Artist & Survivor: Ria Vanden Eynde (14)

Contributing artist & Survivor, Belgium

"Elysium"

Acrylic on (watercolor) paper-

6.9 by 9.2 in.

Ria Van Eynde



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Artist: Kathleen McHugh (13)

Contributing artist, Washington
"Outrider"
16" x 20"
Acrylic on canvas

Kathleen McHugh / Bio:

Kathleen McHugh is a Seattle painter who was awarded her BFA from the Cornish Institute in 1982. Her work has been selected for juried shows nationally and internationally,selected presentations of artist work, and publications which were distributed at international art fairs in the United States and Europe. Her work is published in Arte Euroamericano, publications by the Museum of the Americas, and exhibition catalogs.

Brief Artistic Statement:

Humanistic themes provide the inspiration for my art. Each work is a metaphor operating at a visual level in the territory of artistic expression. I am inspired by outriders at racetracks and am artistically exploring them. The painting "Outrider" expresses the power of horses even after a race, the steadfast unwavering relationship of outriders to their horses, and the fact that animals will always carry us, even when they are tired. I saw connection between these ideas and breast cancer. I dedicate this painting with love to my friend Ria, a breast cancer survivor. - 

Survivor:Elizabeth Myers (12)

Painted during TAC session one

"Breastless, Not Breathless"
Acrylic on canvas
16"x20"

 

Elizabeth's Story

In the summer of 2002 I found a lump in the upper interior of my left breast. I was not alarmed as I had received a negative mammogram exactly 6 months earlier. I had an appointment the next day with my pulmonary doctor, and upon telling him of my find the wheels were set into motion. I had a mammogram the following day and a biopsy the day after. On the 19th of July 2002 I was told I had breast cancer. My heart broke! I had to tell my family the news. I had to see the fear in their faces and again my heart broke. I had to be strong for them and prove I could survive. I had a mastectomy on August 7th, 2002, with chemo to start September 9th. Breast cancer was not spoken of in my home, as my father’s mother had died of this disease before my parents met. But I soon learned the history and how it does repeat itself. My grandmother’s and my similarities were uncanny. We both were named Elizabeth, we both were 49, we both had a husband 48, and we both had a son 22. Now here lies the difference. I lived!

I knew I had to fight this disease and make a voice for women who never got the opportunity to speak like the grandmother I never got to meet. I was not to be silenced. I knew there was a reason for my surviving, and I was going to use it. I had to put a face and a voice to a disease that was taking wives away from husbands, daughters away from parents, and mothers away from their children. I had to keep my word to my son when he said, “Please don’t leave me, please don’t die, you have to dance at my wedding and tell my children all the mischievous things I did growing up.” I have a voice and I am using it. I have learned you have to be strong and mentally prepared for the physical changes your body endures. You have to have an enthusiastic spirit and a sense of humor. Because bald is beautiful! I am a better person for surviving this ordeal!

In 2005 I was encouraged by my doctor to have the BRCA cell test since other cancers are so prevalent in my family. On May 13th, 2005, the results came back positive. Again my heart broke! On November 17th, 2005, I had my second mastectomy. I was determined more than ever to eradicate my body of cancer. My daughter has tested negative for the BRCA cell. If by telling my story I can save one life I have done my job. The diagnosis of breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Today’s technology and education can help save lives. I know for I am a survivor. I continue to encourage women to do their monthly self breast exam and have their yearly mammogram. Our voices have to be heard and our faces have to be seen. We are the grandmother, the mother, the wife, the lover, the daughter, the sister, the friend, the woman, the survivor!

My heart has healed for me but it still breaks every time a woman hears the words you have breast cancer, or looses her life to this disease.
I am more than a woman in pink, I bleed pink.

I am breastless, not breathless.

Elizabeth Henson Myers
Survivor

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Survivor: Dawn Sherwood (11)

Painted during TAC session one

"Reflection"
Acrylic on canvas
16"x20"

Dawn’s Story for Art Cure

I am every woman. My story could be yours with but a few twist and turns that make it mine. I could write a long biography of my beginnings, my achievements, and my failures but the details are really not as important as the way life has shaped me. My story is one that is has its high points and low points but is always walked steadily forward with a hope born of my love for Christ. My life changed the day I became His child and all I have survived and become throughout this life is because of Him. My life began with my birth, an idyllic childhood, and then entrance into the wonderful world of womanhood. My person and character continually evolving as I experienced friendships, first love, marriage, career, motherhood, cancer, nursing degree, cancer again but always life moved forward. As I reflect on my life at this point I find hope continues to grow. Like a beautiful flower it springs up from some of the most unexpected events of life. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings!

The Mirror

by Dawn Sherwood



As I stand in front of the mirror

My reflection stares back at me

Do I know the stranger whose

Eyes I see?



Searching, wondering, straining

To see clearly

The secret places hidden within

The soul that this body covers



I see a worn and weary woman

A woman who has walked fiery trials

Yet deeper, yes, much further inside

A soul filled with joy resides

A soul that knows

Her strength

Her essence

Her reason

Her life

Are formed from her journey



A voyage of love, laughter, tears,

Sorrow, triumph, healing, and

Hope



I now know quite well the reflection

Smiling at me

It is a survivor’s face I see


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LuAnn Palazzo (10)

Contributing artist, NYC

"The Art Cure"
Ink jet printed on watercolor paper, hand-torn edges
7x10.25 in. 2-sided

Backside dedication:
"In honor of my cousins Linda R. of Florida, and Cara V. of New York, who are breast cancer survivors.  They are both strong, independent women, full of love and life and I am truly blessed to know them."

