FARMINGTON — Cancer survivors, their families and friends are invited to learn more about using art to share their stories in the new program called Nancy’s Brush.

Upcountry Artists Gallery and Learning Center, 161 Main St., will offer introductory receptions from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 16. Artist Marni Lawson will discuss how she, the late Susan Pomeroy, and others have used art to share their experiences.

Nancy’s Brush started from a dream of artist Nancy Teel, who died in June 2014 from breast cancer. As a volunteer coordinator for the United Way, Teel promoted the use of art and touched people with her love of community.

Teel wanted to inspire the cancer community to express themselves with creativity whether in the form of paint, collage, writing, photography, quilting or drawing stories on a mural.

Teel wanted to paint a mural depicting her own journey with cancer. She wanted to inspire, comfort and provide a lasting message of hope for others struggling with disease. Teel was not able to complete that work.

After Teel died, her family didn’t want to see her dream die and asked friends to continue it, Marcia Siebenmann said.

A mural project begins in June. The program is free and supplies are provided.

This is an opportunity for cancer survivors, family members and friends to celebrate their strengths, explore their creativity and express their emotions and insights through painting, writing, movement or other art forms.

Local artists will work with participants. No prior experience is necessary.

For more information about Nancy’s Brush or to sign up, stop by Upcountry Artists Gallery and Learning Center, contact [email protected] or call Marcia at 207-628-3011.