American Cancer Society Relay for Life Silent Auction Artwork Submission - Theme: There's No Place Like Hope

I've finished my 'yellow brick art' submission for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life silent auction fundraiser. I was asked by neighbor and Relay for Life captain, Pam Freeman if I would paint a brick to be auctioned off on an online fundraiser.  Artists throughout the Greenville, South Carolina region are contibuting to this effort by painting bricks to raise money for this wonderful cause.  Several artists at the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville have also submitted bricks to be auctioned off. The theme of "There's No Place Like Hope" (a take-off of the Wizard of Oz yellow brick road) was to be incorporated in our design in some way.  Each brick is also signed by the artist and is an original work of art. 

My brick was designed around a poem about HOPE, by author Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  It's a beautiful poem that speaks to the rough times and storms we all endure at some point in our lives and how we weather them. I've always been touched by this poem, although it took on a deeper personal meaning to me through working on this particular project.  I had painted branches that wrapped around the brick, and had added several leaves with the thought of naming each leaf for someone in my life that was touched by cancer. As I sat down to think of the family members and friends, both survivors and those who have passed, I realized just how many people who were dear to me were in fact affected.  My little brick wouldn't be sufficient to hold all of their names.  I also though that the person who bids on my brick would have their own intended loved ones. So, instead of naming leaves, I added a dedication on the bottom of the brick to dear friends and loving family members, who have taken this unexpected journey and  have allowed HOPE to live in their hearts.  Godspeed.