Hope is a Masterpiece

The medical arts and visual arts each possess the power to heal, and when someone is facing cancer, these combined forces have impact. Nowhere is this more apparent than at City of Hope. We are filling City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center with brilliant pieces by Orange County artists and bringing stunning art to the community through installations that will travel to landmarks across the region. It is science, compassion, and awe-inspiring expressions of the human spirit all coming together, leading toward our greatest work of all –a future without cancer. Hope is here in Orange County. And it is a masterpiece.

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Our patients are our inspiration

Meet the artists

Bradford Rhoades

Ever since he can remember, art has always been Bradford’s “go-to” to keep him feeling alive. After receiving his bachelor’s of fine arts, he tried life in the corporate world but soon experienced what he describes as an awakening to be his authentic self, where art was at the center. “For me, I realized that being an artist is truly who I am! The Creator has given us all talents,” says Bradford. “I hope you enjoy my interpretations.”

Kamila Kowalke

As a young child in Communist Poland during the early 80s, Kamila had to find beauty and peace where it often did not exist. The challenges of being raised in a difficult and different generation inspired her artistic journey. After 30 years in the United States, 20 of them in Orange County, and a business career, she now has time to “lose herself” in painting. Kamila says her works express “joy, laughter, humility, and appreciation that I am part of this amazing universe and all it has to offer.”

Mimi Cora

Mimi has spent her whole life in Orange County. She is a mixed media artist who has shown her work throughout Southern California. Her pieces are inspired in part by her husband’s connection with Disney Imagineering. She shares her love of art through local philanthropy and is represented by Chemers Gallery in Tustin, California

Meredith Moody

Meredith was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a fifth-generation Californian. After graduating from the University of Southern California as an art student, she married and settled in Orange County. After pursuing a teaching career, she now focuses on her artwork. Meredith has displayed her work in the Motzie Gallery in Laguna Beach and developed a series of prints distributed through local retail stores. She draws inspiration from the Orange County landscape –from the picturesque canyons to the stunning beaches. “They provide a calmness and comfort that I try to bring to my artwork,” she says.

EVERY PLANT DELIVERS A PROMISE OF HOPE

For those with cancer, healing gardens can improve physical, emotional, social, and psychological well-being. These factors are critical to the recovery process and benefits not only the patient but their loved ones as well. City of Hope Orange County is grateful for the $1 million donation from Lowe’s to help make this celebration of life and renewed hope possible. “We are grateful to Lowe’s, a strong supporter of the Orange County community and of communities across the country, for their generous donation that will benefit generations of patients and their families,” said Annette M. Walker, President, City of Hope Orange County. “With the help of patients and community members, this effort is a declaration of hope that we will conquer cancer some day in the future.”.

YARROW

achillea millefolium

BLUE FLAME

agave blue flame

BLUE GRAMA GRASS

bouteloua gracilis
blonde ambition

SMALL CAPE RUSH

chondropetalum tectorum

CALIFORNIA POPPY

eschscholzia californica

SHOWY ISLAND SNAPDRAGON

gambelia speciosa

COMMON RUSH

juncus patens

SAPPHIRE TOWER

puya alpestris

The Vision

Annette M. Walker, President, City of Hope Orange County

“At City of Hope, we care for patients mind, body and spirit. We have filled City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center with brilliant pieces of art and are bringing stunning art to the community through installations that honor the courage and resilience of our grateful patients. It is science, compassion, and awe-inspiring expressions of the human spirit coming together, leading toward our greatest work of all – a future without cancer. Hope is here in Orange County – and it is a masterpiece.”

Richard T. Lee, M.D., Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, City of Hope

“The arts reflect our interest in integrative medicine practices that have not been part of the standard of care for cancer centers. There is substantial evidence of the efficacy of these therapies, especially to help people with cancer deal with pain, anxiety, and other symptoms. Additionally, the environment plays an important role in health and in the ability to recover from cancer and other treatments. Art can provide a peaceful environment for patients – contributing to their overall well-being on their journey to survivorship.”