Ten years ago, Renee Yanke — a nurse from the Medical Ambulatory Clinic at Whidbey General Hospital — came across a traveling art exhibit by an artist who had cancer.

Janet Colli had been processing her cancer experience through collage and painting and was ready to share it with the world.

At that time Yanke had been working with friend and colleague, Carla Jolley, another advanced practice nurse, who was also interested in oncology. Both nurses were searching for ways to support cancer patients and their families in the communities served by Whidbey General Hospital and other healthcare systems.

With inspiration from Colli’s show, the women adopted the title “Aliveness Through Cancer, Art Celebrating Healing” and the first show of the Medical Ambulatory Clinic of Whidbey General Hospital was born.

That show was held at the Coupeville Arts Center and was a lesson in the logistics of curating a show and handling the volume of work that came from the many artists who were dealing with cancer.

The show was a success and Yanke, Jolley and the rest of the Cancer Committee team were encouraged to keep it going.

Art show for all

Eventually, after several years, the show grew and evolved into a new kind of art show that invited not only professional artists and their experience with cancer but cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals and any support person.

The subsequent shows have exhibited work of people of all ages and backgrounds having been touched by the cancer journey in some way.

The art shown has drawn works in all manner of mediums, including watercolor, pastel, photography, sculpture, collage, prose, poetry, quilting, music, basket making, cartoons and crafts. One enterprising artist used the facial x-ray mask familiar to cancer patients to create a decorated mask and a poignant piece of art.

And that’s just the point, explained Jolly and Yanke.

Art is a way to express a person’s journey with cancer when words are not enough. It is not meant to be limiting; it’s meant to be a unifying experience that all people associated with the cancer journey in some way can engage in. It is also a show that brings the community together in a unique celebration of what people do with the experience of cancer.

“Last year, we had a young boy and an older man meet who really connected with each other,” said Yanke. “They would have never met otherwise.”

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking every year as we get down to the deadline,” Jolley said. “Are we going to have enough art?”

“Some years are fuller than others,” she added.

“But it’s always a blessing to see the amazing things artists, patients, family members, caregivers and friends are willing to share with us and the community at large. I get to meet the people walking through who are truly touched by the stories that go with the art and reflections of a sometimes difficult time, sometimes a celebration and sometimes a tribute of a journey well traveled.”

Harry Rich, a local artist, submitted a piece every year.

“I am a heartfelt fan of not only his art but the spirit in which he traveled his journey,” said Jolley.

Rich passed away recently and Jolley said she will miss him dearly. However, Rich will be able to contribute one last time as some of his pieces will be on view posthumously at this year’s show.

“I always looked forward to what he might bring and what it symbolized for him,” Jolley said.

Community reception

This year’s 10th anniversary show is called “Art Celebrating the Cancer Journey” and will be held at Greenbank Farm, 10 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4.

The event is not geared as a fundraiser but it is a good way to support individuals who are struggling with the financial aspects that often come with a health care crisis. Some of the art is for sale and some is just to admire. Those who do sell art can choose to donate or partially donate to the Cancer Care Fund.

Donations are gladly accepted in order to continue the show annually.

The Whidbey Island Hospital Foundation sponsors the art show as well as managing the Cancer Care Funds.

Volunteers from Whidbey General Hospital are also crucial to the event. Whidbey Island Allied Artists provide the grids for hanging the art while providing enthusiasm and professional support.

In order to honor those who participate the community is invited to come celebrate with a traditional reception on the Friday night before the exhibit from

7 to 9 p.m. at Greenbank Farm.

Whidbey Pies will provide hors d’oeuvre and desserts. There will also be champagne and wine tasting available.

The reception has included many performing artists through the years who donate their talents for the enjoyment of everyone. Honoree artist, Lisa Toomey, an oncology nurse and musician, was the very first performer. Toomey will be playing again at the reception this year in honor of the 10th anniversary of the show.

Another annual honoree, Deon Matzen, a 10-year breast cancer survivor who participated in the very first show, has provided the art for this year’s poster, a watercolor painting entitled “Glorious Sunrise.”

The deadline for entries is Nov. 1.

An application can be downloaded from the www.whidbeygen.org Website, or by calling the MAC clinic at 678-7624 or 321-5173.

Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or at www.pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.