Our Story

The idea for a cancer survivor art exhibit came out of Kathleen Galipeau's own experience as a breast cancer survivor.  She was diagnosed in May 2005 and immediately began treatment.  After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation that completely disrupted her life, she is now cancer free and owner of Art Loft 205.  Art Loft 205 opened in March 2007 as a consignment fine art gallery, with the intention of having a yearly exhibit to raise cancer awareness through art.  Several of the regularly featured artists are also cancer survivors. "I found that I worked out alot of my issues with having cancer through my paintings.  I also met many other survivors who were using their art to express and deal with their experiences with cancer.  There are alot of mixed emotions that go on in one's head when faced with a life threatening diagnosis like cancer.  I was angry, sad, frustrated, greatful, positive, and strong all at the same time.  My appearance changed so dramatically when my hair fell out and my skin turned a strange sort of grey yellow. That was very hard.  Then the medical bills start to come in and it is overwealming, even with a good insurance plan.  This group show will be really powerful.  The work is very personal.  Maybe it will make an impact on the people who come to see it.  Maybe it will help the survivors have closure to their experiences.  Maybe it will raise awareness and understanding.  It's just something I feel strongly about." The exhibit is also open to artists who are caregivers to a cancer patient and those who have lost a loved one to cancer and have expressed this through their artwork.  They too are "survivors" on a very different level.