Making a Mark: Coping with cancer through creativity
At the Texas Children’s Cancer Center, giving children with cancer – along with their siblings – the opportunity to express themselves is considered an important part of their treatment.
Some of the inspiring artwork and creative writing created by children impacted by cancer and blood disorders is now on display at the 2013 Making A Mark exhibit at the Auxiliary Bridge, located on the third floor of the Texas Children’s Hospital Clinical Care Center, 6701 Fannin St.
This year marks the 23rd annual Making A Mark exhibit, presented by Texas Children’s Cancer Center and the Periwinkle Foundation. The exhibit opens each year in September to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s exhibit features more than 330 pieces representing six countries.
Artwork with a purple ribbon has been selected by a panel of judges as pieces that most effectively convey a positive message about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The centerpiece of the exhibit was created by pediatric cancer patients and guest artist Reginald Adams. Titled “Healing Hands,” it is a 3D mixed-media sculpture that was made by casting 50 life-like impressions of the children’s hands, which they then embellished using paint, collage and other materials.
The hands were then placed in small mosaic flower pots.
“Metaphorically, for something to grow to its full potential it requires love, attention and nourishment, and for these children to overcome their battles with cancer and heal, they also require thee same grown elements,” Adams said of the piece.
The exhibit will be on display at Texas Children’s Hospital until Oct. 7 but if you don’t have the chance to check out the exhibit at this location, don’t worry, it will be making its way around Houston.
Stops will include Willowbrook Mall in November and December; Sugar Land Airport in January and February; the Glassell School in March; the Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center at West Oaks Mall in April; Houston City Hall in May; and Intercontinental and Hobby airports next summer.
Check out some of the artwork that were on display this past summer at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and the Children’s Museum of Houston.
-By Dana Benson
This is inspiring. Through art and creative projects they are giving young adults hope to cope up with cancer and provide psychological support to them. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from these outlets, there are many positive effects patients can benefit from creativity such as coping, social interaction and personal growth, and I hope that there would be more help and support for them to come. This is an excellent way for them to express their feelings, to be relax and cope with the vast unknowns of cancer at a young age.