In 2000, Wings Cancer Foundation was recognized by Healing Environments, a non-profit organization in Palo Alto, California, for our ongoing efforts in creating an environment that was more comforting.  More healing.  In the fall of 2003, we expanded our healing environment by opening an art gallery.  The WingsGallery is located in an area where patients wait to see their doctors.  It is an extension of the family room atmosphere that greets patients as they enter the clinic.  It has large comfortable chairs and couches, covered in deep warm colors, with rich dark wooden pieces placed on thick patterned carpet.  But, with the exception of a few hangings, the walls were a blank canvas.  Not anymore.  The WingsGallery enhances this healing space by filling that canvas thus adding to the total healing environment found at the East Memphis location.

Visual artists, like literary artists, can be great communicators.  They have the ability to find the right language that seems to speak to all of us.  One that cuts through barriers and interprets on a different level.  To the soul.  Taking the process out of the head through the heart and into the hands.  The WingsGallery gives the cancer experience a visual voice.  Conscious uses of color, texture, medium, size, shape, etc. all convey intentional messages to the viewers as they relate to their own experiences.  Personal journeys.  Spilled and shared.  With the stroke of a brush.  Through the lens of a camera.  By the turn of a wheel. Visions of hope.  

The next time you visit The West Clinic you won't be asked to have a seat in the sub-wait.  But, you will be able to make yourself comfortable in the Wings Gallery.

Artist of the Year

Each year Wings asks one artist to honor those who have been touched by cancer and celebrate those who make it possible for support to be available to them at no charge. We appreciate the following artists who have helped us honor our donors.

Karen Sudduth, 2008
Paula Temple, 2007
Jay Etkin, 2006

N.J. Woods, 2005

Colin Ruthven, 2004

Marlene Gwathney, 2003

Ann Cobb Beach, 2002

Rotating Art Exhibit

Shows are open to all artists touched by cancer and will rotate every six weeks.  Displayed works will be chosen by the Art Selection Committee.  If you would like to exhibit your artwork in the Wings Gallery please send sample pieces (i.e. slides or photos) and a brief bio to the Wings Cancer Foundation, Art Selection Committee, 100 N. Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120, Attn: Sarah Blackburn.  For more information, call 901.322.2984, sblackburn@wingscancerfoundation.org.

Wings has been awarded a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC) for the fiscal year 2010. TAC grants are made possible through an appropriation of state funds by the General Assembly, federal dollars from the National Endowment for the Arts, and Tennesseans who purchase specialty license plates. Wings is grateful to TAC for recognizing the importance of the arts through the Wings Gallery.