The exhibit benefits New Mexico Cancer Center Foundation (NMCCF), the independent nonprofit branch of NMCC, and features Spanish Guitar music by Christian Vincent, food trucks and door prizes. There will also be a chance to vote for your favorite artist for the “People’s Choice” Award. Forty percent of each art sale is tax deductible and goes to NMCCF to support the non-medical needs of cancer patients while they are receiving treatment. Gallery visits are by appointment via Regina Held. It is a free event with free parking.
Alongside Gonzales are participating artists such as Nancy Davis, Paul Dressendorfer, Connie Falk, Ming Franz, Carol Lutz, Carol Mell, Christopher Miller, Carol Mullen, Jeannie Sellmer, Andrea J. Sharon, Jane Shoenfeld, Bruce Shortz, Adrian Skiles, Diana Stauffer, and Asa Warren.
Gonzales is a magna cum laude UNM graduate (2007) and is the curator of Vida Art Connections and Vida Art Exhibitions. She is a two-time grant recipient from the UNM Place Program for curating art shows in unexpected places.
To date, she has curated 18 art shows, most recently in a virtual setting during the COVID-19 quarantine, called “…And Then They Created Art.” It featured works by twelve artists of all ages and was designed to share the benefits of art to those in lockdown due to the coronavirus.
“Coincidentally,” Gonzales admitted, “I am recovering from cancer surgery exactly one year ago today and am currently a patient at the New Mexico Cancer Center, the site of this exhibition.”
NMCCF is unique to other U.S. foundations in that it raises funds to provide financial assistance for non-medical needs for cancer patients by means of fundraising, donations and art safes. It provides more than $130,000 to patients for assistance with necessities like housing, utility bills, and transportation.
The exhibit is part of an ongoing event through May 17, 2024.