"The Fashion Cure"
Ink jet printed on watecolor paper, hand-torn edges
6.5 x 10 in.  2-sided

Backside dedication:
"I created this image in honor of my friend Ria "The Rebel" from Belgium.  She is a proud, defiant survivor of two cancers, and she is a woman who is a constant source of inspiration to me, and I am sure, many, many others.  ("Revolt or die!")  Love you, Ria!"

Artist: Walter Festuccia (9)

Contributing artist, Italy
"I like the colors, I love the colors"
Mixed media mail art
21 x 30 cm

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Front

Back

Walter Festuccia / Bio

I was born in Rome, Italy March 16, 1958, I graduated as an assistant designer in 1978 the State Institute for cinema and television in Rome.

Now I'm a simple warehouse, but thanks to great passion for art since 2001 I started a personal artistic career I have participated in various group exhibitions since 2008 I started doing mailart for me is a great way to communicate art. I haven't a favorite technique for me is important to take every color and instrument and start creating, the colors and matter are my world and they communicate with my messages, I love the abstract and is primarily my language

My most important work in 2002 were the series of paintings inspired by the book "posts" artist Neville Gabie dedicated to the world of soccer work I called "the other half in midfield," another important work for me was In 2005, the series of paintings that I called "no smoking".  (www.equilibriarte.org/walterfest)

Survivor: Susie van der Glas (7)

Painted during TAC session two

"As Always Me"
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

"Life is always a journey. It is not where you travel, but how you travel. After my diagnosis of breast cancer, mastectomy and chemotherapy 9 years ago I have learned to travel my journey with small feet and soft steps. Live life to the fullest, always listen and never look back. One day at a time one step at a time. No surrender...And never ever forget your mammogram..." - Susie van der Glas 

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Survivor: Kathleen Hatcher (8)

Painted during TAC session one

"Jellyfish?"
Oil on canvas
16"x20"

Kathy’s Story

The earth rocked. Suddenly I was totally focused on what my doctor was saying on the phone. You have breast cancer and we must do a mastectomy. I remember how disconnected to everything here on earth I was – like floating in water. With ears ringing I told my husband the news.

Fast forward to today. Having gone through this experience I found that some good always comes with the bad. Life is short! Live it to the fullest! My husband and I sold our house, bought a trawler and cruised the intercoastal waterways, the Bahamas and the Keys for several years. My love of photography enabled me to document our trips and build up an impressive library of photographs. I sold many photographs and now paint them with a wonderful group of “forever” friends every Monday. We call ourselves “The 5.”

I encourage anyone going through breast cancer to focus on the good things that happen. I found daily conversations with God essential. Family and friends are more important than ever. Knowing firsthand that life is short, focusing on life after life is the most important thing one can do. I thank God I was blessed with health again and given the opportunity to grow and love those special people in my life.

My painting of “Jellyfish?” focuses on the good and the bad: the darker ones going down, the lighter ones going up. They all look very organic and similar looking to a breast. What do you see in them?

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Survivor: Abigail A. Norton (6)

Painted during TAC session one

"No place but UP"
Mixed media on canvas
16" x 20"

Abigal's Story

When I turned 30 in December of 2007 things were going great. I had just gotten engaged in August. We were starting to plan the wedding for the following September. We were fixing up the house my fiancé had bought. Becoming a grown up was turning out not to be as painful as I thought it might be.

Then I got to my 30 1/2 birthday in July of 2008. This is when two doctors told me the only way for me to live was for me to poison myself for a year. Yes you heard me right. POISON myself. Now why on earth would anyone want to do this willingly? An evil disease named CANCER. That is why.

I had found my lump in April. The lump was tested and the cancer was being ninja like and hiding from the biopsy needle. My surgeon took the lump out and in the middle of the lump was the cancer ninja. The diagnosis was at stage one.

Then she went in to make sure that there weren't anymore ninjas hanging out. Unfortunately, she found quite a few that had made their way into my lymph system. When it was all said and done the diagnosis went from stage one to stage three- with a possibility of a four.

The next step was to go to the medical and radiation oncologists to figure out the best plan of attack. Now what I would soon learn was that not only could the cancer kill me but so could the chemo and radiation. At this point I figured what the heck. I was going to fight the fight with every medical option available to me and keep my fingers crossed.

Chemo started in July. We put off the wedding until September 2009. My fiancé, along with my mother at times, took me to every chemo treatment minus one. He shaved his head before my hair fell out. Then my mother, brother and nephews all had a shaving party of their own in Colorado. My fiancé helped me to shave my head when the hair took a turn towards a bald patchy look. He or my mother, when she was visiting, would get me anything to eat, stay at home with me, and make me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry.

Radiation came next. I was tired and about at my wits end. My fiancé supported me when I finally had to quit work for a month to just rest and do treatment. I know that I kept fighting because my fiancé and my family never gave up. They kept their chins up high and never let it show how scared they really were for me. I know they talked to friends and each other, but it meant the world to me that they never let their sadness add to my own.

