OTHELLO — Sandy Mitchell began drawing Zentangle art three years ago when she lost someone close to her and needed a way to cope with the loss.

“I had made cards before and done a lot of crafts,” said the Othello native. “I hadn’t done any drawing for a long time. I needed something to do to deal with my loss. I needed something I could do with the supplies I already had.”

Mitchell went to a craft store in Moses Lake and found a beginning Zentangle book. Soon she was making her own designs. Zentangle is similar to the designs found in black and white adult coloring books.

“Some people call it doodling,” Mitchell said. “There is a whole lot more to it.”

While some of her drawings are in black and white, Mitchell also does some in color. She uses ink, pencils, colored pencils, and, occasionally, watercolor pencils.

Mitchell said that drawing in the Zentangle style works similar to meditation. She uses it to help her relieve pain.

“When I had surgery a few years ago,” said Mitchell, “I was waiting for the pharmacy to bring me medication. I was drawing the whole time. I have a lot of physical things going on. I don’t like to take pain pills. Drawing makes me feel better. It puts me into a zen state of mind. I can draw for hours and not notice what time it is.”

Mitchell’s work will be on display at the Othello Old Hotel Art Gallery during the month of June. Her work will be featured during an open house on Saturday, June 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Old Hotel Art Gallery, 33 E Larch St, in Othello.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].