Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 63 WHEN YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR TODAY Willow Urgent Care offers board certifi ed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed X-ray technicians and friendly staff to serve your needs. No appointment necessary. MON - FRI 8AM - 8PM SAT - SUN 9AM - 5PM WILLOW URGENT CARE 2704 EAST WILLOW STREET SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755 562-595-0203 WILLOWURGENTCARE.COM The participants — almost none of whom had any artistic experience prior to joining the workshop — have even begun work developing their own show and installation. The annual Open Canvas show, put on by the workshop, is an event in downtown, and this year's looks to be particularly strong. The theme will be "Sentimental Journey," and the artists are each creating three works, along with a written narrative about their yesterday (life before cancer), their today (their diagnosis and dealing with cancer), and their tomorrow (whatever they see the future holding for them). The interpretations range from the literal to the symbolic. In his vision of the past, present, and future, Richard Harvey is depicting his experience with brain cancer through paintings of a star, a black hole, and a supernova. One artist is portraying the future as a defiantly raised middle finger. The Open Canvas show will be held in September at a yet-to-be- determined location. Buaiz said the show — and the program — have been picking up momentum. In addition to the powerful show being produced by these artists, the work they're doing is creating something wonderful in their lives. "I personally see and have experienced how artistic expression improves the quality of life and heals in ways that are unimaginable," said Buaiz. As this city continues to shape itself as an important presence in the Southern Californian art landscape, programs like Artist Within are invaluable. Through this kind of art empowerment, the exclusivity of the industry is stripped away, and the community can see how truly important art can be in anyone's life, despite any obstacle. n For more information about the Artist Within program, visit pacificshoresfoundation.org or call 800.303.0131.