Cancer is Unmasked at Sarratt Art Gallery

 by Anna Ketron

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Cancer was unmasked in the Sarratt Art Gallery at Vanderbilt University from Oct. 30 through Nov. 21, where local artists shared their cancer stories through colorful masks.

            Sara Bickell, Cindy Young, Teresa Gray, Diane Sesler and Jennifer Wilkins were the local artists who showcased their creations in the “Courage Unmasked” exhibit.  These women are all local artists who have suffered from cancer in one way or the other.  The women thought of themselves, or their loved ones fighting cancer, as soldiers and wanted to show their strength through their masks.

“I am a warrior,” said Wilkins.  “We all fight battles whether internally, externally or both times simultaneously.  This collection of masks represents a variety of warriors.”

Photos provided by Facebook Courage Unmasked TN

            The masks represented cancer’s pain and struggle, but they also represented the fight to live and the will to keep going.

             “The masks were originally hospital masks the patients had to wear,” said Sarratt Center Administrative Assistant Annetta Picket.

            All of the masks were transformed into bold symbols.  The masks included a full rhinestone face and neck of a colorful toucan, a lion with skin made of Bible verses, and even one completely made of flowers and vines.  All of  these masks represented freedom, hope and courage.

The exhibit and the event’s website had sections designated towards donations for research. The website, http://www.courageunmaskedtn.org/, gave everyone the chance to participate and help out by donating money.  The site did not specify how much money was raised.   

“Courage Unmasked” supported research and promoted awareness of head and neck cancer in the Nashville area. The event was a collaborative effort with the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center here in Nashville.