Whole Person Healing Initiative
LACE (Local Artists for Cancer Exhibit) provides an uplifting display of art in the Georgia Cancer Center Oncology Outpatient Services Clinic. In addition to an environment which supports the mental and emotional health of patients, families, providers and staff, the exhibits give local artists and the GCC community a chance to meet and learn about one another.
LACE celebrates the resiliency of the human spirit and the healing power of the arts.
It encompasses three areas of the clinic:
- Dynamic works on display near the meditative garden. These works change quarterly, provided by artists who support the cause with a portion of the proceeds from any sales benefiting Unite in the Fight Against Cancer patient programs. Since its inception in 2023, the program has raised over $3,000 for Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. (over $15,000 in total art sales).
- Permanent display provided by cancer survivor Roel Weilinga, whose intricate drawings chronicled his treatment in a narrative series. This exhibit is located on the 2nd floor wing leading to the infusion clinic.
- Coming soon-LACE Tribute Gallery- An extension of the Local Artists for Cancer Exhibit initiative which will be located on the first floor near the patient lobby and will display vibrant and soothing paintings in a permanent exhibit. This art will be donated by anyone who wants to purchase pieces from a current or past LACE artist and display it in honor or memory of someone who inspires them.
LACE: The First-floor Art Space
The hallway was decorated with art that, while beautiful, had not changed in years. To start, Bigham and Maskey created Local Artists for Cancer Exhibit (LACE), an art program where local artists with a connection or passion for cancer can display their work along the hallway. Each display lasts from three to six months and includes an opening reception to create awareness, introduce the artists, and connect with the community. 20% of sales from the sales of artwork during this time goes to the Unite fund.
LACE: Permanent Exhibit / Patient Art
The previous display, donated by cancer survivor and artist Roel Wielinga, was moved to the 2nd floor leading to the Infusion wing.
This powerful exhibit, a permanent display of detailed art chronicling his treatment journey, was reintroduced to everyone in 2026 with a reception welcoming Mr. Wielinga and his lovely wife, Mariam to meet new fans in the GCC community.
Patient Profile - Roel Wielinga
If you visited the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, you’d find sketches straight out of a fantasy, complete with hearty heroes & heroines, formidable fiends, & legendary landscapes. Behind the drawings, photos, & descriptions is the spirit of a brave cancer survivor, Roel Wielinga of Thomson, Georgia — the author & illustrator. Each sketch so vividly symbolizes a particular episode in Roel’s treatment. He attributes the great detail of his artwork to the different person that cancer has made him.
LACE: Tribute Gallery
An extension of the Local Artists for Cancer Exhibit initiative which will be located on the first floor near the patient lobby and will display vibrant and soothing paintings in a permanent exhibit.
This art will be donated by anyone who wants to purchase pieces from a current or past LACE artist and display it in honor or memory of someone who inspires them.
Contact
To learn more about any of these LACE programs, contribute to this comforting canvas of work to benefit our Georgia Cancer Center guests, contact Angela Maskey.