“The fifth annual art exhibit called Aliveness Through Cancer: Art Celebrating Healing returns to the Bayview Gallery the weekend of Sept. 7-9, with an opening reception Friday, Sept. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be refreshments, entertainment by the Whidbey band Bahia, and a mandala community art project. The American Beauty breast cancer quilt will be on display, and raffle tickets will be sold. The gallery is in the historic Bayview Cash Store, on the corner of Bayview and Marshview roads, just off Highway 525. For more information call Trish Rose, 321-7656 ext. 3350, or Bayview Gallery, 321-4535.Exhibit showcases work of those affected by cancerAn annual art show that has rare meaning to those involved in its production will come to the Bayview Gallery on South Whidbey next weekend. The paintings, sculptures, photographs and other pieces of art on exhibit will draw the eyes of visitors not only to the artful execution of the craft and the aesthetics of the works, but more powerfully to the depth of meaning each work has for its artist.The entries in the fifth annual cancer art show, Aliveness Through Cancer: Art Celebrating Healing, are submitted by cancer survivors, caregivers, support persons, and professional caregivers, all reflecting their often intense personal journeys and sharing the ways cancer has impacted their lives.It is an opportunity for the community to share, reflect and celebrate with those involved in the battle with cancer, said Trish Rose of Whidbey General Hospital, whose Cancer Care Committee organizes the art show. The weekend exhibit opens with a special reception on Friday, Sept. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., catered by Whidbey General Hospital and featuring entertainment by the Whidbey Island band Bahia.Bahia derives its name from Brazil’s coastal state, called the birthplace of the Samba. The band’s musicians and singer create a joyful sound that combines exotic melodies and mesmerizing rhythms to take the listener on a musical vacation in the tropics, Rose said.Along with the art show, a community art project will invite guests to take part in the creation of a mandala, or circle, with the contribution of a thought, word or symbol. The mandala is a universal symbol of wholeness or unity, Rose said. Art supplies will be available at the gallery for those who would like to participate. The Island Fabrics red and white American Beauty Breast Cancer Quilt will also be on display during the exhibit, with raffle tickets available. This fund-raiser is a wonderful gift to our community, and is in its fourth year, Rose said. The funds raised go to the local island cancer clinic at Whidbey General Hospital. The Smilin’ Dog Coffee House and Cafe will donate 10 percent of their profits for Friday, Sept. 7 to the Cancer Fund as well.So come view the art and enjoy a wonderful meal right next door, Rose said.The show is organized by the Cancer Care Committee of Whidbey General Hospital but supported through the community. A special thanks to the Bayview Gallery, which graciously hangs the art and provides the use of their beautiful gallery space, Rose said. And to Bahia for providing entertainment and the Smilin’ Dog for their contribution and the use of their space for the reception. “