The artwork of more than 22 Long Beach cancer patients, survivors, family members and caregivers from the local “Artist Within” watercolor workshop, along with that of 25 international cancer patients from the 2009 Lilly Oncology on Canvas: Expressions of Cancer Journey, will be exhibited in a show entitled Open Canvas on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6pm at the St. Mary Physicians Building, 1043 Elm Ave, third floor.
Hosted by Lyons Art Supply, the “Artist Within” workshops introduce visual arts as a vehicle for cancer patients to express their challenges and triumphs and begin their healing process. Pacific Shores Hematology-Oncology Foundation offers eight- to 10-week workshops for adult cancer patients in the community, their family and caregivers.
“We are only scratching the surface of the lives we are empowering,” said Jann Buaiz, executive director of PSHOF. “I personally see and have experienced how artistic expression improves the quality of life and heals in ways that are unimaginable. PSHOF plans to continue raising funds to sustain the program and eventually develop a merchandise line utilizing the artwork. ‘Artist Within’ program brings a unique quality and contributes positively to the diversity of the Long Beach art culture that is growing in leaps and bounds.” Invited guests for the event are community leaders, community members and cancer patients and their families and friends. A $25 entrance donation will be accepted at the event or in advance at pacificshoresfoundation.org. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. In addition to a silent auction, there will be a PSHOF presentation at 7:30pm. Complimentary parking adjacent to the venue will be available.
