‘Shadow and Light: An Expression of the Cancer Experience’ to Open with Aug. 9 Reception

NORTHAMPTON — The public is invited to attend a festive opening reception for “Shadow and Light: An Expression of the Cancer Experience” on Friday, Aug. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Split Level Gallery, 33 Hawley St., Northampton.

The reception, hosted by members of A.P.E. Ltd. Gallery, Northampton Center for the Arts, and Northampton Open Media, will include live music, wine, and refreshments. The exhibit will then run through Aug. 29 at Split Level Gallery.

This event is the culmination of artmaking sessions guided by Malaika Ross, local visual artist, writer, and breast-cancer survivor, in which cancer survivors and caregivers of those with cancer put their personal experiences to paper. With support from Cancer Connection, Resilient Community Arts, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ Valley Creates program, participants attended one of two group artmaking sessions held at RCA in Easthampton in July. Finished pieces are being exhibited at this group show hosted by A.P.E. Ltd. Gallery of Northampton.

“I had access to invaluable peer support and integrative treatment at Cancer Connection,” Ross said. “They continue to be my pillars in cancer recovery, and now I am building a local community of survivors with whom I can creatively express, indirectly process, and explore the mental and emotional impact of a diagnosis and treatment.”