Oncology on Canvas Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Sharing Personal Experiences with Cancer Through Art

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You don’t need to be a professional artist to experience the power of creative expression. For people in the cancer community, telling stories through art and narrative can be healing, and for two decades, Oncology on Canvas has offered an opportunity to showcase these artists’ perspectives.

What is Oncology on Canvas?

The program, a partnership between Lilly, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship , and the Cancer Support Community , offers people with cancer and whose lives have been affected by cancer a place to express the life-affirming changes of their cancer journey through art.

Originally a competition, the ongoing program now encourages and welcomes submissions of all types, including poetry, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, pastels, photography, and even music. Thousands of cancer patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals have submitted to the Oncology on Canvas gallery since its origin.

“Many of our network partner locations offer painting and other creative classes so we have seen first-hand the positive effect of having a creative outlet, even for those who are trying these activities for the first time.” Cancer Support Community CEO Sally Werner said. “Research shows that creating art can promote mindfulness, boost our mood, reduce stress, and ease anxiety and depression. We’re proud to be partners on a program that encourages artistic expression from members of the cancer community and celebrates the works they create.”

Creating, viewing, and talking about the disease can help people with cancer and their loved one’s cope with the illness. The author of one Oncology on Canvas submission, titled “From Darkness to Light,” emphasized this sentiment. While recuperating from chemotherapy and radiation, they shared that painting, “was a good part of the recovery process.” Another artist, who shared a mixed media piece titled “Lifted by Love,” echoed that sentiment. “I believe that cancer treatment, particularly chemo... somehow changed my brain chemistry/neurology to become more interested in art and creativity. I'm not an artist and never had much interest or talent in anything creative or artistic, but somehow cancer treatment changed that.”

Why Oncology on Canvas?

The goal is to create a space for people affected by cancer to share personal, experiences, emotions, and unique stories that give their cancer journeys meaning through art.

“Oncology on Canvas is more than just a program, it’s a testament to the profound impact of merging art and storytelling, bringing hope and solace to those navigating the complexities of cancer,” said Shelley Fuld Nasso, MPP, CEO, NCCS. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone moment alongside our partners at Lilly and are excited to continue to read and view the works of art submitted to the program.”

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to get involved in Oncology on Canvas. To submit artwork or poetry, visit the registration portal for instructions.

Other ways you can support this initiative and other art therapy programs in your community include:

·??????? Working locally to develop an art therapy program

·??????? Volunteering for an established program

·??????? Donating your own artwork to raise awareness of and money for art therapy

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