ISSUED: 2 November 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — More than 100 alumni, community members, faculty and staff attended the Bodice Project exhibit opening reception on Thursday, October 27 at Shepherd’s historic Popodicon, the business residence of Shepherd University President Mary J.C. Hendrix. The event was sponsored by Women for Shepherd University and Shepherd University Foundation.
The Bodice Project, created by Cynthia Fraula-Hahn, is designed to focus on the inner healing and recovery by those diagnosed with breast cancer. Eighteen pieces, each ranging in materials from gauze to porcelain to wood and hand painted or embellished by local artists, were displayed as a testament to the models’ personal stories.
“This show is not about me, not about the artists,” said Fraula-Hahn. “It is about sharing the stories of the women and men whose lives have been affected by this disease.”
Hendrix was also on hand to welcome guests in attendance. As a world renowned researcher who continues to focus on creating new strategies to target breast cancer and melanoma, Hendrix offered her insight.
“We are making progress in the war on cancer with advances in diagnosis, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine,” said Hendrix.
Women for Shepherd planning committee members Carolyn Vigil, Bonnie Baily, and Dr. Heidi Hanrahan, Shepherd University associate professor of English, organized the event. The exhibit, which was on display through Sunday, October 30, was staffed by student docents from Shepherd’s Department of English and Modern Languages.
“We are thrilled that we were able to bring the Bodice Project to Shepherd University,” said Vigil, whose own mother and grandmother are breast cancer survivors. “This exhibit was a powerful and moving experience.”
To learn more about Women for Shepherd University or to help plan future events, contact Meg Peterson, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, 304-876-5021, mpeterso@shepherd.edu, or visit www.shepherduniversityfoundation.org/get-involved/women-for-su.
Visit www.shepherd.edu/bodice-project for photos of the opening reception and the exhibit.
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