URGENT UPDATE: Cancer survivors at UCSF Medical Center are harnessing creativity to heal emotional wounds through the transformative Art for Recovery program. Currently underway, this initiative empowers individuals grappling with cancer to express their experiences through art, fostering resilience and community.
Jenni Mork, a breast cancer survivor, is among the participants painting a portrait of her new dog, symbolizing a fresh chapter in her life. “A program like this lets you celebrate the wins that a larger society doesn’t see as a win,” she shared, wiping away tears during a session earlier today. Her journey is a testament to the healing power of creativity amid the trauma of a cancer diagnosis.
The Art for Recovery program, founded in 1988, is designed to provide emotional support through artistic expression. Amy Van Cleve, the program director, explains that typical art therapy often falls short during treatment, as patients struggle with their emotions. “We accept you wherever you are at,” Van Cleve emphasized. “If you need to paint your anger, paint your anger. If you need to paint your resiliency, we are there for that too.”
At a nearby table, Nanci Reese, who has faced endometrial cancer since 2008, is crafting a vibrant scene inspired by Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. “Oxygen therapy makes it so your vision is a little blurred, so I started doing like Monet,” she explained, capturing her unique perspective on her artistic approach.
Participants often depict their cancer journeys through self-portraits. Van Cleve highlights a common progression: initial images of warriors battling cancer, followed by expressions of grief and loss, and finally, a “legacy phase” where individuals reflect on their lives and relationships. “We’re just present with them,” Van Cleve said of the group check-ins, allowing open discussions of their experiences.
The impact of cancer is starkly evident, with portraits of past participants who lost their battles hanging nearby. This powerful visual reminder underscores the urgency and significance of the program.
In an exciting development, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is showcasing works from 30 artists, including pieces from those who have passed away. Earlier this month, Susana Gershuny attended the grand opening of the exhibit, displaying her unique artwork made from hair lost during chemotherapy. “I wanted this piece to be about me reclaiming my hair and giving it a higher purpose,” Gershuny explained, reflecting on her journey as a new mother diagnosed with breast cancer.
Art for Recovery continues to be a beacon of hope, allowing participants to confront complex emotions and articulate their experiences. “When you literally move through that emotion and share it, there is a release,” Van Cleve noted, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of the program.
The Art for Recovery exhibit is open to the public at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art until Spring 2024, with no tickets required. This important initiative not only highlights the power of art in healing but also serves as a reminder of the strength found within the cancer survivor community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring program as it continues to make significant impacts in the lives of those affected by cancer.
