23 July 2011

Visual Arts join CANSA to raise cancer awareness

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team
South African artists will address the fight against cancer at an exhibition in October in a show of support for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).
CANSA will host its fourth group art exhibition with the theme ‘Cancer a 2nd Chance’ at the William Humphreys Art Galley in Kimberley from 1 to 22 October to help spread awareness about the fight against cancer.

Participating artists include Marthinus Höll (painting), Zuanda Badenhorst (painting), Minette Saayman (pottery), Roy Stark (wall hangings and textiles), Dirk Meerkotter (painting), Annelize Bowker (painting) and Loeritha Saayman (painting). Ethne Papenfus, local Kimberley resident and cancer survivor of 20 years will officially open the exhibition.

Marthinus Höll, fashion designer and artist as well as leader volunteer for CANSA uses the visual arts to raise cancer awareness. Artists were requested to use the theme ‘Environment / landscape – Cancer a 2nd chance.’

“The willingness of artists to partake in this national project was overwhelming. Besides raising awareness of the carcinogens in the environment, the art generates income for CANSA through the sale of the items to provide much needed funds. And we hope through this exhibition to encourage all South Africans to join the fight by becoming a volunteer and help CANSA provide essential services to meet the needs of individuals and families facing one of the most difficult experiences of their lives” he explained.

Thee successful exhibitions to create awareness about cancer through this medium have been hosted - the first exhibition opened in the Pretoria Art Gallery Arcadia in October 2008 where approximately 4000 people attended. The follow up was in the Potchefstroom Art Gallery, May 2009 and the third was part of Innibos festival in Nelspruit.

Bloemfontein is in line during March 2010 with the exhibition at Olivenhuis in the Reservoir. Other cities to host an exhibition include Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg.

Artists who have participated in the first four exhibitions are:
Loeritha Saayman, Phillip Badenhorst, Michelle Nigrini, Nola Staruss, Marthinus Höll, Lynette den Kroden, Diek Grobler, Sanna Swart, Guy du Toit, Zuanda Badenhorst, Annelize Bowker, Cronje Lemmer, Bess Rheeders, Dirk Meerkotter, Minette Saayman, At Smith, Roy Stark and Avril Kentrige-Kayser

CANSA is South Africa’s premier cancer control organisation and well-placed to deliver this service based on more than 78 years of experience in providing cancer services at grassroots level. Its purpose is to lead the fight against cancer in South Africa to save lives. CANSA’s unique integrated service has been realigned according to our science-based research findings. Knowledge gained from our research, public service and watchdog role influences CANSA’s action and effectiveness, which we know will benefit the population. CANSA has more than 330 staff, 14 000 volunteers and 51 offices nation-wide.

William Humphreys Art Gallery
Situated in Kimberley's Civic Centre, it is considered one of the finest art museums in South Africa. It was opened in 1952 and named after its principal benefactor, William Benbow Humphreys (1889 - 1965). At present the Art Gallery concentrates on collecting South African works of art. Apart from its primary function as a museum of art, this Gallery serves the community as an educational and cultural centre

For more information regarding the exhibition contact Munnik Marais (Head: Volunteer Services) on 083 2688 701. Artists can be contacted directly for photo opportunities.

If you want to know more about CANSA services or would like to volunteer or support CANSA in the fight against cancer, visit www.cansa.org.za email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 during office hours.

Issued by Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication Department, CANSA National Office 011 616 7662, 082 459 5230 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ENDS

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