In a cozy meeting room at Cancer Support Community East Tennessee, the creations of late textile artist Kim Nixon watch over the happenings there, as people meet to create together, to talk together and to learn together. Nixon passed away in 2011 after living with cancer, and her “Women in Wool” series continues to inspire other artists and patients.
This whimsical footstool by rug maker Chris Collins uses a pattern by the late textile artist Kim Nixon and is one of the highlights of the silent auction at the 2018 Artitude. (Photos courtesy of Cancer Support East Tennessee)
For this year’s spring Artitude fundraiser for the organization, rug artist Chris Collins has donated a whimsically hooked travel-trailer footstool done in one of Nixon’s patterns. It’s one of dozens of pieces up for silent auction at the event, which takes place from 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 23, at the organization’s offices at Cherokee Mills at 2230 Sutherland Avenue. There will be hors d’oeuvres, beer by Fanatic Brewing Company and demonstrations from local artists Alyson Cannon and Bill Cook, Jr. Tickets are $50 per person. The eighth annual Artitude is presented in partnership with Dogwood Arts.
Beth Hamil has been executive director of Cancer Support Community East Tennessee for 10 years. The organization offers a variety of programs and services and community to cancer patients and their families, from the first unsettling days of diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
“Community is the most important word in our name,” Hamil says. She says the center is a place people can come where they are not alone in what they are experiencing, where they can meet other people who are adjusting to a “new normal.”
Ceramics by Swiss-born artist and designer Morena Constantinou at this year’s Artitude
“They develop some pretty strong bonds here,” Hamil says. “This is a place where they can find unconditional support.”
The organization serves people in a number of ways. There is a wall of resource materials and books and community referral information. There are regular support groups for people living with cancer, including support groups for those with specific kinds of cancer diagnoses. There are groups for caregivers and for those whose family members have cancer. There are art workshops, knitting groups, family fun days, and cooking classes, which are held in the facility’s cheerful communal kitchen. There are educational sessions featuring guest clinicians, and there are ongoing yoga and movement classes.
In 2011, the organization added services for children, mostly for children who have family members with cancer. A colorful room outfitted with toys and books and games is a safe space for children whose families are going through stress to come be kids again. Individual counseling sessions are also available for children and their parents if needed.
Jewelry by Knoxville artist Amanda Thompson will be featured at this year’s Artitude fundraiser.
Last year the organization served more than 775 people and presented more than 1,200 programs, says communications and development director Katherine Chyka. The not-for-profit relies on donations, fundraisers, and legacy giving to be able to offer its services free of charge.
Many people are now referred to the organization by their physicians, which is quite a change from when the organization was founded in 1990. Back then, it was often considered radical or new age-y to include mindfulness, nutrition, movement, and emotional support in cancer treatment.
Cancer Support Community East Tennessee was founded by late UT art professor Rachael Young. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she met the founder of the California-based Wellness Community, which focused on emotional support and mindfulness as part of the cancer journey. She then established this organization, originally as the Wellness Community of East Tennessee. The Knoxville location was the first outside of California.
“She – Rachael – spawned what is really now a global organization,” says Hamil.
Those interested in learning more about Cancer Support Community East Tennessee can call 865-546-4661 or visit www.cancersupportet.org.
Acclaimed international artist and teacher Susana Esrequis has donated a work to this year’s Artitude.