This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

The Cancer Support Center presents The Community Art Showcase

THE CANCER SUPPORT CENTER WELCOMES THE COMMUNITY AS PARTICIPANTS SHARE CANCER EXPERIENCES THROUGH ART AT SUMMER SHOWCASE ON JUNE 26


The Cancer Support Center (CSC) celebrates art and community at its Summer Showcase on Tuesday, June 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The exhibition will feature the work of participants who have benefited from The Cancer Support Center’s art and narrative programs over the past year. The showcase will take place at The Cancer Support Center’s Homewood location at 2028 Elm Road. This is an open house for all community members.

Join us as we showcase the work of those who’ve found healing through the expression of art. From journaling and scrapbooking to basket weaving and mask making, The Cancer Support Center provides many opportunities for participants to document their cancer journey through art.

"Cancer can be such an isolating experience. Typically, other people think of it as something to be afraid of,” said Jenna Stowell, MA, LPC, Staff Therapist at The Cancer Support Center. “This will hopefully only help the community to see what it's like to live with cancer, but it will de-stigmatize and show how they can be supportive rather than rejecting."

Stowell, as well as other therapists and interns, are a key component to The Center’s Art Therapy program; the staff at The Center has seen significant results by using art as a healing tool.  As a participant struggles to put words to how they are feeling, painting a picture or making a story board can help express what is happening to them without using words. 

The potential for liberation takes precedent over artistic ability, as participants from all skill levels learn to use art to articulate the difficult feelings associated with the cancer experience. The Cancer Support Center proudly presents the Summer Showcase as an opportunity for survivors, caregivers, and loved ones to present their artwork as reflections of their brave journeys.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

In addition to support groups, individual and family counseling sessions and The Center’s comprehensive Resource Center, wellness programs are offered on a weekly basis.  Participants enjoy yoga, qi gong, meditation, relaxation, massage therapy, Reiki and healing touch.  On average, The Center staff responds to more than 300 calls or visits to the Homewood and Mokena locations.

Find out what's happening in Homewood-Flossmoorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

# # #

 

For Media Inquiries:

Allison Smith, Marketing and Development Coordinator, (708)365-1209, asmith@cancersupportcenter.org           

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?