News from the American Cancer Society, Santa Clarita Valley Unit

 What does hope look like to you?  Join the Relay For Life Inaugural Luminaria Bag Artist Contest and explore that concept!
Whether you’re an accomplished artist or drawing novice, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of the Santa Clarita Valley invites you to take part in its inaugural Luminaria Bag Artist Contest.
For the competition, running now through March 11, participants will create artwork that imaginatively captures the meaning and spirit of hope.  As with cancer or any other life threatening illness or situation, hope is a crucial co-pilot along one’s journey toward survival and wellbeing.
The artist “canvases” will be 6×8 inch white luminaria bags, to be provided by the ACS SCV Unit.  Unlike traditional Relay For Life luminaria bags – which are designed in honor or memory of individuals who have been affected by cancer or passed away – these bags will depict each artist’s personal, optimistic vision using any medium of choice such as watercolors, oil paints, sketching colored pencils, etc.
Each artistic bag submission has a $30 entrance fee (a tax deductible ACS donation), and entrants must be 18 years of age or older.  Contributors have a chance to win cash prizes and have their artwork prominently displayed.  Funds raised through this creative contest will help the American Cancer Society provide its many free services and programs for cancer patients, as well as assist in funding groundbreaking cancer research and the development of new therapies.
Judging the “hope bags” will be community leaders: Gary Choppé, a City of Santa Clarita Arts Commissioner; Marlee Lauffer, President of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation; and Melanie Florio, a local artist and Santa Clarita Artist Association member.
The First Place winner will have their bag displayed until 2017 on the ACS Relay For Life website, SCVRelay.org, and at City Hall for the month of May.
The Second Place winner have their bag displayed at City Hall during May.  The Third Place winner will have their bag displayed at City Hall during May.
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.  Available 24/7, the ACS can answer your questions about cancer, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and clinical trials.
Call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org. For further information and to enter the contest online, visit www.scvrelay.org.  You can also enter the contest by visiting the ACS SCV Unit office at 25020 W. Avenue Stanford, Unit 170 in Valencia, or call 661-298-0886 option 3.