This is the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. I just keep reminding myself if it was this hard for me how hard it must have been for the people on the outside. I can't remember a time when I didn't think “Why is my fiancé still with me??? When he could just cut and run???" I would ask him and he would laugh. He would say "Why would I leave someone that I love as much as you??" Always a good answer I thought.

After all the treatments and fighting with my insurance company (a story for another time) I was done fighting and the cancer is gone. Thank goodness my family is still here and supports and loves me.

One year and two months after finding the cancer and starting a fight for my life I was able to continue on a different path for my life. September 19, 2009 I finally married Jeremy Norton and became Mrs. Abigail Ann Norton. And now on November 20, 2010 we are expecting our first child. I keep my fingers crossed every day that the cancer won't some back. However I know that no matter what happens that my husband and family will be there with me to fight again no matter the outcome.

Dawn Tolliver (5)

Painted during TAC session one

"Chellefish Dreams"
Acrylic on canvas
16" x  20"

Dawn's Story

My sister Rachelle was born when I was 9 1/2 years old. She was more of my daughter than my sister due to the age difference. My brother (six years older than her) and I helped mom raise her when my parents split when she was two. At one point when she was little we went to a fair and got her this teddybear. It was babyblue and she named it cottoncandy. That bear was as big as she was. From then on it sat in her chair or on her bed. When she got married, her flower was the calalily. My mom even had some growing in her back yard garden. At the age of 29, Rachelle and cancer met for the first time. It was a vicious battle and she had the upper hand. She had a masectomy and reconstructive surgery and all that goes with it. She went into remission for a short time and then, cancer came back to visit and this time it stayed. At the age of 34 she went to heaven to be with my grandpa in his nursery up there. Each year on her birthday and on his I send up two balloons for their party. My brother throws calalilies in the ocean and we celebrate a life cut way too short by a vicious disease. I honor her, not with talent, but with love and affection. I painted the bear pink for the cancer part even though hers was blue, but I think the rest will make since now...

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Previvor: Jennifer Gooch (4)

Painted during TAC session two

"How Far Will You Go To Survive?"
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

Jennifer's Story:

It was brought to my attention several years back that there was genetic mutation in my mom’s family. I always felt I would have to face cancer one day for my mom, aunt and cousin were all survivors of breast cancer and my grandfather

colon cancer. Unfortunately I lost a cousin to pancreatic cancer, a great grandmother, great aunt and two cousins to ovarian cancer.

In January 2009 I had a big scare. Thank goodness they were benign cyst. But it scared me enough to seek genetic counseling immediately. I had known that my aunt and cousin were positive for the BRCA 2 gene mutation, but was not sure about my mom. For some reason my mom was afraid of losing her insurance. But after several months of reassuring her we were covered under the GINA law. She agreed to be tested for me. She too tested positive for the familial BRCA 2 gene mutation. This meant I had a 50% chance of inheriting this risk.

I had a blood draw in June 2009 and my results were back in a couple of weeks. As I sat in my genetic councilors office. She looked at me and said “I am sorry to tell you that you are positive for your families gene mutation.” She reviewed with me again my 50%-90% chance of developing breast cancer and a 30%-60% chance of developing ovarian cancer. Although my heart was saddened, I knew what I must do. There was no question. A prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and a complete hysterectomy would be the choice for me.

Now the question was which surgery would I choose first? After many hours of pondering, a mastectomy it would be. So as I prepared for my surgery, my wonderful breast surgeon, Dr. Paula DeNitto was so supportive. She helped me choose reconstruction options and a plastic surgeon that I was comfortable with. This was important as my plastic surgeon was one I would be spending a lot of time with over the months to come. I experienced many emotions while preparing for surgery. I constantly asked questions like : Why me? What did I do to deserve this? I even thought I would just keep my breast and chance it. But, I knew at the age of 17 years old what I went through when my mom had breast cancer. And if I could prevent my kids from going through what I went through, I would do anything. Because you see, I am the anchor of my four beautiful children’s lives and it was being tampered with, and it was my obligation to fix it.

January 13, 2010 was the day I had my breast removed. I mark this day as a sad but new beginning for me. I now have a chance at life, breast cancer free. Many factors played a part in my decision whether to have or not to have reconstruction. Growing up with a mom who had chosen not to have reconstruction played a major part in my decision. Considering I was only 33 years at the time of my mastectomy, and planned to live for many long years, living without breast was not the choice for me. I saw how wearing a prosthesis

made my mother feel. She had trouble finding certain clothes and it often affected her self-esteem. I have always been a woman who enjoys fashion and having my breast removed was not about to get in the way. But, I guess the beauty of what I learned through me having reconstruction and my mom having a prosthesis, is that we are both empowered woman in unique but different ways because of our own individual choices.

Out of all the questions I am asked . I seem to be asked the most has my experience affected my self-confidence in terms of my feminity and sexuality. I believe that every woman’s self-confidence is affected by a mastectomy. For me, everyday is a work in process. I can rationalize what I have done and be proud of the choice I made, though the word “normal” will never have the same meaning. But then again, what is normal?

Even though my mastectomy was a prophylactic mastectomy meaning I chose surgery for preventive reasons not because I developed cancer. It has still been somewhat difficult on my family. I have four beautiful children ,who knows what has happened to “mommy”. Since I have a BRCA gene mutation, all four of my children have a 50% chance of inheriting this mutation. I have been very open about what I have done because I feel it is my obligation to educate them about their risk. I often ask myself as I brush my daughters hair, or cradle my sons as we watch a movie: “Will you be the one?” “Will you have to fight the battle one day?”

