Twist Out Cancer, an international non-profit charitable organization that provides psychosocial support to individuals touched by cancer through creative arts programming, announced today it will host a virtual Brushes With Cancer Event in the Midwest on Sunday, November 14 at 5 p.m. CST. Since the organization was founded in Chicago ten years ago, Twist Out Cancer has touched the lives of over 140,000 people around the world. This year’s program in the Midwest features 35 Inspirations and 35 artists who come from 10 states, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India. Thad Wong and Emily Sachs Wong, of @properties, are the 2021 Brushes With Cancer Honorees. Each ticket includes admission into the virtual event and a ticket to see the physical art exhibitions at the Floating World Gallery in Chicago and the Detroit Shipping Company in Detroit to view each unique art piece that was created for someone touched by cancer. The virtual event will focus on the power of storytelling, community and hope.
Brushes with Cancer is a unique celebration that pairs accomplished Artists with “Inspirations,” who are those who have been touched by cancer as previvors, survivors, or caregivers. As the Inspirations share their twist on cancer – stories, feelings, and experiences – the artists create a unique work of art that represents their personal journey with cancer. This is the tenth anniversary of Twist Out Cancer, which was founded by Jenna Benn Shersher after she survived cancer at the age of 29.
“During my experience with Grey Zone Lymphoma, I witnessed the importance of having a platform to share your experiences and connect with others, and I was determined to take what I learned and use it to help others,” said Jenna Benn Shersher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Twist Out Cancer. “It is astounding to witness the community that has been built over the last ten years. Through our virtual programming and in-person events held around the country, in Canada, and Israel – Twist Out Cancer has been able to reach individuals from all over the world. The virtual space has allowed us to break down barriers, and I am grateful that it will allow us to have a positive impact on individuals touched by cancer who have been grappling with personal health crises amidst a global pandemic.”
Thad Wong and Emily Sachs Wong are serving as esteemed Honorees because of their exceptional commitment to philanthropy, their appreciation and love of art, and their personal connection to cancer. The Midwest Brushes With Cancer program is chaired by Cynthia Beck and Bari Murphy, both of whom live in Chicago. Thad, Emily, Cynthia, and Bari will all speak at the event about how cancer has personally touched their lives.
Tickets are $75 and include access to the virtual event, online auction, and one ticket to the art exhibition at the Floating World Gallery, 1925 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, or the Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro Street, Detroit. With each ticket, there is an option to buy a Twistkit for $65 that includes a Camp Craft beverage kit, a Twist Out Cancer tote bag, bracelet, mask, and more. At the heart of the virtual event is the opportunity to hear directly from Inspirations and Artists about their experience about how an Inspiration shared their story, connected with an artist, and then found a healing moment by seeing their personal journey with cancer turned into a unique piece of art. It will be emceed by Anthony Ponce, include a musical performance by Tanqueray Hayward, and reflections by Noah Plotkin, a Brushes with Cancer Artist, Inspiration and Musical Performer, Andrew Edelston, the Twist Out Cancer Board Chair, Dr. Ruth Mayer, and Akiva Gross. The virtual Brushes with Cancer program was created and designed by Kobi Swissa of Swissa Creative, which is a Chicago-based creative agency and production company specializing in bespoke video content.
Tickets are also available for $35 person to view the art exhibition at the Floating World Gallery in Chicago by appointment from Monday, November 15 through Wednesday, November 17. More information on tickets to the virtual event, in-person exhibition, and available sponsorships are available at: https://one.bidpal.net/brusheswithcancermidwest2021/welcome.
August Spree, the Director of Programs at Twist Out Cancer, added, “Whether our Inspirations and Artists are from the same city or state, or are in different parts of the world, we have seen so many unforgettable experiences this year. We are excited to share these experiences with everyone at our virtual event on Sunday, November 14.”
Prior to the virtual event on Sunday, October 10, information will be shared on Twist Out Cancer’s social media pages asking for contributions to an interactive mosaic art piece from Picture Mosaics. There will also be private receptions at the Floating World Gallery and the Detroit Shipping Company for Inspirations, Artists, host committee members, board members, and mentors to come together. All of the artwork will be revealed online to the public by October 23, when it will be open to a public auction. Proceeds from art sales are reinvested into the Brushes with Cancer, to help bring this program to more people around the world.
In addition to the Midwestern Brushes With Cancer program, there was also an event in the Northeastern region that was held on Sunday, October 10, and a forthcoming event in the Southern Region on Sunday, March 20, 2022. 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.