The Simplest JOYS Artists Reception & Lecture

The Simplest JOYS is an art exhibit featuring digital portraits of 20 children who chose to see the simplest joy during their own battles with cancer. Artist Diana Mordin of Irvine has made it her mission to raise awareness of childhood cancer. The Simplest JOYS runs September 9-October 7, marking National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Mordin's inspiration was 12 year-old Jessie Rees, whom Mordin created a portrait of one week after Jessie's diagnosis of inoperable brain tumors. Jessie's message to children fighting cancer, "never ever give up," has become the name of the foundation, NEGU, that her parents established after Jessie lost her fight to cancer in 2012.