It is so discouraging knowing you have a hereditary cancer gene that you have possibly passed to your children. When you think about passing hereditary traits to your children you think about your hair color, your eye color, or your personality. But a cancer gene-WOW! What a horrible thing to have to receive from your parent. My two younger children don’t quite understand yet, but my two older ones are learning more and asking questions. When this happens, the only thing I can do is go back to my positive attitude. I have turned my negative energy into positive energy by joining up with FORCE-facing our risk of cancer EMPOWERED. I wanted to bring a support group to my region to help educate and advocate gene carriers, their families and the community. So it is my prayer that at the appropriate age my children will choose genetic counseling with testing. Until then I will continue to make them aware of their risk.

I would like for woman who are facing mastectomies , whether for a cancer diagnosis or preventive reasons, to know that a woman is judged by her strength and dignity, not by her breasts.  So have your mastectomy and wear you scars with pride ,because what you have been through- or about to go through -speaks louder about who you are as a person than any breast ever will. Beauty is only skin deep. Be proud of who you are and where you are going with this experience. May you find the strength you never knew you had…. I did!

I am now labeled as a “Previvor”- survivor of a pre-disposition or increased risk for a disease such as cancer. There may not be a preventive surgery for every form of cancer out there. But I will do whatever it takes to be cancer free. Who knows, cancer may never be a part of my life. But if it is, I will not go down without a fight, for I am an empowered woman who loves life, is determined, and fearless. For that reason I am positively BRCA!

I dedicate my art work to my awesome doctors – Dr. Paula DeNitto and Dr. Thomas w. Horn.

Dr. DeNitto my doctor my friend- Thank you for encouraging me to make that final step and sticking by me through it.

Dr. Horn my doctor my encourager -I have realized it takes pure talent for plastic surgeons to do what they do to give us what we have; and I am so grateful for what your talent has done for me!

Thank you both for making my transition easier. You both will forever be special to me!!!

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Lauren Monreal (2)

Painted during TAC session two

Title pending
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

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Survivor: Sarahlyn U. Argrow (3)

Painted during TAC session one

"Circle of Hands"
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

Circle of Hands

Have you ever looked at the hands that are around you? Have you ever noticed the many different shapes, sizes or colors? Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if your family, friends, associates, etc. did not have the function or their hands? Or how things would be if they did not extend a hand to you?

I am now a Nine Year breast cancer survivor, getting older and if you know me you know I have my own saying for this, which is “I am a Nine Year Overcomer of the big C. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2001.

There I was going on with my happy life, making new strides on my job and in my personal life as well, overcoming the big hurdle of poverty, etc. I was living large for once in my life, I had started this great new non-profit 501(C)(3)organization designed to assist single working women and their children entitled AWWIN, Inc (Assisting Working Women In Need). I was making great money and feeling pretty good about who God was making me. I had no more financial problems. I was now really able to provide for myself and my children. I was able to pay tithes, pay all my bills, buy grocery, go shopping, and do some of the things we desired to do. I was traveling for Carson Products and becoming a woman of the world now (SMILE).

I guess you are wondering how or what happened to make this possible. Well, I’ll tell you. God gave me this great job at Carson Products as a temporary assistant to the IT Department, which I later went on to become the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) Coordinator.

While working at Carson I also had a great insurance plan to go to the doctor. I learned how to do self checks of my breast for lumps and as I became more knowledgeable of this self-checking procedure I did it on a regular bases. It is not that I was really looking to find something (and who really is), just trying to be proactive and the fact that I now knew how to do this and had the mindset to do it was fascinating. Well what do you think happened to this now found woman of the world?

One evening while trying to be… I noticed there was a lump in my left breast so the next day I called and made an appointment with my OBGYN, not really expecting him to find anything, but he did. He sent me to get a mammogram and after checking the mammogram they decided I needed to get a biopsy. Can I tell you I began to get nervous, you see I did not tell anyone what was going on but my co-worker Kendra. I did not want to scare my children, again I had to be this pillar of strength, therefore I went to get the mammogram and biopsy alone. WOW what a mistake, but again God provided. The persons in Mary Telfair Women’s Hospital were so amazing and patient with me. They allowed me time to cry as their hands so carefully did the mammogram and biopsy. They were comforting with their words as their hands handled the machines, guided the needles and gave me tissues to dry my tears away.

As I went through this chapter in my life I watched the many hands that dealt with my body, my mind and my soul. From my OBGYN, the persons that administered the mammogram and the biopsy, the person that wrote the prescription for the mammogram to the person that received it I knew I was in good hands. There seemed to be something about the hands that really stood out. I began to focus on the hands and take notes in my mind about the hands that were assisting me now. In all walks of this chapter they were definitely different shapes, sizes and colors and it did not matter to them what shape, size or color my hands were, they were all there to take care of me and they did.

In looking back at the phone call that I received from the surgeon telling me that the test were positive, I can remember my hands shaking a little and using them to cover my mouth and asking God “Why”, as I began to cry. My hands muffled my mouth as I asked God “Had I not got through enough?” “Why did He now allow me to experience cancer TOO?”

