Twistshops
Welcome
“Twistshops” are art therapy-focused workshops that promote healing, relaxation and emotional recovery through art therapy based interventions that are designed to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress related to cancer.
Twistshops welcome individuals who have been touched by cancer to engage in art therapy based workshops that focus on utilizing the arts as a mechanism for healing.
Download Our Information Booklet
Survivors, caregivers and previvors are invited to participate. Participants will be guided by a licensed art therapist through a variety of art-making activities that will allow participants to process their past and current experiences as a patient, caregiver or supporter of someone with cancer. Through storytelling and mindful art-making, the intention is to help participants explore different emotions, and in turn revive self, heal and find ways to move forward.
Twist Out Cancer is committed to offering our programming free of charge for cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and family members. If you’re in a position to make a tax deductible contribution to support our work, please feel free to do so. We are so grateful for our community that supports us in so many ways.
This month we will be partnered with LUNGEVITY. As the nation’s leading lung cancer organization, LUNGevity is dedicated to improving the quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the disease. Through comprehensive resources and a commitment to health equity, they work toward a vision of a world where no one dies of lung cancer.
October Virtual Twistshop: Every Breath Forward - Partnered with LUNGEVITY
Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Start time: 6:30pmCST/7:30pmEST
Facilitated by: Callie (Cullinan) Ludwig, LPCC-S, LPAT, ATR-BC
Inspired by the Every Breath Forward art installations, participants will explore personal sources of hope, resilience, and community by creating a symbolic Hope Flag. Through the use of colors, symbols, words, and imagery, participants will create a meaningful piece of art that encourages self-expression and reflection while honoring their personal strength and healing.
Suggested materials:
Cardstock/Paper
Scissors
Glue
Markers
Crayons
Pastels
Collage Materials (if preferred, not required)
November Virtual Twistshop: Shinrin-yoku and Returning to Nature for Therapeutic Relaxation - Partnered with Epic Experience
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Start time: 6:30pmCST/7:30pmEST
Facilitated by: Mignon Dupepe, LCPC, ATR
Themes: Connection, Healing, Relaxation
Join us for an exploration of letting go and embracing seasonal change as it relates to cancer and grief.
Suggested materials:
Plain paper/watercolor paper
Watercolor paints/water/brushes
Colorful markers/pastels/crayons
Leaf/evergreen leaves/branch to touch and be inspired!
Come and create with the Epic Experience and Twist Out Cancer community for an evening of healing, relaxation, and connection through art. Join Art Therapist Mignon Dupepe as we use art materials and processes, poetry, meditation, and discussion to explore the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku; the practice of spending, mindful, slow-paced time in a forest or natural setting to improve physical and mental health. No prior art experience required to participate-just an interest in using art materials for expression and growth and opportunities to connect with others.
Questions? Contact Jacqueline Carmody at jacqueline@twistoutcancer.
Space is limited, please register for each monthly session to attend.
2026 Twistshop Dates: January 9th, February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 8th, June 5th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 2nd, November 6th, December 4th
In person: RUSH Twistshop Series
Join Twist Out Cancer and RUSH Cancer Center for a monthly arts therapy workshop with art therapist and Twistshop Director, Jacqueline Carmody.
When: First Friday of every month at 10-11:15am CST
Where: Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
1520 W. Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Room Number: Supportive Oncology Suite (4th Floor)
Who: survivors, caregivers, patients, healthcare professionals, and previvors. This series is open to the community and individuals seeking treatment at any RUSH locations.
In person: RUSH Lisle Twistshop Series
Join Twist Out Cancer and RUSH Lisle for a monthly arts therapy workshop with art therapist and Twistshop facilitator, Mignon Dupepe.
When: Thursdays every month from 10-11:15am CST.
2026 Twistshop Dates: January 8th, February 12th, March 12th, April 9th, May 14th, June 11th, July 9th, August 13th, September 10th, October 8th, November 12th, December 10th
Where: RUSH Lisle
2455 Corporate W Dr, Lisle, IL 60532
Series will be held in the atrium.
Who: survivors, caregivers, patients, healthcare professionals, and previvors. This series is open to the community and individuals seeking treatment at any RUSH locations.
Questions? Contact Jacqueline Carmody at jacqueline@twistoutcancer.
Space is limited, please register for each monthly session to attend.
2026 Twistshop Dates: January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 13, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3
In-person: OSF Little Company of Mary Twistshop Series
Join Twist Out Cancer and OSF Little Company of Mary for a monthly arts therapy workshop with art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor, Jacqueline Carmody.
When: The first Thursday of *every month in 2026 from 10:15am-11:30am
*May and August will be held on the second Thursday of the month*
Where: OSF Little Company of Mary Cancer Center Library 2800 W. 95th Street 1st Floor, South Pavilion Evergreen Park, IL 60805
This series is open to the public.
This series will introduce you to new and exciting art making techniques to promote social connection, relaxation and healing. All art materials are included!
Free Monthly Sessions available to OSF Little Company of Mary patients and families starting January 8, 2026!
Questions? Contact Jacqueline Carmody at jacqueline@twistoutcancer.org or Donna Reed at Donna.S.Reed@osfhealthcare.org
Space is limited, please register for each monthly session to attend. Each session will be hybrid, allowing participation in person and virtually!
In-person: OSF Little Company of Mary Twistshop Series
Join Twist Out Cancer and OSF Little Company of Mary for a monthly arts therapy workshop with art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor, Jacqueline Carmody.
When: The first Thursday of *every month in 2026 from 10:15am-11:30am
*May and August will be held on the second Thursday of the month*
Where: OSF Little Company of Mary Cancer Center Library 2800 W. 95th Street 1st Floor, South Pavilion Evergreen Park, IL 60805
This series is open to the public.
This series will introduce you to new and exciting art making techniques to promote social connection, relaxation and healing. All art materials are included!
Free Monthly Sessions available to OSF Little Company of Mary patients and families starting January 8, 2026!
Questions? Contact Jacqueline Carmody at jacqueline@twistoutcancer.org or Donna Reed at Donna.S.Reed@osfhealthcare.org
Space is limited, please register for each monthly session to attend. Each session will be hybrid, allowing participation in person and virtually!
2026 Twistshop Dates: January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 13, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3
Jacqueline Carmody, Director
Jacqueline Carmody is a Twist Out Cancer Board Member, Brushes with Cancer Artist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Board Certified Art Therapist. Jaqueline will be running our signature Twistshop programs with a team of talented clinicians and is excited to bring this unique program to the community!
“My goal as an art therapist is to provide a safe space for everyone and offer them guidance in exploring different emotions that develop throughout their experience. What typically transpires is an evening filled with art making, bonding, and camaraderie.”
