on storytelling, sustainability, connection, curiosity, and healing. “Joy In Resilience” expands on that philosophy by asking a larger question: What can discarded materials tell us about the people and communities that refuse to be discarded?
From protest signs to packaging from neighborhood businesses, every element carries a piece of a larger story. The journals become both art and archive, preserving fragments of community life while reimagining them into something new. The opportunity to present this series at Salud Chicago’s Inaugural Gala is especially meaningful because the event will benefit ongoing community mental health work while bringing together art, community, and a shared commitment to making mental health resources more accessible in ways that are affirming and rooted in community. Those interested in attending can visit https://saludchicago.com/#events for more information.
Janie’s Art Journals is honored to be among the artists presenting work and looks forward to introducing “Joy In Resilience” as part of an evening celebrating the power of community, culture, creativity, and connection. The gala not only highlights the artistic achievements of local creators but also serves as a reminder of the vital role that community-based mental health services play in supporting resilience and well-being. By intertwining art with advocacy, the event exemplifies how creative practices can contribute to social change and communal healing.
