Cancer Center Holds Fourth “Art Heals” Exhibit and Reception

Cancer Center of Santa Barbara invites the community to the fourth annual Art Heals exhibition and reception to celebrate the artists’ work:

· DATE: Friday, December 2

· TIME: 4:30-6:30p.m.

· LOCATION: Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, 540 West Pueblo Street

· FREE, light refreshments provided

· Raffle tickets for purchase by calling (805) 898-2204, need not be present to win (art donated by Santa Barbara Art Association)

Art Heals features the work of cancer patients, survivors and community members. The extraordinary collection of works gives vision and voice to the experiences of those who have been touched by cancer.

“Art fosters hope and provides a welcomed distraction which enables people to focus on something instead of their cancer,” said Rick Scott, President of Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. “These classes allow participants to bond and support each other while sharing a creative experience, along with a lot of laughs. For many, these classes provide an opportunity for self-expression without having to use words.”

People with cancer are increasingly turning to complementary therapies to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and boost their ability to cope with stress. Research suggests that the creative process involved in making art is healing and life-enhancing.

In order to support these and other classes offered through the Cancer Center’s Wellness Program, Members of Santa Barbara Art Association have generously donated their works for a raffle to be held at the reception. A wide range of activities, classes, and complementary medicine services such as yoga, nutrition, and healing touch are offered through the Center’s Wellness Program free-of-charge to those living with cancer.

The Wellness Program, in partnership with SBCC Adult Education, has provided the creative art classes for over ten years with a vision to help people uncover their own creativity through painting and in the process, promote health and well-being. Art class participant since 2008, Janice Latuchie, says “This is my favorite thing that I live for. I look forward to coming to class on Monday mornings more than anything else – the classes lift my mood, and the group provides tremendous inspiration.”

Local Artist, Rick Stich, who has been teaching art to cancer patients, survivors, and family members at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara for eight years, will showcase his students’ work in the hallways of the Cancer Center. “Rick is nurturing and draws out the best in everyone,” adds Latuchie. Over 12 artists will be revealing their latest masterpieces at a reception. The event is open to the public and wine and cheese will be provided. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the reception, or by calling Ryna Jackson: (805) 898-2204. Need not be present to win.

The exhibit, which is a permanent, revolving display, provides a continual source of inspiration to patients, family members, and staff at the Cancer Center. It serves as a visual reminder of the power of the creative process and the role art plays in health and healing. For more information, contact Cancer Center of Santa Barbara’s Wellness department at (805) 898-2204 or wellness@ccsb.org.