You see I thought He (God) had made His masterpiece through me and was giving me a break. He had given me this great job and the ability to start AWWIN to serve others, to become a woman of the world, etc. I imagine He figured I could take one more test and I knew I needed to pass this as I had all the others.

Going through this ordeal, there was only one hand that I could not physically see or touch, but I had to believe beyond belief that it was there and that was the hand of God. He had carried me through so many times before and I had to believe He had me in the palm of His hands at this time. I also had to know He had already given me the natural hands I needed to pull me through this as well.

God gave me hands of all shapes, sizes and colors. When I sat in the chemo room I watched as the hands of all shapes, sizes and colors would so carefully hook us up to the chemo pumps in the chemo room to give us our treatments. I watched if there was an emergency in the room how quickly those hands would run to the problem. It did not matter who it was they were treated by those hands as if it were their very own lives.

When I had an appointment to talk with the oncologist (Dr. Bala)I would watched him reading my chart to see my progress or my … he would speak and his hands would continue flipping a page or two of the chart to discuss what was going on in detail and he would verbally begin by saying Ms Argrow... He was kind and caring and as his hands flipped the pages of the chart or wrote a prescription, etc. I knew I was not just a patient to him but a person that desired to live.

There were times after the treatment when my children (Katie, Daveeda, Daysha, Catherine and (Day) Thelena) hands had to drive me home and get me into bed. My mother’s (Catherine) hands were there to make me homemade vegetable soup and to make sure I took my medication. That soup seemed to be the only thing I could keep on my stomach and when I seemed as though I did not have the strength to feed myself she would say “Let me feed Monkey” (that is her pet name for me). All of these hands were there no matter what time of the day or night. I can remember when I needed someone to scratch my foot one day after treatment, WOW can you imagine, but they were right there with the so much needed hand just to do that.

My sisters (Faye, Jodi, Teke, Heather, Beck and Ann) would come to Savannah just to sit, talk, and treat me like a queen and all family dinners were at my house. The sister Circle of Hands was so amazing, they made sure I knew that their big sister (Me) was a very important part of their lives.

I can remember going back to work after a couple of days after each treatment when I was able to do so and watching as my co-workers took the time to make sure I was well taken care of. I refused to work downstairs as I should have done, but again if you know me I had to be this pillar of strength and not show my weakness. My co-workers would assist me up the stairs and made sure my work area was good also. They either prepared or purchased dinners with their hands for me and my daughters. Carson Products was an awesome place to work.

When I went to church Rev Marsha Postell Buford made sure someone always had a hand extended to me if and when I got up to praise God and most of the time it was her that extended that hand. She just would not let me be Ms I can handle this.

If you are wondering about how AWWIN did in this chapter of my life, God had given me Tammy & Wakia as the lead volunteers and their hands never skipped a beat in keeping my dream alive.

There was not a place I went that there were not hands to take care of me or my needs. They did not just take care of me and my needs, but it was done with love, respect and done with a GREAT BIG caring attitude.

As I began to paint the Circle of Hands I kept telling the other artist that I was not an artist. I was wondering how the canvas was going to become a piece of art. Well, God began to show me the importance, the significance of the hands of the people He had placed in my life and the canvas began to come alive with paint. The AMAZING “Circle of Hands” He had given just to me is what you are seeing.

THANK YOU TO MY “CIRCLE OF HANDS” mentioned and un-mentioned in every aspect of my life!!!

Sarahlyn U. Argrow
Nine Year Overcomer & Getting Older

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Hani Steele (1)

Painted during TAC session two

"Meow" by 'Catwoman'
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

 

Hani Steele, daughter of Survivor

My mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor; she had a lumpectomy last year. My Mother In Law did pass from Breast Cancer - hers was detected at a very late stage in the 1980s. Twenty years ago, it did not seem like people spoke of cancer, breasts, or their feelings.

I have been hosting and particpating in Breast Cancer fundraisers for about ten years. I am not sure how I got started, but the Awareness color (pink) was the thing that initially I adapted and ran with. When I started fundraising, wearing pink was cute for me, because I generally wear black. At my first Race for the Cure in Detroit (over 20,000 participants), I was a spec in the sea of pink. When I looked around at the color pink filling the dismal grey color of the Motor City Streets, it hit me. It was an emotional moment. I felt I had a purpose. I walked with strangers, we shared stories, I saw the homemade shirts with names and pictures, I learned the  words to I Run For Life and cried when the Survivors had a special tribute. The support shown by the Corporations there reinforced the strength and energy in fighting, understanding, and healing. Ford's Pink Mustang and free Warrior scarves and SunChips pink bags of free chips were takeaways; as I looked at them in the front seat of my truck on the way home I felt that someone somewhere had the influence in these companies to do the right thing, and that these corporations were run by some very compassionate people.

Last year, my Mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (she is in her 70s). It really hit home for me. The lump was found on Thursday; her surgery was on Monday. She said on the phone "I never thought you would be raising money for me." I thought that this was it. I thought, how ironic that she would not benefit from any of the advances in medicine or support groups or awareness. I thought this was going to be the last time I was going to see her. I flew home and her surgery was rough at first. In general, she has bounced back fairly well from the chemo/radiation. She was fortunate to have a sponsor, and fantastic medical care, and we are able to speak about her experience. If this had happened 20 years ago, I do not feel that she would have felt as free to discuss her feelings/fears/the cancer and it would have been a lonely and terrible experience.

