As French artist Henri Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” So does fighting cancer. In 2004, Lilly Oncology decided to combine the two.
The Lilly Oncology on Canvas program was founded in 2004 as an opportunity for those affected by cancer to share their stories through art and narrative.
Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of the participating cancer centers across the country — having brought the program back this year after several years.
There have been seventeen submissions at Karmanos this year. Casey Canon, art therapist at Karmanos, has displayed the artwork and the artists’ narratives around the hospital for visitors, staff and patients to enjoy.
A wide variety of mediums are accepted and encouraged as submissions, including paintings. The program is also not limited to cancer patients. In fact, anyone affected by cancer can submit his or her work.
With the submissions they receive, Lilly Oncology contacts hospitals and cancer centers to see if they would be interested in displaying the artworks. The program provides the hospitals with boards and easels to display them.
“It’s just another way to spruce up the hospital environment and give something for our patients to enjoy looking at,” Canon said.
The art includes narratives about how they relate to cancer. See past submissions here.
If you are interested in learning more about the program or about the displayed artwork, please visit the Karmanos Cancer Institute Volunteer office, located in the Main Lobby of Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, or call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266).