Beth Bricker is “still standing” and cancer free

From staff reports

Two years ago Glen Arbor artist and co-owner of Forest Gallery Beth Bricker was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer and given a prognosis of months to live. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, but also pursued alternative treatment methods including reiki.

The Glen Arbor artist community held a reception for Beth on June 1, 2024, and a month-long exhibit featuring works donated by nearly 50 artists and community members, with proceeds benefiting her family. Beth’s parents, the late Ananda and Ben Bricker, were founding members of the Glen Arbor Art Association more than 40 years ago.

Today Beth is cancer free and still standing. “Still standing” is the title of the exhibit currently on display at Lake Street Studios Center Gallery until June 26. The exhibit, which opened on May 29, celebrates the art and wild creativity of Beth—“our iconic townie gallerina extraordinaire”—with the gorgeous collaboration of driftwood sculpture by Naomi Call.

“I am on the other side of being sick. I’m back on my feet and making art,” said Beth Bricker. “I’m pretty excited about the next iteration of my floral sculptures because there is so much of my past, from my mom’s family, from the collaboration, from the family with the driftwood. Having it all within my creative control is really satisfying to me.

“One of the things that really helped me was the well wishes from my community, which were enormous and life affirming. People offered their prayers and good thoughts.”

Glen Arbor Arts Center gallery manager Sarah Bearup-Neal interviewed Bricker this spring about her art and inspiration. Read it here.