I participate in as many Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraising events that I can. If the funds raised over the years have made anyone's journey less painful, lonely, or uncomfortable, then I am doing what I am here to do.

Artist Work Coming In

I was thrilled to hear that some of the first pieces from abroad are arriving at the gallery for the international artists call portion of The Art Cure.  I'll be posting those along with the survivor's work painted last week beginning Wednesday.

I'm meeting with Horizon Gallery owner, Luc Ebner, in a few days to finalize our last efforts for The Art Cure.

The opening is in 30 days.  This is where it should get chaotic exciting. :)

Interested in submitting a work of art to be auctioned for charity?  Click here to find out how.  Deadline is Sept. 26 so you still have time!

Painting Session One Successful!

Here's a preview of what happened on our first painting session. It's a small sampling of over 70 photos. These images will be included in The Art Cure Diaries documentary book I'm currently working on. 

COASTAL GA residents:

This Saturday, Aug 28th at 9 am I'm kicking off the 2nd and last painting session for the 2010 edition of The Art Cure.  I have openings left.  At this time, you do not need to be a breast cancer survivor to volunteer and participate in the painting session.  So long as breast cancer has touched your life in some way, you qualify.  Please sign up now before space runs out. theartcure@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS:

Please be aware that The Art Cure has opened this project to include works by any artist wishing to donate to the cause.  Your work will be auctioned off and 100% of sales will be given to charity.  Click here for details.

Enjoy the photos!

 

Don't miss your opportunity to be included in the special edition of The Art Cure Diaries 2010.  Submit your artwork or if close enough to Savannah, sign up for Saturday's painting session asap!  Email: theartcure@gmail.com.

Highlights from YSC Pink Tea Celebration of Life

I attended the YSC Savannah 3rd Annual Pink Tea Celebration of Life event this afternoon.  I've been home for a few hours and my frazzled brain is finally settling down.  I had no idea what to expect other than networking but it had been so long since I've done that.  Seven years in a foreign country can make a social butterfly into a quiet moth. On this daytime outing I had a fabulous time and met some wonderful people. 

Here's some highlights:

1. Luc secured a visit by the pink fire truck from Pink Heals SE Georgia Chapter, for The Art Cure's opening night, October 1, 2010. Yay!

2. We're super thrilled to have AWWIN's very own Sarahlyn U. Argrow joining us for one of our painting sessions.  She's a breast cancer survivor.  I did not know that but then, today has brought lots of new information to my attention.

3. Missy inspires art via "BrEaST" assets and invited me to one of her painting classes.  Why is this special?  Well, if you don't know, her participants imprint their breasts onto a canvas. So, I'm going topless and paint with my boobies!  I wish I thought of that idea first.  This boobie art will be my donation to The Art Cure's auction.  Hmmm, what's my boob imprint worth? (perhaps this is information I should not know)
*If you're interested in participating in this art class and you're within Savannah and have breasts of course, contact Missy to see if she has anymore openings.

4. I'm going to team up with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) in the future.  A few spontaneous ideas that came out of conversation have some great potential.  Being my best friend's mother died of breast cancer and the same best friend's younger sister survived a rare ovarian cancer just before entering college, and that the very woman who inspired me to create The Art Cure was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine cancer in May, I'm feelin' a higher calling here. 

Here's a few picture highlights:

Primary Art Supply Boxes Arrive!

http://www.primaryartsupply.com/

Well, here it all is, the painting materials I requested.  I am SO grateful to Robyn at Primary Art Supply.  She's been such an incredible supporter that "thank you" words are not enough.  Making THE ART CURE a success is what I believe will be the truest thank you all of us working on this project can offer.

Sign ups are beginning to really trickle in and I'm confident we'll fill most if not all our spots tomorrow at the YSC Savannah 3rd Annual Pink Tea Celebrataion of Life breast cancer awareness event, which I'm very happy to attend.  If you're local and planning on attending, make sure to stop by our table and say hi!  I'll be there with my husband, Michael S. Troop and Luc Ebner of Horizon Gallery will join us as well. 

So, the biggest fear at this point is, omg, are these boxes going to cover it?  It's like a self-made bet: did I calculate the art materials right?  I hope I didn't request too much white...

(oh the thoughts that race through my anxious mind!  :)

THE ART CURE's International Artists Call

We’ve had very warm responses from non-local artists wishing to donate artwork to The Art Cure project but not fitting the criteria of having experienced breast cancer. Luc Ebner, the host gallery owner and I feel limiting who may participate would be an injustice to those who care or in some way feel strongly towards breast cancer awareness and want to be a part of The Art Cure. Therefore...

Artists as well as non-local breast cancer survivors/patients are invited to donate one work of art to The Art Cure art project. All proceeds from the silent auction will be divided between Young Survival Coalition Savannah Affiliate and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia Affiliate with 50% going to each organization.

As a participating artist, you will receive credit for your submissions on the official program and on The Art Cure blog where I will display all art submitted along with a link to your website. Artistic interpretation and expression is open so long as breast cancer is kept in mind.

I extend a hand in gratitude for your consideration in particiapting in a project which supports breast cancer awareness and the search for a cure. Everyone part of THE ART CURE is excited to receive your inspirations!

Details! Details! Details!

