Delve into the ever changing world of Tresa Walker, who—while battling seizures, medications, surgeries, and strokes—taught herself to paint with her non dominant hand, offering a raw, visceral depiction of her perseverance through years of medical trauma. “Slightly Askew!” connects the links between the traumatic brain and an artist’s rebirth. 

Join us on this page of Tresa’s journey of creative revival. Slightly Askew will have its opening reception on October 1st 7:30-11pm and it’s closing reception October 15th 7:30-11pm. All other viewings by appointment only.

ARTIST STATEMENT 

“Hello everyone! I am excited to announce my art show "Slightly Askew!" This event is dear to my heart as it celebrates post-traumatic growth (PTG) and aims to shed light on arteriovenous vascular malformations (AVMs). 

In the year 2000, at the age of 23, I discovered I had an AVM in my brain's right frontal lobe. What followed were years of battling through seizures, medications, surgeries, and strokes. Despite the challenges, I persevered and channeled my experiences into my art and career. Through my paintings, I tell the story of my journey, showcasing the resilience and transformation I've undergone. 

One of the unique aspects of my art process is that I taught myself to paint using my non-dominant hand, resulting in pieces that are raw and unrefined. Your presence at the show would mean the world to me as we come together to raise awareness for AVMs, especially during AVM Awareness Month in October.

—

A few terms I’ve had to learn over the years, please familiarize yourself with the definition of terms for your awareness: 

Brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM), Embolism, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), Post Traumatic Growth (PTG)

-Tresa Walker”