"In The Pink" Combines Art And Awareness

An annual art show with a focus on raising awareness of breast cancer has kicked off its biggest year yet, according to organizers.

“In The Pink” is a collaboration between the Breast Health Task Force of Southeastern Connecticut and art galleries in New London County. The theme of the show is a celebration of “women’s strength, beauty and healing.” Each of the participating galleries also includes educational materials on women’s health and breast cancer awareness.

“Everybody’s life has been affected by breast cancer in one way or another, and we want to end this disease,” said Sandy Calabro, co-chair of the task force.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone every day with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

The Breast Health Task Force of Southeastern Connecticut began in 1997 as part of the Healthy New London Project. Its goal is to increase the awareness of breast cancer and early detection through educational initiatives.

Dr. Jeffrey Gordon of the New London Cancer Center said early detection through mammograms are the best way to find and prevent breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is the only cancer that we technically have a treatment for,” he said.

Gordon encouraged people to recommend such exams to their friends and family. He said the goal is to reduce the number of breast cancer fatalities to zero.

Most of the artists participating in “In The Pink” are donating a portion of the proceeds from any sale to local breast cancer organizations. The displays will be up for varying amounts of time, but most galleries will hold them for about a month.

Calabro said the first show only included Hygienic Art and that the number of galleries interested in participating has increased over the years. Ten galleries are participating this year in New London, Groton, Ivoryton, Ledyard, Mystic, and Norwich.

“This is our biggest year by far, and we’re really excited,” she said. “Hopefully some year it will be statewide.”

The participating galleries are:

New London

• The Gallery at Firehouse Square
• The Provenance Center
• Studio 33
• The TSETSE Gallery

Norwich

• Norwich Art Council
• Wauregan Gallery

Groton

• Noank Foundry Art Studio

Mystic

• Mystic Art Center

Ledyard

• Seasonal Home Shop

Ivoryton

• Six Summit Gallery

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.