• Artists may submit ONE work no larger than 16x20 inches (40.6 x50.8 cm).

Include:

- title of work

- media (if mixed media, specify)

- size of work

- your name, contact information and a 100 word or less bio

- digital photo of work size no larger than 432 pixels wide, web ready on CD or email to theartcure@gmail.com with "TAC: title of your work" in the subject area.

- your website

- minimum opening bid price

- hang ready

• Artistic interpretation is open

• All work MUST be at the gallery by Sunday, September 26, 2010 to be accepted into the show. An invitation only opening begins October 1, 2010, followed by a public opening October 3, 2010.

• All work will appear on the official TAC blog for an international community to view and bid on once it arrives.

This is a community effort to bring breast cancer to the forefront of our minds during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mail work to:
The Art Cure Project
Horizon Gallery
206 E. Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401 USA

Horizon website: http://www.michelesnellgalleries.com/
The Art Cure: http://www.theartcure.blogspot.com/

I'll have a spot of tea please

Fantastic news!  Along with my husband, fine art photographer Michael S. Troop and Horizon Gallery owner Luc Ebner, THE ART CURE will have a table at YSC Savannah 3rd Annual Pink Tea Celebration of Life event this Sunday, August 15th. Whoo hoo!  I'm thrilled about this amazing opportunity.

If you have any questions about THE ART CURE project or just want to meet us, this is your perfect chance because the weekend after is our first painting session!  Plus, we'll be there to take sign ups so if you haven't done so yet, this will be the time to pencil in your name and be part of what will be a very fun, intimate and art healing kind of day.

If you're looking for something to do this Sunday with your family and weren't planning on anything, come visit us in Wilmington Island to support breast cancer awareness. 

A quick noted update

I just want to mention this blog will go through some changes.  Its original version was a quick get it up type version.  Now that THE ART CURE is past its point of no return, and we'll be posting artwork in just a few weeks, expect some changes to the blog along with a few very cool additions for your viewing pleasure.  :)

Official Invitation to BC Patients and Survivors

While the invites have been spreading word of mouth around town, here is a link to the official invitation  Please pass this on to those who you feel will find this of interest or value.  We are still seeking volunteers to paint.

Thank you!
Tatiana

Have Facebook, Twitter or a Blog?

The last two weeks have taken me by storm. Overwhelmed is an understatement but making order out of chaos seems to be a kind of pleasure. Don’t quote me on the pleasure thing as I might change my mind. For now it’s still all good. :)

As an update to our audience, there have been some challenges as to be expected in these types of things. Planning and development are different from execution and paperwork is still being processed. Despite all of that everything is moving relatively smoothly and on target.

Our biggest challenge is getting the word out that we still have openings for breast cancer survivors and patients to participate in painting and that’s where your support comes in.

If you don’t have art supplies or money to donate to The Art Cure’s efforts and you DO have Twitter, Facebook or a blog, please consider offering a few moments of your time to announce the following on your pages or placing this on any known calendar of events:

“The Art Cure invites breast cancer patients and survivors to paint for the cause! Painting days: Aug. 22 & 28 in Richmond Hill, GA. All proceeds go to charity. Space available!! Learn more: www.theartcure.blogspot.com. ”

You’re welcome to spice it up your own way so long as it’s announced we still have availability on our painting day schedule for more volunteers and refer them to the blog for more info - or The Art Cure Facebook/Twitter accounts.

Donate Button Is Ready to Use

This is an important step, getting things squared away with the banks and PayPal.  It was a lot of going back and forth so let's make it all worthwhile! 

Please help us get the supplies we need for our participants to paint.  Though we've been fortunate to have some things donated for the cause, art supplies, water to hydrate while painting, tissues to hand out while laughing or crying - these are little details a $5 to $25 donation will help us obtain.

Please click the button below to make your contribution right now!  Thank you.

VIP Date change

DATE CHANGE: Aug 15 painting session XLD due to schedule conflict. **New date up soon**. Will be @Pink Tea instead with my family. Say hi there! It's the perfect place to ask me questions about The Art Cure project.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Here's the link for the Pink Tea Celebration in Savannah:  http://tinyurl.com/2arr87y

*****UPDATE****

Painting dates are Sunday August 22nd and Saturday August 28th. 

The Art Cure's first press!

Don't stop the presses!  This is just the first!

I'm so delighted The Art Cure project was written about in the Manhattan Arts International "Share HerStory" blog.  Manhattan Arts International was founded by Artrepeneur coach Renee Phillips and she serves as a great inspiration to many artists, myself included.  Check out this wonderful mention she gave the project!

The Art Cure: primary goals and projections

The Art Cure will support charity but one of its primary goals is to support breast cancer patients and survivors through the introduction of art therapy.

Survivors often end up feeling less than positive once their treatment is over. Stress, finances and the experience take its toll. Art can help expend, focus and relieve built up energy as it provides a medium for emotions that have no words. While the doctors work on the body, the patient has no choice but to work on her emotional self. Art speaks when the spirit has been provoked and heals when it has been let loose on a canvas.

The Art Cure’s foundational concept was built on the introduction of this “letting loose” on a canvas philosophy and will be explored during the painting sessions scheduled August 15th & 22nd. What the patients and survivors create will be sold for charity donation.

The Art Cure’s goal is to accomplish the following:

1. The project itself will contain a 3-dimensional essence in that it will project and display the various modes of communication for its theme, being the emotions and experience of facing breast cancer. For a full understanding of any idea, it is optimal to incorporate the visual, the written and the verbal. The Art Cure art project accomplishes the above by providing the artwork from patients and survivors, by looping a documentary film during the show and creating a photographic and written essay to be included in a book about the artistic journey these women have taken.

2. To introduce patients and survivors to painting as an emotional journey towards healing while using music to guide them in their expression. I will teach participants techniques to use artistic expression as ways to battle and control stress so they can use it in their daily lives.

3. To meet our minimum and conservative goal of $10,000 for a proceeds split between the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Coastal Georgia Affiliate and Young Survival Coalition in Savannah.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Tatiana at theartcure@gmail.com. If you know of a breast cancer patient or survivor in the greater Savannah area, please forward this post. Spaces area still available and our painting session deadline is less than 1 month away!

Official Poster #3

Calling All Savannah Breast Cancer Victims & Survivors

In order to make The Art Cure successful, we need you. Your story is important for others to learn from. There are never enough stories of courage and strength, tests of will and sacrifice and the struggles breast cancer brings.

Art is a language on its own and speaks to the heart of humanity. The visual touches the human heart and our emotions instantly and has potential to penetrate a story deeper than words and stories told before.

We invite breast cancer victims and survivors to join us in August to participate in expressing yourself with a canvas and paint. Yes, you can finger paint if wish! It’s your painting and you can do what you want to.

Your artwork will then be part of The Art Cure’s opening at the Horizon Gallery, 206 Bay St., Savannah GA where October 1st will kick off a month long silent auction of your work! Cool, eh? All the artwork sales go towards breast cancer awareness and research. That’s cool with ‘smart’ at the end. Join us!

If you or someone you know is a breast cancer victim or survivor and interested in being part of this local Savannah event, contact Tatiana for more information: theartcure@gmail.com.

Thank you and join us on Twitter or Facebook!

*this is an updated version of July 15th posting.  The gallery address has been corrected.

Official The Art Cure Poster # 2

Diversity in artistic vision is important. As an artist I always push the various angles a concept can go. I thought a few choices would be nice to offer.  I'll make buttons of these soon and work on more poster designs as downtime allows.

Click here to download poster PDFs for printing and sharing.

Official Poster for The Art Cure

Click here to download PDF for large scale version or right click and save image.  Please share. Thank you.

The Art Cure Q&A

What is The Art Cure?

The Art Cure is a breast cancer awareness art project conceived by international artist and boudoir photographer, Tatiana von Tauber. Its focus is to introduce the power of art in healing and coping with the dark sides of life. In coordination with The Horizon Gallery in downtown Savannah, I invite 30-40 breast cancer patients and/or survivors to participate by joining me in August 2010 to paint a work of art in a group setting whereby I’ll photograph their artistic journey, each participant and artwork painted all of which will be combined into “The Art Cure Diary”, a photographic essay in book form. All original paintings will be auctioned off for Susan G. Komen for the Cure (R) Coastal Georgia Affiliate and Young Survival Coalition.

Artistic interpretation is open so long as it relates in some way to the experience of breast cancer in one’s life.

What are the deadlines?

Various deadlines will be posted shortly. This project has a compact timeline and I’m diligently working with my team to pull it together.

Tentative dates for the group painting portion of this art project are Aug. 16th and 22nd. All registrations by participants must be in by August 10, 2010.

Friday, October 1, 2010 is The Art Cure’s projected opening at Horizon Gallery in downtown Savannah for VIPs, invited guests and press. Sunday, October 3, 2010 is planned for a public reception.

How can I help?

1) Spread the word. I’m looking for a maximum of 40 participants, women of all ages who are currently diagnosed with breast cancer or have survived it.

2) Donate $$. Without the sponsorship of community organizations and individuals like you this breast cancer awareness art project cannot be possible. We need lots of paint, brushes and canvases! Oh, and some food too. This will be a 2-day painting event!

3) Spread the word. Oh, yes. I mentioned that already.  :0)

4) Have expertise to offer in exchange for fun and a great cause? Join The Art Cure Advisory Board. Please send an email to theartcure@gmail.com with your telephone number if you’re interested and I’ll call you to discuss it.  I promise you'll hardly do a thing yet you'll be vital in the project.

5) Have larger funding budgets, services or products to offer? Your donation of funds, product, service, time and effort will be rewarded with a VIP invitation to The Art Cure’s opening in October, the official month of breast cancer awareness. You’ll also get an appreciation hug by my team and me upon arrival, maybe a press photo but I’ll guarantee an ad in the official opening program and mention on the official The Art Cure blog.

6) Donate money. This one must be mentioned twice as it’s as important as food. All funds collected for this project will go towards needed materials and costs to make this project happen. Any leftover funds will be donated to charity along with the final silent auction amount.

Write Tatiana von Tauber at theartcure@gmail.com with the option you want most to help with! I’d love this to be a community driven collaborative project. Everyone’s voice counts when it’s for the greater good. As a life long artist, art has healed my spirit a hundred times over. Art is the voice when words cannot be found.

Tweet The Art Cure breast awareness art project and thank you for your time and donations!

Gratefully yours,
Tatiana von Tauber
http://www.theartcure.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/theartcure