Elizabeth Dawn, CFPS
(b. 1981)
abstract memoir artist & editor
Memoirtistry was born to heal a diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
Disciplined and diligent, I seek salvation inside the blank canvas and make meaning.
I am moved by the violence of hope, the pain of anticipation, and the brutality of desire.
When I stick to the processes I have developed, I make great strides in recovery.
i /\m: not your ideal & i /\m: who you say i /\m:
In Production
My third memoir, I'm Not Wearing Any Pants: Undressing a Diagnosis, outlines the nine repeating symbols I uncovered through art and storytelling to aid myself in healing childhood religious trauma. To be released December 2026
Memoirtistry the Musical is outlined for development. TBD 2027
Bibliography
I Was a Good Wife: A Self-Portrait
Liz Gurley, removed from Amazon // 12122020
The Third Dream (illustrated by T.H. Kainaros)
Elizabeth Dawn, YAWP Literary & Art ‘Zine, Issue 7 // 04192024
Sustainability and The Power of Public Art,
Travis Barkefelt, Planet Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, PA // 092024
Wick Monet Offers Art “Commentary” in Latest Publication,
Foo Conner, The Reporter, Pittsburgh, PA // 092024
The Commentary
Wick Monet, Issues One - Six // 2024/2025
I Left a Stranger: A Coming Out & Into Estrangement
Elizabeth Dawn, removed from Amazon // 12302024 (second edition)
Meet Elizabeth Dawn
CanvasRebel Magazine // 06122025
Featured in NOSH: What My Sabbatical Taught Me About Connection, One Lunch at a Time
Heather Cleary // 11242025
Performance
National Anthem Soloist
Integrity Fighter Management // 082023 - 102025
Storytellers Benefit
Three Stories, Pittsburgh, PA // 0822-08232026
Contracts
Senior Ghostwriter
StoryTerrace // 052024 - present
Forensic Peer Support Specialist (CFPS)
Resources for Human Development, Pittsburgh, PA // 072025 - present
Exhibitions & Residencies
Featured Artist
Olyphant Art Supply, Olympia, WA // 082021
Featured Artist
Gallery BOOM!, Olympia, WA // 092021 - 102022
Featured Artist
Olympia Lamplighters Fundraising Gala, WA // 102021
Featured Artist
Harlequin Theater, Olympia, WA // 102022
Performing Artist in Residence
The Pitch on Butler, Pittsburgh, PA // 2024
Featured Artist
Trash and Treasure: Collection & Sentimentality // 042025
Internships & Mentorships
Publications Intern
Seattle International Film Festival, WA // 2019
Milan Art Institute Peer Mentor
Jessi Dahlquist, Contemporary Mixed Media // 092021 - 082022
Peer Business Coaching
Reclaiming Employment // 06302025-09262025
Podcasts
Memoirtistry, an artist’s process revealed
COMPLEX with Quincy Schmidt, Mental Health & Relationship Coach
Teaching
MasterClass with Memoirtistry: Process & Voice
FADlab, Atlanta, GA // 032023
Memoir & Artistry: Creative Storytelling
Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickley, PA // 052024 - 032025
Education & Certifications
Certified Editor
University of Washington, Seattle // 2018
Mastery Program Fine Arts
Milan Art Institute, Statham, GA // 2021
Art Commentary Program
Wick Monet, Pittsburgh, PA // 2024
Compulsive Behavior Study
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry // 2025
Certified Forensic Peer Support Specialist
Pennsylvania Certification Board // 05202025 - 05202027