Braving the Wind Book

Braving the Wind hardcover book

During ArtPrize 2011, visitors were invited to respond to Braving the Wind—a collection of three watercolor paintings portraying a young woman’s battle with cancer. Nearly 20,000 visitors participated in the healing process. By hanging Hope Cards on a metal Healing Tree, they remembered their loved ones who have struggled with cancer.

Healing Tree filled at ArtPrize 2011

People of all ages wanted to honor their loved ones. Some shed a few tears; others quietly reflected. Still others wanted to talk about their cancer stories. Yet all the effort was worthwhile when I overheard one visitor say, “Just the act of writing the message and hanging it on the tree made me feel like I was part of the healing process.”

Since ArtPrize 2011, the Braving the Wind collection is still touching cancer patients and their families. So I have decided to publish a book highlighting the series. The book includes photos and stories from ArtPrize 2011. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of the healing process.

Dad and son filling out Hope Card

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”

Emily Dickinson

Women’s Expo 2012 at DeVos Place

Braving the Wind watercolor series at Women's Expo 2012

Countless visitors added more Hope Cards to the Healing Tree at Women’s Expo 2012. After ArtPrize 2011 and Women’s Expo, more than 20,000 Hope Cards were added to the Healing Tree to honor loved ones fighting cancer. One woman added a card for her 101-year-old mother who beat breast cancer over 20 years ago.