Each month Echoes hosts a monthly gathering in which we invite a member from the larger Bellingham community to share about their life - why are they here? what are they doing to make life better here in the ‘ham? how can we learn from them? Past guests have included a ‘hamster who shared reflections about moving to the Southern border, a beloved WWU instructor who continues to live with the effects of brain trauma, three women who shared about being Muslim in Bham, an iconic drag queen, a Lummi filmmaker, and the jury foreman for the Federal Rodney King Trail.

“Mahalia,” by Christen Mattixx

Our August speaker will be Bellingham Artist, Christen Mattixx
Our primary discussion topic is the healing power of art, with related emphases on art as spirituality, and art as vocation. Through Christen’s many forms of art, from knitting a half mile skein to connect her neighborhood to Bellingham Bay, to painting, social sculpture and poetry booths, to curating the Malissa Perry project, Mattixx has touched the lives of scores of Bellinghamsters.

Christen Mattix is a writer, artist and connector. She makes paintings, sculptures, performance art and catalyzes community engagement. Mattix has exhibited throughout the Pacific Northwest and nationally. She received a BFA from Western Washington University and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. Mattix grew up in Thailand and currently resides in Bellingham, WA. christenmattix.com

The event is free and open to all; donations are welcome.

Location is the Old Parish Hall, 2116 Walnut St, which is made possible by St Paul’s Episcopal Church

A variety of snacks will be available; feel free to contribute!

"On Earth as it is in Heaven," by Christen Mattixx