Cancer Speaks at Beachwood Community Center Art Gallery Through January 31, 2008.

Cancer Speaks is a photography exhibit that first opened at The Gathering Place in June 2007. The exhibit features twenty-nine black and white intimate portraits of more than two dozen local residents touched by cancer.  Combined to show the many faces and emotions triggered by the disease, the portraits feature those from all backgrounds, ages and races, with expressions and quotes offering a personal glimpse into the life of those with cancer.

Local photographer Marc Golub www.photogmarc.com conceived of the project and donated his time and materials after being inspired by The Gathering Place’s work.  Prior to the photo shoot, staff at The Gathering Place, along with Golub, interviewed the portrait subjects at length to gain a personal glimpse into their cancer journey and observe their body language as they talked about the disease. Some participants spoke about anger, while others said cancer reminded them of life’s joys and blessings. Still others spoke about dying or focused instead on fighting and faith. 

The resulting, un-retouched photographs reflect those varying emotions.  Each photo is paired with a statement drawn from each interviewee, providing a glimpse into the cancer journey not only through these simple written words, but through the eyes and expressions of each person.  While some participants continue to fight their cancer, some have since lost their battle, leaving behind important reflections.

Cancer Speaks is part of the Touched By Cancer exhibit at the Beachwood Community Center art gallery that includes artists, Mario Kujawski, mixed media, www.mariokujawski.com; Ernie Horvath, sculpture and Susan Cone Porges, painting, www.ebsqart.com. Both Mario and Ernie have shown their work at The Gathering Place and Susan will be showing her work here in the spring. All three artists are cancer survivors.

All of the photographs in Cancer Speaks were framed and matted through the generosity of Su Rettger, owner of Mirage Studios on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.

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