Anna Wiancko-Chasman

Living on the Washougal River, Anna collects an array of driftwood, pinecones, sticks and other found objects that she runs across here and there. She states, “It’s a joy putting all these pieces together. I love finding bits and pieces of things and wondering where it all fits in. There’s an element of creativity that is bigger than art. I am inspired by the miracle that this planet is and by the life here. I love mixing all the elements together. I get so excited about it. I love humor in art. I try to speak out about critical and difficult issues facing people and the planet, but also balance this with art that is whimsical and humorous.”

In addition to creating artwork in her home studio , Anna teaches classes in clay and mixed media to adults and children. She is also an art therapist and art therapy supervisor who earned her master’s degree in the subject and became an art therapist for the Hospice of Portland for five years and also worked at the Dougy Center in Portland. After moving to Port Angeles, she set up a private practice, specializing in grief and loss. Having lost a sixteen year old daughter to cancer, Anna became interested in helping others who were also suffering a loss. Anna explains, ” I believe my own experience and the experience of helping others through such difficult and challenging times have enriched my own personal growth and expression, and given be an understanding of deep human connections, even if someone is not involved in art therapy, just the process of making art can have a deep healing impact on the artist.”