May 11, 2005
Artists provide helping hand
From Women's Hands art show raises $20,000 for cancer fund
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
The Hagerty Center overflowed with creativity, commitment and compassion last weekend during the From Women's Hands art show.
The third annual show featured dozens of female artists bringing their work in media ranging from painting, sculpture and photography to jewelry, clothing and tiles. The range of art filled the Hagerty Center and drew thousands of attendees over the weekend, including more than 1,400 for the opening reception Friday night. That evening, lines of purchasers snaked around the lobby as art flew out of the show at a record pace.
"I appreciate art, this is a very good representation of the arts and there's something for everyone covering a wide range of tastes," said Judy White of Glen Arbor, attending her first From Women's Hands show. "It's a good cause and you want to be supportive of it."
As they have done every year, artists donate 20 percent of the sales to the Women's Cancer Fund, which helps women with non-medical related expenses while they undergo treatment. Additional funds were raised by a silent auction and a raffle that featured donated original artworks by show participants.
In all, the show raised $20,000 for the fund, a 33 percent increase over last year's total.
"It's well worth all of the work and all of the fun to let people know that there's this fund out there to help people with cancer," said Jennifer Hutchinson, co-chair of the event. "We had just an incredible turnout all weekend, it was so beautiful."
A new feature at From Women's Hands this year was a steady vibe of music by area artists, including Robin Berry, plus readings by local authors, including Kathleen Stocking, Stephanie Mills, Deb Fellows and Anne-Marie Oomen.
In addition, filmmakers screened some of their works through out the weekend. The organizers of the juried show plan to add films to their list of categories for next year's show, making it a more formal part of the weekend.
"The authors who were reading, that was a huge attractions and we had some wonderful films and we're very excited about that," Hutchinson said. "These short films were done by female filmmakers and we're going to have more of that next year. This year we just did a sampling to see how people felt about it and they loved it."
Traverse City artist Maria Perez-Bastian of Queen Glass Art, attended the show in part to honor a dear friend Julie Lober who died of breast cancer. One of the charter artists of the show, Perez-Bastian has brought her unique beadwork and jewelry to the show for the past three years.
"She was the most lovely outgoing person, so generous and loving and kind and delightful," said Perez-Bastian of Lober. "I always think of her when I do this show, among other women but her in particular."
"I really can't think of any women who doesn't have a friend or family member who hasn't been touched by breast cancer," she added. "For any woman artist not to be aware of it, that would be impossible."