“From Women’s Hands” art show returns to Traverse City
From staff reports
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to view and purchase artwork from over 100 Michigan artists under one roof. Enjoy music, refreshments, original films and support the Women’s Cancer Fund. A great chance to find a very original and special Mother’s Day gift.
From Women’s Hands is a one-of-a-kind, all-female art exhibition and sale. It is also a fundraiser for the Women’s Cancer Center. After a two-year hiatus, this year’s show looks to be the best one yet.
“We have some really breathtaking artwork this year,” said event chairwoman Jennifer Hutchinson. “Once again, artists are donating 20 percent of their sales to the Women’s Cancer Fund at Munson Medical Center, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the art raffles will go to the Fund. “Tickled Pink” our opening night event, is designed to be a joyful celebration of our community: brilliant art — incredible music — delicious food. It is the ‘must attend’ event of the year.”
From Women’s Hands will be held April 29-May 1 at a new location — the recently renovated Streeters Center at 1669 S. Garfield. The spectacular space is being generously donated by owner Doug Street.
“Tickled Pink” this year’s opening night celebration, will be held from 6-10 p.m., Friday, April 29 and kicks off the weekend with the addition of Soul Xpress in Streeters Ground Zero Night Club. *Soul Xpress is a rambunctious 7 piece funk/soul band that features a lineup of respected musicians. Soulxpress.net*
The ticketed event includes a separate dance area for those that love to dance, enjoy delicious food, amazing drinks, and, of course, the most remarkable display of art that you have ever seen.
Tickets for “Tickled Pink” are $20 per person and are available online at FromWomensHands.com or GroundZeroOnline.com/tickets.asp, or in-person at McMillen’s Creative Custom Framing, 326 E. Front St. Traverse City.
Goody bags will be given to the first 300 who purchase tickets in advance.
No tickets are needed for the juried fine arts exhibit and sale on Saturday and Sunday, but donations are accepted at the door. Hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Folk musicians will perform during Saturday’s show and harpists will play on Sunday.
Thousands attend the event each year with $76,000 worth of art being sold at the previous show, and $28,000 being contributed to the Women’s Cancer Fund.
Sustaining contributor Bonnie Alfonso, owner Alfie Logo Gear, when asked why she supports the show, very succinctly adds, “Art Heals”.
“From Women’s Hands” is back because people have asked for it, and because of a deep commitment to the three main goals of From Women’s Hands.
• The exhibit will raise awareness of the Women’s Cancer Fund, and increase public awareness about the arts and women artists in this region.
• The exhibit offers a rare opportunity for women artists to show and sell their work.
• “From Women’s Hands” is a fund-raiser for the Women’s Cancer Fund
Historically, the first two FWH’s Shows were held in 2003 at the old Carnegie Library building on Sixth Street, now the home of the History Center of Traverse City. The show moved to the Hagerty Center on Northwestern Michigan College’s campus for several years, and has moved to Streeters for additional space and flexibility. It was started by Rosalyn Tyge/Jen Hutchinson, artists, cancer survivors and cancer fund supporters. The show continues only because of an intense amount of giving by both sponsors and volunteers. No less than 60 people will contribute their time and their hearts to make this show happen. Organizers have been asked often by attendees, artists and cancer fund supporters to continue.
Nationally, cancer is the leading cause of death for women ages 35-54. The Women’s Cancer Fund was created in the early 1990s by the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation to help women in northern Michigan who have been diagnosed with cancer. Every dollar received in the fund is used to provide financial assistance when other means have been exhausted. This includes prosthetics, transportation and child care during treatment, home medications and more. Please contact Ruth Bloomer at rbloomer@mhc.net, or call her at (231) 935-6482 or contact Laurie Patrick, Oncology Patient Educator, Munson Medical Center at (231) 935-6921.
