Hope Gallery spurs local fight against cancer

In a bid to further the cause of cancer research, the American Cancer Society hosts its first ever Hope Gallery at Churchill's Pub, Sept. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The gallery, located downstairs in Churchill's cellar bar, features a silent auction of hope-oriented works by local artists for the Southeast Georgia Cancer Alliance.

The goal of the Savannah division of the American Cancer Society, the Southeast Georgia Cancer Alliance, is to ensure the treatment of all persons in Southeast Georgia who have been afflicted with cancer. It also strives to improve accessibility to cancer education, screenings and research.

"The idea of Hope Gallery is simple really," said Kasey Parsh, office coordinator at the American Cancer Society. "By now we have all been touched by cancer, directly or indirectly. There are those who have made the journey that cancer imposes, and there are those who have traveled by their side. And within the strength and courage of this journey there is a very profound beauty."

For Parsh, the bleak emotions associated with a disease like cancer can be capably combated with hope that artists induce through their work.

"Artists have the ability to bring to the world a powerful redeeming quality when they are inspired by their own journey through life," Parsh said. "Some of the artists have dedicated their pieces in reverence to the memory of a cancer patient or caregiver. Others have simply donated their piece as an opportunity to allow someone else to attach their loved ones' memory to something of beauty."

"I donated a framed 12 inches by 24 inches acrylic painting titled ‘Savannah Cardinal,'" said contributor and local artist Barbara Gentry. "The painting is of a cardinal feeding at my backyard feeder. We have an abundance of cardinals that feed at our backyard feeder, and my husband and I enjoy watching them in the early evenings while relaxing on our back porch. There is a mysterious, comforting hopefulness about them."

"My piece, titled ‘Apple Orchard,' captures spring's first blossom with the hope and promise of wonderful fruit to follow," said Liza Judson, another contributor to the gallery. "One of my last outings with my late sister-in-law, Judy Power, was a drive past this very orchard. I have dedicated this to Judy, who struggled with cancer for over five years."

The American Cancer Society raises funds for cancer research in a variety of ways. The most popular way is what Parsh refers to as a "Party with a Purpose."

"This is where the hostess chooses the venue, whether it be a barbecue or cocktail party, and the guests make a donation to the American Cancer Society," Parsh said. "Hope Gallery is a type of ‘party with a purpose,' except with the unique twist of having the opportunity to go home with something beautiful to hang on your wall as well as knowing that whatever donation amount you made, it's helping in the fight against cancer."

The gallery offers an eclectic mix of mediums to view and bid on, including glass work, water colors, acrylic, mixed media and photography.

The artists involved are given free reign in terms of their choice of medium, as long as the one-of-a-kind final product creates in the viewer a sensation of hope, courage and optimism. Admission is free.