I was alone in a lead-lined room, hooked up to a powerful machine with lots of lights and noises. The session only lasted eight minutes, but I felt isolated. All I could find were a few security cameras, beige wallpaper and outdated paintings. My eyes darted around the room, looking for something to help me gain mental footing to get through. I remember the anxiety that ran through my mind during the first session. I thought about the challenges I had faced before ever reaching the room, and how every woman who ends up there has already survived a long and sometimes painful journey. 'When my radiation oncologist asked me to create artwork for the room where I had received brachytherapy radiation, I was honored, but I also felt a great responsibility. Ongoing treatments have made Jessi extremely sensitive to smells and we want her to enjoy herself as much as possible. *** We would like to request that attendees forego any perfumes, scents or colognes *** The proceeds will go towards mounting medical bills and hopefully inspire any and all who have faced similar battles, or battles yet to come. We chose Mother's Day to announce this special, pop-up exhibition. The battle continues and through it, in tandem, these women have created two powerful bodies of work. This past year brought with it an intense battle for Jessi against an aggressive form of cancer. Jessi and her mother, Kathy, have long looked to creativity and the visual arts in times of struggle. Look for features in the upcoming issues of Nashville Arts Magazine, The Nashville Scene, Native and The Tennessean. If you're not familiar with her story, you will be very soon.

Jessi Zazu has been a staple of Nashville's music scene, a social justice advocate and an across-the-board creative force for many years. Exhibitions JESSI ZAZU & KATHY WARINER: UNDEFEATED Julia Martin Gallery / 444 Humphreys St.

Jessi zazu