FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION FOR TWIST OUT CANCER’S
FALL 2024 BRUSHES WITH CANCER PROGRAM
WILL BE HELD IN PHILADELPHIA ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
The 23 unique pieces of artwork that represent 23 unique journeys with cancer
will then be on display at the Old City Jewish Art Center in November
September 23, 2024, Philadelphia – Twist Out Cancer, an international non-profit organization that uses creative arts programming to provide social and emotional support to individuals touched by cancer, announced that an opening night reception for its Fall 2024 Brushes With Cancer Program will be held at Lilah Fishtown on Sunday, October 27. The program matches previvors, survivors, caregivers, and supporters (referred to as inspirations) with accomplished artists who create unique pieces of artwork to represent their personal journeys with cancer. The Fall 2024 Brushes With Cancer Program includes 23 Inspirations who have been matched with 23 artists. Following the opening night reception, the artwork will be on display at the Old City Jewish Art Center from Wednesday, October 30 through Saturday, November 30.
Over the last five years, Twist Out Cancer has found a home in Philadelphia by hosting both Brushes With Cancer programs and Twistshops, which are art therapy workshops. The first local Brushes With Cancer program was held in September, 2019, followed by a virtual program in October, 2021. Through a partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper in Camden, N.J., Twist Out Cancer is launching quarterly art therapy workshops with licensed professional art therapist, Sherry Warner. This series, which is free to attend, will introduce new and exciting art making techniques to promote social connectedness and healing. The first Twistshop in this series will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 11:30 a.m. and registration is available here.
“This is a full circle moment for us as we have seen our community grow to include hundreds of inspirations, artists, and supporters in the Greater Philadelphia area. Howard Aaron and Kristina Burke are Inspirations for all of us to look up to as they are both thriving following their cancer diagnoses,” said Jenna Benn Shersher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Twist Out Cancer. “At the opening night reception, attendees can join us as our Inspirations mark another milestone in their personal journeys with cancer.”
Brushes With Cancer matches artists with individuals touched by cancer. Over a period of six months, the Inspirations and artists work together to build a relationship built on mutual understanding and trust. The artist is tasked with creating a unique work of art, which is reflective of the inspiration’s personal journey with cancer. The program culminates in a celebration of survivorship and hope, where the art is auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the mission and work of Twist Out Cancer.
An opening night reception will be held on Sunday, October 27, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lilah Fishtown, 1601 N. Front St, Philadelphia. All tickets include access to the exhibition, an open bar, dinner stations, and music by Tanqueray Hayward. The keynote speaker will be Howard Aaron, a world-class bench-press competitor, fitness coach, cancer survivor, and a Twist Out Cancer Board Member. Lu Ann Cahn, who is a speaker, author, and dare specialist, will be the emcee. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased here.
Following the opening night reception, the artwork will be on display from Wednesday, October 30 through Saturday, November 30 at the Old Jewish Arts Center, 119 N. 3rd St, Philadelphia.
Since it was founded in 2011, Twist Out Cancer has positively impacted over 257,000 people through programming and outreach, including Brushes with Cancer programs, Twistshops, Twist Hearts, and more. Recent licensed programs were held with the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami and with Blueprint Medicines. The next open Brushes With Cancer program will take place in Spring 2025 in the Chicago area.
If you would like to bring Brushes with Cancer to your region or city, or if you have any questions on corporate partnerships and licensed programs, please send an email to brushes@twistoutcancer.org.
About Twist Out Cancer
Established in 2011 as a non-profit organization, Twist Out Cancer offers the platform, tools and community – both online and offline – for anyone touched by cancer to feel connected to a community, and for many to take action. Twist Out Cancer was founded on the principle that when you share, the world opens up. Since its inception, the organization has touched over 257,000 people around the world through its programs and events. A labor of love, Twist Out Cancer is a volunteer-led organization boasting a network of over 200 active volunteers serving as ambassadors in Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Ann Arbor, Austin, Tel Aviv, Toronto, and Montreal. More information is available at www.twistoutcancer.org.
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For media inquiries, please contact Joshua Taustein at josh@twistoutcancer.org.