Voices Art Gallery
The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center recognizes the power of the arts in the healing process. In creating artwork, each individual has the capacity to communicate through various media the experiences he/she has been through. The Voices Art Gallery was designed to give the opportunity to individuals to share their experiences in living with cancer. The artworks chosen to be displayed will tell individual stories, inspire, encourage and educate others who are experiencing cancer.
Current Show: Now through July 30
ARTISTIC REFLECTIONS:
Art as a Journey
By Sabetha
Drawing inspiration from nature, colors, and thematic prompts, I enjoy the reflective processes at work in artistic expressions, and in creating different kinds of art: painting, mixed media, drawing, and crafting. Sometimes, the project represents a challenge to work through, be it technical, material, compositional or other, to complete the piece.
This display is dedicated in gratitude to my family, to my friends, to the memory of all the beloved heroes we’ve lost to cancer and other maladies, to all who are warriors now, to the researchers, to the medical teams of tireless professionals, and to all advocates, supporters, caregivers, friends and intercessors helping anyone dealing with medical issues and hoping for breakthroughs in treatments and cures.
You can view this show in-person by visiting level B1 of the Rogel Cancer Center Building, east end. You can also view previous shows by visiting our portfolio.
Closing Reception
This gallery closes on July 27, 2026. Please plan to attend the closing reception (in-person) and learn more about it and the artist.
How to submit artwork
So that we have time to prepare for an exhibit we ask that the completed application be submitted to the Gallery Coordinator at least six (6) weeks prior to the exhibit opening date. The Rogel Cancer Center reserves the right of determining the final exhibition schedule.
How many works of art can be submitted?
Artists can submit up to 25 pieces of artwork (space permitting) for individual shows. For group shows, artists’ submissions will vary depending on the number of artists in the exhibit. The Rogel Cancer Center reserves the right to eliminate pieces to allow for the maximum number of exhibitors in the space available.
What type of art can be submitted?
All media are accepted, within the display capacity of the gallery. The Rogel Cancer Center reserves the right to decline art that cannot be conveniently displayed.
You will need to submit jpeg digital photos (not to exceed 2MB) or printed photographs of each artwork and an artist statement.
Art Content Guidelines
All artwork presented for exhibition in the Voices Art Gallery is selected by the Gallery coordinators. Based on the following criteria, as well as the gallery’s mission statement, all exhibitions are designed to be aesthetically accessible to the general public.
The major criteria used in this selection process are as follows:
- The work should be recognizable as a work of art by Rogel Cancer Center’s average customer.
- The work should not display segmented body parts as primary content.
- The work should be engaging and of interest to the Rogel Cancer Center’s average customer.
- Artwork that celebrates life and living is given priority over work that may be more abstract, controversial, or challenging.
- All artwork exhibits must be consistent with the Education, Healing, and Community Service missions of the Rogel Cancer Center.
- All exhibits portraying overt sexual, pornographic, or violent connotations will be rejected.
Exhibitions seeking exception to any of the above listed criteria must be approved on a case by case basis.
*These guidelines are in accordance to Michigan Medicine as designed by Gifts of Art.
How to prepare your art
All two-dimensional art must be mounted/matted, framed and under glass (or plexiglass) and properly wired, ready to hang. The maximum size is 4ft.x 4ft. All three-dimensional artwork must be prepared for standing or resting safely in its intended position. The maximum size is 1ft. x 1ft and the maximum amount is 5 pieces.
Liability
The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center will exercise professional care in handling all artwork but cannot assume liability for loss or damage, however caused, while works are in our possession or in transit.
Contact the Gallery staff at 734-936-9635 to discuss any concerns you have regarding the eligibility of your art for inclusion in a Voices Art Gallery exhibit.
Download and print the following documents:
Learn about Art Therapy
Our Patient and Family Support Services Program (PFSS) provides a number of services to both patients and their family members. In addition to Art Therapy, we also offer Music Therapy, Support Groups and more.
About the gallery
The Voices Art Gallery was created in 1999. Inspired by the artwork of Merrill Shapero, the gallery was created to provide people living with cancer the opportunity to share their story. Mr. Shapero’s artwork was our first show, displaying 10 watercolors that journal his experiences as a hospitalized patient. These artworks touched patients, families, and staff. It was clear that future shows would offer a variety of ways to understand how cancer affects our lives. Through generous funding of FRIENDS, the gallery was built in January of 2003.
