August 16-September 27, 2021. Living Proof Exhibit: Cancer Survivor Art
Dan Aldeman Marla Andich Kent Broadbent Gail Chavanelle Pamela Crouch Mary Ellen Cunningham Pat Dilla Danielle Eisentrager Robert Esbensen Judy Heath Meg Guttman Valerie Hirschhorn Kay Irelan Karen Kirkbride Gina Kirschbaum Sue Lemmonn Emily Magnuson June Rainbow LaNae Ramos Terri Reinartz Barbara Robbins David Ross Laura Weinberg Ron Weinberg
Gallery Director Essay
Art serves so many purposes. Being aesthetic in essence, its virtue is visual. We see a painting and like the images or the colors or maybe, we think, it would go so well with our blue sofa. There’s not a wrong reason to like art.
Art as therapy has a long history and many politicians, engineers and bankers often surprise us with their creative works. After Winston Churchill was done leading England through and out of World War II, he settled down with brush and paints and created beautiful landscapes. Paul Gauguin quit the Paris stock market to create his Tahitian portraits that influenced modern art in general and Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso in particular. Art, we now know, may improve the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of individuals. Art as therapy remains understudied and underutilized but its powers are well recognized.
The Bisignano Art Gallery has partnered with Living Proof Exhibit group to host this competitive annual exhibition of art by cancer survivors and patients. The exhibit celebrates the spirit and creativity of these men and women as well as the therapeutic benefits of art. Co-founders Pamela Crouch and Mary Ellen Cunningham are both breast cancer survivors. They each found great power in art during their treatment and wanted to share their experience with other cancer patients looking for strength, so the Living Proof exhibition idea was born. Visit their website (http://www.livingproofexhibit.org for more information.
The Living Proof Exhibit: Art by Cancer Survivors exhibit at the University of Dubuque showcases the passion, courage and talent of cancer survivors who use art to celebrate and reflect upon survival. And, as you see, the artworks range in scope (as you might expect).
I would like to acknowledge the assistance we received from Pamela Crouch, Executive Director and Jordan Kirkbride, Programming Manager of Living Proof Exhibit in the organization and transportation of the show. Because this is a competitive exhibition, many thanks to our three judges. The judges were Gary Stoppelman, Executive Director of the Dubuque Museum of Art, Noah Bullock, Assistant Director of the Bisignano Art Gallery, and myself. I invite you to read their statements about the show. Finally, we thank the artists themselves. Their journeys have not been easy and their works are awesome.
Alan Garfield
Director, Bisignano Art Gallery
Living Proof Exhibit Poster
Artist's Statement
Daniel is 66 years old and a retired factory worker of 45 years. He became interested in art after his retirement.
His art helps provide balance in his life and fills a void for which he is very thankful.
Daniel is a mixed media artist with an emphasis on copper, stone, driftwood and non-traditional materials. Much of the natural materials he uses in his art he finds along local streams and rivers. The limestone also comes from a local quarry.
He is drawn three-dimensional art as well as outside the lines drawings called Zentangles.
His artistic interests stem from a love of ancient civilizations as well as spiritual influences that guide his hands as he creates.
Artist's Statement
Creativity and healing are inseparable in the lives of artists. Whether you are a cancer survivor or surviving the fear and anguish of the world’s ills, art can help you heal. Art just makes you feel better, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
My breast cancer journey began in 2000. I completed my treatment in the summer of 2001. Since then, I have donated artowrk to many local groups for their fundraising efforts. I retired in 2014 from Black Hawk College, in their Optional Education Program, an alternative high school. Besides jewelry, I also enjoy crochet, calligraphy and zentangling. My jewelry creations include polymer clay pendants, beads, and charms. One of my greatest joys is teaching Creative Sessions for Living Proof Exhibit.
Making wearable art has given me a way of expressing style. I get inspiration from art pieces, fashion and nature. I derive enjoyment from wearing my pieces and giving them to others.
Artist's Statement
My cancer journey began on February 15, 2010 Following surgery and treatments, I went into a deep funk. Why did it happen? Why was I the lucky one to survive when others had died? When would my cancer (that I still have) take my life?
Still depressed in the winter of 2013, I stumbled upon my old oil paints and brushes in the basement when I was snowed in for a couple of days. I always thought I might start painting again when I retired; now I thought, “Why wait?” I cleaned my brushes, found an old canvas that hadn’t been used, and started painting. I lost myself in painting and just felt happy. I realized that I forgot about feeling sorry for myself when I was creating art.
I hate cancer, but had I not been diagnosed, I wouldn’t have started painting again, not caring if sometimes I create bad art (which I do). Because of cancer, I am now on my third and most rewarding profession.
Artist's Statement
As a ten-year survivor of breast cancer-( and after a pandemic year),- it’s time to explore new and just have fun.
I would like to share my newest of my Gift series- Hound- just for fun!
And…
my newest exploration- recycled art ( out of the sides of an old above ground swimming pool)
I love the colors and textures!
Enjoy !
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