Cancer Survivor Art Exhibit: April 3-May 11, 2008 Celebrates

A unique and moving exhibit of art created by cancer survivors, their loved ones and caregivers takes place at The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center to celebrate its official opening. The juried exhibit entitled, “Journeys Through Cancer: Art of Healing and Hope” features art by professional and amateur artists, with a geographic span that includes Baltimore and Maryland, but reaches all the way to California and even Turkey. The art is not only powerful visually, but each piece is accompanied by the artist’s statement about his or her personal journey through a cancer diagnosis.

Opening reception: Thursday, April 3, 2008, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Exhibition hours: April 3- May 11, Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m.-5:30 p.m. Both the opening reception and the general exhibit are free and open to the public.

The majority of artworks are for sale. Although the individual artist will receive the majority of the proceeds, a portion will to be distributed equally between The American Cancer Society and The Cancer Institute at St. Joseph Medical Center.

Press is welcome to cover the exhibit. Individual images of artworks are available. Here is a sampling of excerpts from the artists’ personal statements.

New Beginning Surviving cancer is one of the most wonderful gifts in the world.

Self-Examination is a series of self-portraits that explores my interior world of fear, pain, disfigurement, vanity, loss and recovery… issues involved in becoming “whole” again.

Beyond The Vows I wanted to understand what was going on in my mother’s life during her battle with breast cancer. Most importantly, I wanted to express who she is to me, and her role in my father’s life and my life.

Horse and Rider is a small painting of a horse and rider plunging into water, a perilous and dangerous situation that in some ways is similar to facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Flower Parts, 1999…I did have the energy to gather and arrange the leaves and petals of the many flowers sent to me by my friends…Making this image aided my recovery.

St. Joseph Medical Center is a 364-bed nonprofit, regional medical center in Towson, Md., and a member of Catholic Health Initiatives. Founded in 1864 by the Sisters of St. Francis, St. Joseph has been recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” as one of America’s best orthopaedic facilities and is a nationally ranked Top 100 heart hospital. For more information about St. Joseph Medical Center, visit sjmcmd.org.