Janie’s Art Journals has been selected to present a new series of handmade art journals at Salud Chicago’s Inaugural Gala, an event benefiting the nonprofit’s community mental health work. The gala will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago. The series, titled “Joy In Resilience,” was created by Chicago paper artist and Janie’s Art Journals founder Janie Flores and consists of five journals that celebrate the resilience of Chicago’s neighborhoods and communities as they navigate daily challenges to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The journals are constructed from reclaimed materials, including protest signs, discarded papers, vintage materials, repurposed fabrics, and items gathered from local communities and businesses. They also incorporate handmade art sourced from Oaxacan artisans in the Mexico Cultura y Orgullo collective. According to Flores, these materials 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 discarded materials—old books, cardboard packaging, vintage papers, reclaimed fabrics, and other found items—into unique handmade works of art. The initiative emerged from Flores’ return to paper arts during a deeply personal period following the loss of her mother. What began as a creative outlet and a way to process grief has grown into a practice centered on storytelling, sustainability, connection, curiosity, and healing. “Joy In Resilience” builds on that philosophy by asking what discarded materials can 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, making the journals both art and archive.
The opportunity to present the series at Salud Chicago’s Inaugural Gala is especially meaningful because the event supports 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. The gala will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the National Museum of Mexican Art, located at 1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608. Those interested in attending can find more information and register at https://saludchicago.com/#events. 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.
For more information about Janie’s Art Journals, visit the artist website at https://ko-fi.com/janiesartjournals.
