When Rosalyn Tyge visited the Dennos Museum Center to view Art.Rage.Us — a national exhibit of art by breast cancer survivors — what she saw galvanized her to action.
She quickly organized an event called “From Women’s Hands” — a juried art exhibit and sale with a two-fold purpose: to showcase the talents of women artists living in northern Michigan, and to raise funds for northern Michigan women struggling with cancer.
“From Women’s Hands comes out of a deep commitment to art, women artists, women with cancer, and the way art intertwines with, enriches, and heals our lives,” said Tyge, a Traverse City tile/clay artist and furniture maker.
The third annual “From Women’s Hands” event is set for May 6-8 at the Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Campus. More than 100 talented female visual artists, authors, culinary professionals, and musicians will show and sell their work. The event is expected to raise $30,000 for the Women’s Cancer Fund, which was created by the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation in the early 1990s.
The first “From Women’s Hands” in 2003 raised $7,000 for the fund. Last year’s event produced $50,000 in art sales, allowing for a $15,000 gift to the fund. “We are definitely looking at doubling it again this year,” said event co-chairman Jennifer Hutchinson.
With 7,000-square feet of exhibit space bathed in natural light, scenic bay views, and bountiful parking, the new Hagerty Center offers an outstanding venue for the show, she said.
Twenty percent of all the art sales and 100 percent of the proceeds from an art raffle and silent auction will be directed to the Women’s Cancer Fund.
“I was drawn to the Women’s Cancer Fund because it gives 100 percent of donations directly to women fighting cancer, helping them with quality of life issues that insurance just doesn’t cover,” Tyge said. “Assisting these women in dealing with daily crisis such as fuel bills, wigs, and rides to therapy, allows a preservation of their dignity and self esteem.”
The exhibit and sale kicks off on Friday, May 6 from 6 - 10 pm and continues on Saturday, May 7 from 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday, May 8, from 11 am - 4 pm.
