05/26/2026
SAVE THE DATE!
La Peña Gallery and The Artemis Project warmly invite you to
FROM HELL TO HEALTH – Journeys through PTSD/PTSI
A Book Presentation, Collective Art Exhibit & Live Music
Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 13, 2026
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Book Presentations/discussions:
2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Live Music by Ian Wasdin:
5:00 PM
The launch of FROM HELL TO HEALTH – journeys through PTSD/PTSI
Co-edited by Randall Burks Sexton and Pamela Ellen Ferguson
The launch of FROM HELL TO HEALTH – journeys through PTSD/PTSI combined with an exhibit of artwork and books of contributors, including the works of our Artemist artists familiar to all of you from our previous exhibits. Trauma is the common theme, along with the healing power of art, writing, and community activism, reflected in all of these works.
FROM HELL TO HEALTH was co-edited by psychiatric nurse practitioner and veteran Randy Sexton of Fort Riley, Kansas, and multi-published author/teacher Pam Ferguson, both of whom have explored innovative ways of working with trauma survivors. Pam is also the co-founder of the Artemis group, together with Dr Kimberly Layne, DAOM, L.Ac, Dipl OM, and Annie McMillin, decorated Army Veteran and practicing artist. Described as a “non-therapy therapy group,” the Artemis Project was created to give women veterans a chance to share stories of trauma and art in a supportive, informal environment. Dr Layne also contributed to the anthology – see her chapter 18 in the section titled Military and Veterans.
We dedicate our launch and exhibit to Shirley Ann Riley, who is currently fighting for her life in a Florida hospital. And, as Shirley would insist, we also dedicate the event to active servicewomen and men recovering in U.S. Army hospitals in Europe and the Gulf.
Collective Art Exhibit Featuring:
Laura Babcock, Carol Gonzales, Juanita “Janie” Gotts, Brian Joseph, Denise Knebel, Shirley Ann Riley, Glenn Towery, and Ashley Schor.
About Ian Wasdin
Austin-based classical guitarist Ian Wasdin performs a dynamic repertoire spanning classical, jazz, and rock influences. Trained at The Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin, Ian studied with John Dearman of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and Adam Holzman.
About The Artemis Project
Named after the Greek goddess of health and vigor, The Artemis Project is an informal peer group of women veteran artists and active service members exploring art as a means of processing trauma and post-traumatic stress unique to women in military service.
Additional works recognized during the event include:
Mikmoh Mouse of Cameroon by J.W. Gotts, Never Wake Up a Sleeping Dragon by Rogelio Cervantes, Dancing with Shadows by Marianne Steele, The Followers by Radhia Gleis, and Hurt by Kate Musemeche.
