Art competition seeks artists touched by cancer

Adult artists touched by cancer are invited to take part in the 2010 Oncology On Canvas^SM Expressions of a Cancer Journey competition and exhibition sponsored by Lilly USA, LLC, in partnership with the patient advocacy group National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS).

The competition is open to U.S. and Puerto Rico citizens who are newly diagnosed with cancer, survivors, caregivers and professionals providing cancer patient care.

Submissions can be watercolor, oil, pastel, photography, acrylic or mixed media. Prizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 will be donated to the winners' cancer charities of choice. Some of the artwork will go on a nationwide tour with showings at cancer centers, hospitals and patient advocacy group events. Other opportunities to promote the art in ways that benefit cancer patients are under development. An oil painting submitted in the 2004 competition called "Long Day's Journey into Night" has been reproduced on silk scarves to benefit NCCS's programs.

The artist, a relative of a cancer survivor, described the painting: "Fear, devastation, alone - all words describing the beginning of a woman's cancer journey. I have chosen to portray the middle leg. Their world is still upside down. Night is the cancer that engulfs them. The woman is the moon. Hope is represented by the glimmering stars and greenery. The woman's courage and desire to fight is shown because she has thrust the cloud of isolation aside and exposed herself to be able to accept help from others. The 'others' - family, friends, medical personnel, are the trees reaching through the darkness to comfort, cry, cheer and encourage the reluctant traveler."

Registration forms for the 2010 competition will be accepted through June 10, 2010, but earlier registration is encouraged. Artwork submissions must be postmarked by June 30. Go to www.lillyoncologyoncanvas.com for registration details and see more art from previous competitions.

The first Oncology on Canvas competition took place in 2004 and drew nearly 500 entries from 23 countries. Submissions became part of a worldwide touring exhibit that began at London's Royal College of Art.