Art Wall provides inspiration
Breast cancer Survivor Peggy Ross found a ready-made group of friends when she moved to Texarkana two years and started contributing paintings for the Art Wall. “Other survivors just know how you feel,” she said.
Ross is a 10-year-survivor, an accomplishment she shares with her friend Rhonda Dolberry, also a 10-year breast cancer survivor.
Paintings created by breast cancer survivors and their families and friends were unveiled recently at the Art Wall near the Regional Arts Center at 321 W. Fourth St. There were 48 paintings this year.
Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Texarkana team up for the Art Wall to bring awareness to breast cancer.
Ross’ painting features the slogan, “Keep the lumps outta our cups” with a picture of a bra. Many paintings included either a humorous or empowering message such as “Never underestimate the power of a woman.”
“Any positive affirmation, written or spoken, is important to get out there. We have to educate, educate, educate. And the people going through this have to have support from their family and friends,” Dolberry said.
Dolberry has been involved with Komen Texarkana since her diagnosis and this year she was chosen as the Honorary Survivor to represent survivors at Race for the Cure Oct. 21 at the Four States Fairgrounds.
She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2007.
Painters were assisted by local artists and did most of their work at Skyler’s Frame Shop.
“It’s been such a beautiful outlet for the survivors. There are friendships formed and stories told,” said Amber Lawrence, Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure executive director.
Artists for the project are chosen by Komen’s survivor committee from women who participate in Race for the Cure.
The artwork will be displayed throughout the month of October.
This is the sixth year for the project.