"STRINGS" Magazine

 

WEBERN QUARTET

November/December 2026

by Laurence Vittes

 

dnj Gallery on KTLA

 dnj Gallery's owner/director Pamela Schoenberg and artist Jill Covell sit down with KTLA to discuss the 'In Strength: a group show by artists connected to breast cancer' and 'Jill's journey' installation. They talk about how art can become a meaningful part of the healing journey. 

As part of our ArtandMed program, In Strength reflects our belief in the meaningful connection between art, health, and wellness; highlighting artists who have a personal connection with breast cancer. Our goal is to create a space where creativity encourages conversation, fosters understanding, and brings communities together. 

For the featured artist,  Jill Covell, the exhibition is deeply personal. A breast cancer survivor, Jill began creating artwork during her treatment as a way to process the physical and emotional challenges of her journey. 

Her collection of 20 paintings uses animals, colors, and symbolism to tell her story. Dolphins, for example, represent the need to come up for air during difficult times, while a dragon and butterfly symbolize the strength and vulnerability that coexist through the cancer journey. Gold lines inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery reflect transformation and the beauty of being put back together.

At its heart, In Strength is about sharing stories, celebrating resilience, and reminding those navigating the cancer journey that they are not alone.

We invite you to visit the show and experience the exhibition for yourself.

Jill's Journey Reception and CALM Art meditation

 Saturday, October 17th

CALM Art (an Art Mediation) pairs simple mindfulness techniques with meditative, guided art-making. The practice is designed to help shift the mind out of the high-alert Beta and Gamma wavelengths associated with stress and into the calmer, more focused Alpha state linked to better sleep, lower stress and improved emotional regulation. 

CALM Art was founded by Jill Covell MFA, ATP, and Certified Master Mindset Life Coach, who developed the program out of her own healing journey through breast cancer, combining her fine arts background with mindfulness and art therapy practice. Her installation “Jill’s Journey” chronicles that same experience through the lens of spirit animals. 

A reception and book signing with Covell immediately followed the workshop, giving guests a chance to meet the artist and view “Jill’s Journey” in the gallery.

Living Beauty sponsored this workshop. Living Beauty Cancer Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that exists to educate, uplift and empower more than 8,000 women with cancer. Living Beauty has spent more than two decades empowering women living with cancer through community, sisterhood, resources and holistic wellness programs. 

Sponsoring this session also continues their mission, connecting Living Beauty women and the broader community with a creative, supportive space led by one of their own.

'Paint and Sip' Fundraiser

Saturday, October 10th 

The participants recreated a fall-inspired painting while supporting programs for people affected by cancer. Artist, breast cancer survivor, and founder of CALM Art, Jill Covell will guide you through recreating this fall scene on the theme of Transitions.

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this event benefited Cancer Support Community Los Angeles' free mental health and wellness programs for people affected by cancer. CSCLA offers support for anyone affected by cancer—including patients, caregivers or loved ones, children, those who are post-treatment, and those who are bereaved.

This fundraiser is in partnership with dnj Gallery's group exhibition, In Strength, by artists connected to breast cancer, on view September 26th through December 5, 2026. In addition to facilitating the Paint & Sip fundraiser, Jill Covell is also one of the artists whose work is featured in this breast cancer awareness exhibit.