Dusenberry-River Library invites you to an exhibit by local artist Chunyan He, on display until December 16, 2025.
Artist Statement:
My name is Chunyan He ( Rosey ), and my journey as an artist began in 2019, during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. That spring, a friend invited me to Tucson Chinese Christian Church, and just one week later, on Easter Sunday, I was baptized. In coming to know God, I found the strength I would soon need. Not long after, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
My church family surrounded me in prayer, and in June 2019, I began chemotherapy. During that time, my daughter brought art supplies, so that we could draw together. She soon lost interest, but I picked up the pencils and brushes. Though I had never practiced drawing before, God guided my hand, and I discovered a gift I didn’t know I had - painting the desert landscapes around me. Art became my lifeline.
By November 2019, I had my mastectomy. After recovering from my surgery, the friend from the same church invited me to go hiking. From there on, painting and hiking became my therapy - healing both body and spirit. To this day, art is not only my passion but also a gift from God, reminding me that beauty and purpose can rise even from the darkest seasons.
Images courtesy of the artist
