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Illuminations is a rotating art exhibit housed in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. The work of several local artists, representing various media, is on display for one season at a time. Works are chosen that shed light on the human experience and inspire viewers to expand their vision of life. The exhibit is intended to offer enlightenment and encouragement to patients, families, staff and friends of the Cancer Center as they receive care, provide care, or accompany loved ones.

In January 2001, Illuminations began as an effort to improve the clinical experience of patients, families and staff in our Cancer Center. Since then, the benefits of this program have exceeded our expectations. Patients and staff alike have become engaged and receptive to this program, supporting our belief that the environment in which care is delivered aids healing.

Current Exhibit

Opening Reception

The Spring 2008 Illuminations Exhibit is scheduled for:

• Wednesday February 27 from 5:30-7:00 pm
• 10th floor of the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care

Listed below are the location and artists of the current exhibit.

If you are interested in learning more about the exhibit schedule, please call 617-726-4808.

How to Participate
Illuminations is always looking for new artists to join our rotating exhibits. We ask those who are interested to keep in mind the audience who will be viewing the exhibits. We accept different types of mediums including but not limited to oil, watercolor, sculpture, photography, pastels or collages.

For an application to participate, please download this form (pdf) and mail to:

Illuminations Manager
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
55 Fruit Street - POB 205
Boston, MA 02114

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Patient and Staff Reviews
The lives of patients, family members, artists, and staff have been touched and enriched by not only in viewing the art, but in some cases creating the art as well. Brian, an artist and former cancer patient, believes that visual art can counterbalance the sterility found in many hospitals.

"Art that distracts and engages a patient's mind with cheerful and calming colors, forms, and images can spontaneously and effectively reduce the levels of anxiety that are often present in hospital waiting rooms. As both a fine artist and former cancer patient, I can certainly relate to how valuable and reassuring it can be to have your nervousness and anxieties quieted by the visual stimulation of interesting ... and original artwork. When patients are relaxed and receptive, they place themselves in the best possible state of mind and spirit for medicine to do its work."
--Brian, artist and cancer survivor

"I was introduced to Illuminations by a friend and immediately recognized the value of sharing my paintings with this larger community. Collectors had already received my work favorably and their feedback indicated it conveyed to them calmness, tranquility and serenity. The positive response to Illuminations has provided confirmation and is presenting me with an entirely new and meaningful venue for my paintings. I fell challenged to create work that provides comfort and encouragement, and hopefully offers a platform for inspiring discussion. Illuminations offers patients and their families a brief respite from their difficult journeys, and it has presented me with a meaningful and challenging artistic direction. For this I am grateful."
--Michele, artist

"As a nurse, I am always aware and thinking about how patient care will be affected. Initially, when one thinks about cancer care, the first thoughts that come to mind are hands-on treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. But, as an oncology nurse, we need to look beyond this. We need to look at the care of the human spirit - the care of the heart and soul of the patient. That is what Illuminations is all about. This artwork nurtures the environment and our patients."
-- Barbara, Nurse Manager, Cancer Center Outpatient Units

"This is a wonderful program that I feel the outcome and effects on the patient are wonderful. The pieces are beautiful and are an inspiration."
-- Patient, comment card

"A wonderful exhibit! Thank you to all the artists for exhibiting their work in the Cancer Center."
-- Son of cancer patient, comment card

"You look at these paintings ... and it's soothing. It's like a home. You feel comfortable."
-- Tom, colon cancer patient

"Today, Illuminations has exceeded any notions that Ed and I had about an art exhibit when we sat in those chairs. Through this exhibit, the Cancer Center has been transformed. When you walk in, your spirits lift. Artists, cancer patients and families, and caregivers come together to shed light on the human experience. The exhibit offers patients and their families a distraction from their worries and inspiration to carry on."
-- Chris, wife of lung cancer patient

"Illuminations has awakened people's inner spirits, allowing them to gain hope and strength, both of which are needed in any healing process."
-- Clinical Director, Gillette Center for Women's Cancers - Gynecologic Oncology

"With the advent of Illuminations, I have been inspired by the Cancer Center's acknowledgement of the therapeutic value of the arts. It is an honor to exhibit some of my own creations in bronze, gracing the surfaces of the tables and counters where nervous patients must wait their turn. I hope that my work can help anyone feel more calm and receptive because some of my life's deepest feelings are towards peace and serenity."
-- Brian, artist and cancer survivor

"When you are dealing with death, it is nice to see something that is about living."
-- A family member

History of Illuminations
Illuminations came into being as a result of one patient’s experience, his vision as an artist, and his wife’s collaboration with Bruce Chabner, MD, clinical director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.

Cambridge artist Ed Sullivan was a Cancer Center patient from November, 1998, until his death at age 44  in January, 2000. During that time he spent many hours at the Cancer Center receiving chemotherapy infusions and radiation treatments for advanced lung cancer. He was often accompanied by his wife Christine Cleary and their two daughters. Ed’s art was exhibited at Mt. Auburn’s Hospital’s “Art for Life” program, and he commented that he would like to see a similar exhibition at the Cancer Center.

To view the paintings that were the inspiration for the Illuminations Program >>>

After Ed’s death, Christine contacted Bruce Chabner to explain their idea for the development of what is now Illuminations. Chabner invited her to meet with him, expressed his support, and did a walk-through of the Cancer Center to plan the exhibit. With the support of the Friends of the MGH Cancer Center, Illuminations was born: an advisory committee was formed, a program manager hired, and the Cancer Center became an exhibition space for a range of paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints and drawings. Over the next few years, the exhibit grew from just one location to thirteen.

Today, the Illuminations exhibition enhances waiting rooms throughout the entire Cancer Center. The recent completion of the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care provides an ideal gallery space with ample space and natural light.