WHO: ARTACAN founder Richard Rubenstein is a professional photographer, provides private photography lessons and produces fine art photography. He is also a survivor of stage three colorectal cancer.
WHAT: ARTACAN (ARTists After CANcer) was inspired by several good friends of Richard's who are also professional artists and cancer survivors. A not-for-profit group, ARTACAN provides a free website listing for professional artists that show their support for cancer awareness through voluntary donations from their art sales. Artists pledge to donate to cancer treatment or research organizations of their choice.
WHY: Richard’s routine colonoscopy in 2007 discovered colorectal cancer that had presented no symptoms. Eighteen months of treatment included radiation, chemo and two surgeries. As of now, Richard remains cancer free, ever so grateful, and encourages everyone to have his or her colonoscopy at the appropriate time.
HOW: "While preparing for an art show with other professional artists, I discovered they too were all cancer survivors. Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Colorectal Cancer and Lymphoma - it was too prevalent and overwhelming to ignore. This effort is my way to promote awareness and treatment by assisting professional artists in promoting their artwork as they help spread the word and donate towards the cure."
JOIN: Are you a professional artist? Survivor? Caregiver? Friend of someone with cancer? Lost someone to cancer? If you are an artist that's willing to donate a small percentage of your art sales proceeds to a cancer charity of your choice, please email me by clicking here.
SUPPORT: Become a site SUPPORTER and help us grow this website and attract more artists. Donate now, just click here - any amount is fine, and appreciated. Donate $50 or more and be listed below as a key supporter.
FINALLY: Fighting cancer requires every ounce of strength and effort one can put forth. Many cancer survivors live with conditions left behind from the disease and the treatments. You will never hear them complain, as the ever-so-sweet joy of merely waking up each morning cancer free overshadows everything else. Artists draw their creative inspirations and interpretations from life itself. Beating any life threatening disease can tremendously change ones outlook and perspective. It is not unusual to see and feel a high level of intense emotion or subliminal message when viewing art. The beauty of art, created by those who appreciate life, has to be seen to be appreciated.
MEMBER ARTISTS
Richard Rubenstein - (ARTACAN.ORG Founder) Photography - www.RRimages.com
Kazu Okutomi - Photography - www.KazuPhoto.com
Reg & Dorothy McCormick - Gourd Carver - www.OmyGourd.com
Pat Stacy - Mixed Media - www.PatStacy.com
Alan Lowy - Photography - www.cavecreek-photo.com
Chary Castro-Marin - Cuban Art www.absolutearts.com/cubarte
Paige Price - Dichroic Glass - Paige Price
Teresa Otte - Acrylic - Teresa Otte
Aungoli Wellington - Stone Candles - www.NaturalStoneCandles.com
Tamara Taylor - Acrylic - http://www.panhandlearts.org
Wendy McClintock - Watercolors - http://www.panhandlearts.org/
Teres - Mixed Media and Acrylic -http://www.behance.net/gallery
Peggy D'Errico - Mixed Media - Peggy D'Errico
Titi Sebastiani - Copper & Mixed Media - http:/www.rockofangels.com
Key Supporters Include: Mark G., Bernie E., Charles & Leslie D., Michelle R., Charlie & Nancy Y., Krist & Stacey J., Teres, and Mark & Mel at D&D Discount Motorcycles & Rentals.
Here are a few photographs, some of me, and some I took of my dear friends who are artists and cancer survivors. Thanks for everything my friends! Richard
