Traveling Exhibition Celebrates theBeauty of Hope

Roche Tissue Diagnostics Community Gallery - Uncommon Beauty: Pathology and other microscopic wonders and realities in nature

Roche Tissue Diagnostics (RTD) is an innovator of cancer diagnostics for patients worldwide. The company is also committed to the arts, and through their relationship with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), have made art a part of the daily work experience through quarterly gallery exhibitions at their Ventana Gallery.

Ventana Gallery’s next exhibition Uncommon Beauty: Pathology and other microscopic wonders and realities in nature, showcases a unique collaboration between pathologist Marilyn Bui of The Moffitt Cancer Center and her patient, artist Raymond Paul, both from Tampa, FL. When Ray was first diagnosed with sarcoma in 2011, he expressed a desire to truly see what his disease looked like. Dr. Bui invited Paul to view his tumor through a double-headed microscope and provided him with digital images which would become his inspiration for a series of large-scale abstract paintings. Ray describes his work as “a visual manifestation of the battle raging within, and a powerful testament to the beauty of hope.”

For Dr. Bui this collaboration precipitated her co-editing the book The Healing Art of Pathology, by College of American Pathologists (CAP) Press, a collection of artwork and essays derived or inspired by pathology. The book gives a beautiful voice to pathologists and their often quiet, but important connection to the patients they diagnose. Uncommon Beauty will highlight a selection of Ray’s work alongside a selection of work by pathologist and mixed media artist Mary Lachman.

The exhibit will also feature local community artists displaying submissions that further investigate the theme of finding beauty in unexpected places. Artist Susan Norton combines elements of her own medical scans into inspiring glimpses of the beauty that lies between the worlds of medicine and biology. Roche Tissue Diagnostics employee and artist Scott Taft creates images of polarized crystals on microscopic slides, which he describes as “like visiting another world.” Each artist on view truly celebrates these moments of unique discoveries, and the sense of wonder that comes from looking intently at the often overlooked.

Uncommon Beauty will be on display April 12 - July 9, 2019 at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive. A public opening reception for the exhibit will be held April 18 from 5 to 7 p.m.  

The Ventana Gallery is open to the public by appointment, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call SAACA at (520) 333-4087. All appointments must be made 48 hours in advance.
 
Campus Exhibition Opening Reception
Exhibition Dates: April 12 - July 9, 2019
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Dr.
Cost: Free
Online: https://www.saaca.org/ventanagallery
Phone: (520) 333-4087
 
 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages.