Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation will debut ‘Scar Stories: A Visual Testimony of Sickle Cell Warriors,’ a new art exhibit that pairs intimate portraits with personal narratives to reveal the hidden toll of sickle cell disease. The exhibit opens with a celebration on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cayenne Wellness Center Sanctuary and Art Gallery, 216 S. Louise Street in Glendale, California, and runs through December 6, 2026.
Sickle cell disease causes severe pain, repeated hospitalizations, surgeries and organ failure, leaving physical scars that often tell only part of the story. ‘Scar Stories’ aims to bring the unseen emotional and personal impact into view through a powerful collection of portraits by photographer Heather Avant of Artfully Avant, who is also a sickle cell warrior. ‘As the photographer and a warrior myself, Scar Stories is a true visualization of the aftermath of sickle cell disease on the human body. As warriors, we bear the scars of battle,’ Avant said.
The portraits are paired with deeply personal narratives curated by Dr. Patrise Holden of The Language Key. Attendees can also purchase a companion book of over 200 pages featuring documentary photography and personal stories. Thanks to Agios Pharmaceuticals, participants featured in the book will receive a complimentary copy.
The opening celebration will bring together warriors, families, health equity advocates, healthcare professionals and elected officials, including Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, Assembly Members Mike Gipson and Nick Schultz, and Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian. A press conference is set for 6:30 p.m.
‘By documenting the physical scars and personal narratives of individuals living with sickle cell disease, this project transforms what is often hidden into a powerful visual testimony of survival, resilience, and strength,’ said Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center.
The exhibit is presented in collaboration with the Sickle Cell Community Consortium and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. For tickets and more information, visit scarstoriesexhibit.com.
