Hope is one of the greatest tools in the battle against disease.
On August 1, you can witness the power of hope by supporting the American Cancer Society Santa Clarita Valley Unit’s second annual “Expressions of Hope” Art Show and Open House.
To be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the ACS’s Valencia office, the event is free, open-to-the-public, and will be an eclectic display of optimism and fortitude for all to enjoy.
The “hope-oriented” art will come from a variety of artists affected by cancer – both professional and amateurs, including cancer survivors, as well as caregivers, family and friends. Expressions of Hope submissions will include a variety of art forms including: oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, glass, photography, ceramics, and collages, with youth submissions being presented in “The Kids Corner.”
“The goal of ‘Expressions of Hope’ is to show support to our cancer community, inspire those touched by cancer, and express our continued passion for finding a cure,” said Heather Warrick, health programs manager for the ACS, SCV Unit, and organizer of the art show.
If anyone understands the importance of having hope when battling a serious illness it is Warrick. No stranger to cancer herself, she was first diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago at the young age of 24. Since then she has had eight recurrences, including metastases to her eye and brain, and a melanoma diagnosis. Despite ongoing medical monitoring and cancer therapies as required, Warrick continues to work for the ACS, help others affected by cancer, enjoy life with her husband Chad (and their beloved Pugs), and endorse the positive mindset that has helped her endure thousands of difficult hours.
It was a wise Warrick who coined the now-ACS-promoted phrase, “Hope and hopelessness are both a choice, why not choose hope?”
Warrick notes that submissions for “Expressions of Hope” are being accepted through July 25.
“Each item must be display-ready (framed or mounted), and should include a testimonial about what your connection and/or thoughts related to cancer, and what your submission represents,” she said, adding, “Submissions do not necessarily need to depict cancer as long as they are hopeful representations that encourage our cancer community.”
In addition to the art exhibitions, the event will provide refreshments, and ACS information on cancer and survivorship.
The American Cancer Society, Santa Clarita Valley Unit is located at 25020 W. Avenue Stanford #170, Valencia, Calif. 91355. For more information, please call 661-298-0886 option 3.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society, go online to www.cancer.org