The ‘Healing HeART’ exhibit, installed at Western Reserve Hospital’s New Choice Pharmacy, features artwork curated by local artists who have survived cancer. (Photo: Western Reserve Hospital)
An art exhibit at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls features work curated from local artists who are currently battling or have survived cancer.
The show, “Healing HeART,” seeks to share art among the cancer-affected community as a resource, inspiration and celebration of survivorship. The art is exhibited in the infusion rooms to enhance the treatment environment for current oncology patients and expose them to the healing nature of art.
The artist’s story is documented as part of the exhibit to inspire those currently receiving treatment at Western Reserve Hospital.
Featured in the first exhibit of “Healing HeART” is Pamela Z. Daum, a photographer and colon cancer survivor. Diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer in 1999, Daum was given a 30-percent survival rate as she underwent chemotherapy. Today, she celebrates 18 years cancer-free.
“As a chemotherapy patient with short odds, I maintained hope and determination,” said Daum. “Visual imagery helped to soothe me. Focusing on works of art offered a pleasant escape, and I believe it aided my recovery by giving me a positive mindset in my chemotherapy sessions.”
Western Reserve Hospital has partnered with Collide: Cuyahoga Falls and ArtsNow of Summit County to curate inspiring artwork from the local creative community. The curated collection will be displayed on a 12-week rotation in Western Reserve Hospital’s infusion patient rooms and the New Choice Pharmacy waiting area.
Those who are survivors or currently battling an illness and are interested in participating in the curated Healing HeART showcase, Western Reserve is accepting artists for future installations. Art may be for sale, and the artist will receive the full payment for their sales. Artists may be contacted directly for the sale of their art.
For questions on the submittal process and artists’ credentials criteria, contact Project Curator, Jessica Lofthus, at [email protected].
