Monday, August 3, 2026

Touching Lives: Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Turn Their Stories Into Art

Cancer Support Community, founded in Pasadena in 1990, says a portion of sales will return to the free classes that produced the pieces

Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley is partnering with the Baldwin Avenue Gallery to present Touching Lives: Embracing Strength Through Art in the Face of Cancer, a three-week art exhibition celebrating the strength, creativity, and resilience of individuals whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

Running from esarly next month (September 3–26), the exhibition showcases original artwork created by cancer survivors, caregivers, and others affected by cancer. Featuring paintings, photography, ceramics, fiber arts, mixed media, and sculpture, the collection reflects deeply personal stories of healing, hope, perseverance, and connection.

The exhibition is the culmination of a series of art workshops held throughout the year at CSC. Led by local artists and volunteers, these workshops provided participants with a welcoming space to process their cancer experiences through creative expression. Many of the works on display were created during these classes.

“We believe that art has the ability to heal, inspire, and bring people together. This exhibition is our way of supporting those affected by cancer and creating a space for their stories to be heard,” expressed Mary Hoffman Serr, co-owner of The Baldwin Avenue Gallery.

Patricia Ostiller, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley, said, “Healing happens in many forms, and art is one of the most powerful. It provides a safe space for self-expression, hope, and connection. We are proud to share our participants’ inspiring work with the community and grateful to the Baldwin Avenue Gallery for partnering with us to celebrate the healing power of creativity.”

A portion of all artwork sales will directly benefit CSC, helping ensure that the organization’s professionally led support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle programs, and social activities remain available free of charge to anyone impacted by cancer.

The exhibition is curated by Mary Hoffman Serr, co-owner of the Baldwin Avenue Gallery, and coordinated by Arella Tomlinson alongside a dedicated team of artist volunteers who have taught and continue to teach art workshops at CSC. Art supplies for the workshops were generously donated by Dick Blick Art Materials and the volunteer instructors.

For Arella Tomlinson, both a cancer survivor and longtime CSC participant, the exhibition represents the transformative role creativity can play during and after treatment.

“Art-making helped me get through chemotherapy and radiation, and so did my support group,” said Tomlinson. “To now share that artwork with others gives me hope and purpose. It reminds survivors that we are valued, seen, and supported. Cancer Support Community has meant so much to me, and I’m grateful to be able to give back in this way.”

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will have opportunities to meet participating artists and experience the powerful stories behind the artwork. The gallery will also host Poetry and Stories: Touching Lives on Saturday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m., an evening of spoken word, poetry, essays, and personal reflections shared by local community members whose lives have been touched by cancer, including several CSC participants.

Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley invites community members, cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and art enthusiasts to attend this inspiring exhibition and celebrate the healing power of creativity.

Touching Lives: Embracing Strength Through Art in the Face of Cancer runs Thursday, September 3 through Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Baldwin Avenue Gallery, 12 North Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024. The opening reception is Thursday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m., and Poetry and Stories: Touching Lives follows on Saturday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. The gallery lists its public hours as Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Monday through Thursday by appointment. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. The City of Sierra Madre says its city-owned public parking lots are open to the public while visiting or conducting business in the city, and that street parking is available throughout Sierra Madre, with posted signage governing restrictions in both. For more, call the Baldwin Avenue Gallery at (626) 921-0234 or Cancer Support Community Greater San Gabriel Valley at (626) 796-1083, or visitwww.baldwinavenuegallery.com orwww.cancersupportsgv.org.