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VIA CHRISTI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Wichita , KS
"Art For the Cure™"
What is it?
"Art for the Cure™" was an art exhibit created by artists in the Wichita community in response to stories from breast cancer patients and survivors. The purpose of the exhibit and complementary activities is to increase cancer awareness in the general public and provide support to those with cancer.
Approximately 200 people gathered Sept. 7 at CityArts in Wichita for the Via Christi opening preview reception for Art for the Cure™.
Art for the Cure™ is a grant program funded in part by the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with support from the Via Christi Department of Outreach (facilitation and grant-management) and CityArts (gallery display and coordination). The grant paired eight Wichita-based artists with eight breast cancer survivors. The artists were challenged to create a work based on the survivor's story. The exhibit includes a variety of works including screen print on plexiglass, digital video loop, mixed media, knit polyamide fiber blanket, oil on canvas, acrylic on wood with assemblage objects, sculpture, and hand-dyed and hand-sewn paper. Breast cancer educational materials were available at the exhibit.
The Mid-Kansas Affiliate held its annual survivor event at CityArts on Sept. 8. Additional activities included an "Art as Therapy" class with a registered art therapist and a memorial service to remember those men and women who have lost their lives to breast cancer. More than 3,290 attended the display which was free and open to the public through September 30.
Who is it for?
Breast Cancer survivors and the community. The art is now on display at Via Christi Regional Medical Center and will potentially become a traveling art exhibit for Susan G. Komen.
Why do they do it?
To relay stories from breast cancer patients and survivors and to increase cancer awareness in the general public and provide support to those with cancer.
Contact: Kathy Thompson
Manager, Outreach & Prevention
316-946-5042
Kathy_Thompson@viachristi.org
Annette Lindal
Cancer Outreach Coordinator
316-268-6830
Annette_Lindal@viachristi.org