A Publication for the Staff and Volunteers of Texas Children’s Hospital
Renowned Local Artist and Cancer Survivor Kelly Gale Amen Contributes Art Bed to Texas Children’s Cancer Center Exhibit
Internationally acclaimed furniture artist and designer Kelly Gale Amen is contributing a large art bed to the ninth annual Making A Mark art exhibit, sponsored by Texas Children’s Cancer Center.
“We are honored to work with an artist of Kelly Gale Amen’s stature,” said Dr. David Poplack, director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center. “His generosity in donation his time and energy to this touching art exhibit is greatly appreciated.”
Amen is intimate with the experience of cancer having undergone treatment in 1993 for prostate cancer. He has been cancer-free for five years.
Right: Renowned Houston artist and designer Kelly Gale Amen applies paint to the foot of Texas Children’s Cancer Center patient Morgan Geenen so she may place an imprint of her foot on the art bed.
“I remember how difficult it was to deal with the uncertainty and treatments, and how wonderful it was to rediscover how precious life is and to share that experience with family and friends,” said Amen. “I’ve dreamed about this project for some time, and am delighted to create this colorfully warm and soft place for the young patients of Texas Children’s Cancer Center so they may have a more comforting experience.”
Amen’s contribution to the annual Making A Mark exhibit is a special canvas-upholstered bed. Texas Children’s Cancer Center patients painted the bed the week of May 24-28, with the help of Amen and friends. The bed will become part of the 1999 Making A Mark exhibit, which will debut Sept. 12 at the Feigin Center.
“It is a privilege to be part of this project,” said Amen. “I enjoyed blending the creative energies of Texas Children’s cancer patients and their siblings in this expressive bed of hope.”
Making a Mark features artwork created by children who have had cancer or by siblings of childhood cancer patients. The art expresses their feelings about cancer and its effect on their lives.
“Making A Mark provides a unique focus on the personal issues that surround childhood cancer, as expressed by the children themselves,” said Carol Herron-Fawcett, coordinator of the Arts in medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. “This exhibit is open to children from al treatment centers and has attracted submissions from around the world. The young artists of Making A Mark are the stars of the exhibit-not just for their art but also for the examples of courage and love they set for all.”
Amen was selected by Traditional Home magazine as one of five 1998 Designer of the Year Award winners. His work will be featured in this year’s issue of the Traditional Home Decorating Book. Amen’s KGA metal collection is currently on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Burke Baker Planetarium.
Renowned Houston artist and designer Kelly Gale Amen applies paint to the foot of Texas Children’s Cancer Center patient Morgan Geenen so she may place an imprint of her foot on the art bed.
