Discover the Power of Creativity in the Face of Adversity.
What is the Art of Surviving?
The Art of Surviving is a unique event hosted by the Raymond A. Wood Foundation that brings together individuals impacted by hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumors to express their resilience through artistic expression. This event showcases the power of creativity as a form of healing, awareness, and advocacy, while raising vital funds to support patients, caregivers, and research initiatives.
Why It’s Important
Surviving a brain tumor diagnosis and its lifelong effects requires immense courage and adaptation. Art serves as a powerful tool for processing emotions, building community, and sharing experiences in a way that words sometimes cannot. The Art of Surviving provides a platform for individuals affected by these tumors to tell their stories, inspire others, and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
By participating in or supporting this event, you are helping to:
- Raise awareness of hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumors and their impact.
- Empower survivors and caregivers to share their journeys through artistic expression.
- Fund critical programs that provide resources and support to affected individuals.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in the Art of Surviving and make a difference:
Submit Artwork: If you are a survivor, caregiver, or medical professional, share your creative work in this inspiring exhibition.
- View the Gallery: Experience the power of art and read the stories behind each piece.
- Vote in the Gallery: Vote your favorite pieces of artwork.
- Sponsor or Donate: Support our mission by becoming an event sponsor or making a contribution.
- Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing this event with your family and friends.
Participant Groups & Eligibility
Our exhibition welcomes individuals from who have been touched by the experience of brain tumors:
Brain Tumor Survivors: Sharing the journey through the transformative medium of art.
Caregivers: Finding solace and connection as you navigate the challenges of caregiving through creative expression.
Family Members: Honoring the stories of loved ones affected by brain tumors and share their legacies through art.
Supporters: Standing in solidarity with the brain tumor community and contribute to their healing journey through your presence and support.
Join us in recognizing and celebrating the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire. Together, let’s make a meaningful difference in the lives of brain tumor survivors worldwide.
Categories of Artwork
Participants can submit artwork in the following categories:
- Drawing, Painting, Printmaking: Explore the world of traditional and contemporary visual art.
- Photography, Digital Art: Discover the beauty captured through the lens and digital media.
- 2-D & 3-D Art: Immerse yourself in artworks that transcend dimensions.
- Jewelry & Textiles: Admire the intricacy and craftsmanship of wearable art.
- Creative Writing: Engage with the written word through poetry, prose, and storytelling.
- Performance Art: Experience the power of live performance and expression.
How Voting Works
Voting in the Art of Surviving Exhibition is both simple and impactful. For each dollar you donate as a vote, you’re not only supporting the artists but also contributing to the Raymond A. Wood Foundation’s mission of driving research, advocating for improved treatment outcomes, and providing essential resources for brain tumor survivors and their families.
The Importance of Art in Healing
For many participants of the Art of Surviving Exhibition, art is much more than a creative outlet – it’s a lifeline, a form of therapy, and a means of self-expression. Here are some reasons why art holds immense significance to our participants:
- Coping Mechanism: Living with a brain tumor or supporting a loved one through their journey can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Art provides a safe space for participants to process their experiences, express their feelings, and cope with the complexities of their situation.
- Healing and Empowerment: Engaging in artistic expression has therapeutic benefits, promoting healing and empowering participants to reclaim control over their narratives. Through art, they can transform pain into beauty, fear into courage, and vulnerability into strength.
- Communication and Connection: Art transcends language barriers and enables participants to communicate thoughts and emotions that words alone may fail to convey. It fosters connection within the brain tumor community, allowing participants to share their stories, find common ground, and offer support to one another.
- Sense of Purpose: Creating art gives participants a sense of purpose and accomplishment, affirming their identity beyond their diagnosis or caregiving role. It instills a sense of agency and reminds them of their innate creativity and resilience.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Art serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and raising awareness about the realities of living with a brain tumor. Through their artwork, participants amplify their voices, challenge stigma, and educate others about the challenges they face.
In essence, art is not just a form of expression for our participants – it’s a source of hope, healing, and empowerment. It allows them to transcend their circumstances, find beauty in adversity, and connect with others on a profound level.
Thank You to Our Past Participants and Supporters
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of the Art of Surviving exhibition. Your courage, creativity, and willingness to share your stories through art have left an indelible mark on our community. We also want to thank our supporters for their unwavering encouragement and commitment to our cause. Your generosity enables us to continue our mission of raising awareness about brain tumors and supporting those affected by them. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of survivors and their families. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
View the 2024 Gallery2025 Winners
(To view artwork, click or tap on title)
Brain Tumor Survivor | Child 0-12
1st: Annistyn Weaver – Anni’s Butterfly (Multimedia 2D/3D)
2nd: Genevieve Helm – The Depths (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
3rd: Jonah Kaolcsai – The Spring Robin at Sunset (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
Brain Tumor Survivor | Youth 13-20
1st: Trinity Turner – Perception (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
2nd: Jake Serota – Unbreakable (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
3rd: Samantha Onofrey – Explosion (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
Brain Tumor Survivor | Adult 21+
1st: Angel Gregson – MRI head/brain scan in stitch embroidery form (Jewelry & Textiles)
2nd: Angel Gregson – Brain Tumour Poem (Creative Writing)
3rd: Veronique Diriker – Billy (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
Sibling
1st: Jane Millar – The Brave Brain (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
2nd: Ameenah Salim – Fearless Brain Tumor Survivor (2D/3D/Multimedia)
3rd: Yaseen Salim – Bead Brain (2D/3D/Multimedia)
Caregiver/Family Member
1st: Eugenie Hsu – …to the beat of his own drum (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
2nd: Sharon Pitcher – Grandma’s Prayer Corner (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking/Chalkart)
3rd: Sean King Mosley – Be Strong for Kaya (Photography/Digital Art)
Supporter
1st: Benneth Wilson – The Thundering Herd of Colors (2D/3D/Multimedia)
2nd: Mahi Patel – Cradle of Awareness (Photography/Digital Art)
3rd (tie): Jade Niu – Light Beyond Darkness (Drawing/Painting/Printmaking)
3rd (tie): Mahi Patel – Silent Strength: A Battle Within (Photography/Digital Art)
Best By Category
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking
Trinity Turner – Perception
Photography, Digital Art
Benjamin Thomas Lee – Richie
2-D & 3-D Art
Ameenah Salim – Fearless: Brain Tumor Survival
Jewelry & Textiles
Angel Gregson – MRI Head/Brain Scan in Stitch Embroidery Form
Creative Writing
Mobeen Salim – Super Maryam: Brain Tumor Strikes Back and Brings his Friends
Performing Arts
Sahaja Azure-van Loon – Finding My Truth
Our Sponsors
Support Our Work
The Raymond A. Wood Foundation advocates for survivors and caregivers faced with challenges after brain tumor treatment. A donation — big or small — helps us do this important work.
