Feb 26, 2019 3 min read

“The Art of Healing,” an art exhibition exploring the therapeutic power of the creative process to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of cancer patients and their loved ones, opens with a free public reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling. The exhibit is on display through April 19.

In conjunction with the exibit, Oglebay Institute will host a series of learning and community-building events. Programs explore using art in the healing process and provide resources and social support for those affected by cancer.

Programs take place at 6 p.m. every Thursday, March 7-April 18, at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. All programs are free and light refreshments will be served. They include:

• Thursday, March 7: Photographer Angelo Merendino will discuss his photo-documentary “The Battle We Didn’t Choose-My Wife’s Fight with Breast Cancer.”
• Thursday, March 14: Cancer survivor Pete Wildey presents “The Face of Cancer” Photo Presentation coupled with a positive narrative that will change the way you view cancer patients.
• Thursday, March 21: Creative writer Renée K. Nicholson will discuss her work with Narrative Medicine-a medical approach that utilizes patients’ individual life stories to improve treatment experiences.
• Thursday, March 28: A panel of art therapists will discuss the healing benefits of using art to cope with illness.
• Thursday, April 4: Exploring Your Inner Landscape: Yoga & Sound Bath, a therapeutic session that combines soothing musical and energy medicine with movements and introspective visualization.
• Thursday, April 11: Get an in-depth look at “The Bodice Project” from the artists who created this sculptural exhibit. Breast cancer survivors join the artists for a panel discussion about emotional healing and life after treatment.
• Thursday, April 18: Lacie Wallace Benefit Auction will feature pieces done of Lacie Wallace during modeling sessions throughout her battle with colon cancer. Proceeds benefit the education funds of Lacie’s two daughters.

“The Art of Healing” exhibit can be viewed free of change from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Evening hours are dependent on classes and special events.

For more information, visit OIonline.com or call the Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304-242-7700.