Art Sparked by Brain Cancer Debuts at Art of the Brain 15th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles Tonight

Tonight, September 27 beginning at 6:30 PM at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall and Plaza, 445 Charles E. Young Drive, East, Los Angeles, CA 90024, Art of the Brain, (AOB) an unprecedented organization of "Brain Buddies," brain cancer patients and families who celebrate art, creativity and life undefeated by brain cancer, will enjoy its 15th Anniversary Gala. Art of the Brain will debut the first ever art show created by brain cancer patients, in collaboration with artists, to depict art sparked by the struggle with brain cancer. The art show will include 12 works in various mediums, including poster art, photography, paintings, and crayon drawings. The artists will be on-hand to guide viewers of these works. Hundreds of friends will enjoy the art show, festivities, food, music, and entertainment provided by String Theory, renowned collaborative ensemble of musicians and dancers, who are well known for their large-scale performance installations that transform environments and architecture into giant musical instruments. Michael Aurit of Scottsdale, AZ will also entertain.

Art of the Brain was founded byJudi Kaufman, a successful entrepreneur, community activist andpoetafter she was diagnosed with her first brain cancer tumor in 1997. Based on Kaufman's vision, AOB centers on creativity, in all its forms, as a vehicle to help brain cancer patients survive and regain their self-esteem in the face of debilitating brain cancer side effects. Kaufman turned to poetry as her path back to hope in the wake of the damaging effects of brain cancer and its treatments. She is a published poet, and her books of poetry include"Passion and Shadow: The Lights of Brain Cancer", and "Do You Want Your Brain to Hurt Now or Later?"Another area of success for AOB is a network of volunteer Brain Buddies, who help to support and mentor individuals and families struggling with brain cancer. Brain Buddies also comprise the small army of volunteers who make the annual Art of the Brain gala a success.

"I am so proud that this evening will mark our 15 thyear of being able to honor brain cancer patients and their families, brain cancer researchers, as well as the life-affirming ability of art. To be able to witness my vision - that creativity can help you navigate the unique challenges posed by brain cancer come to life in the first ever AOB art show is particularly special," said Kaufman.

The art show is the first show of its kind bringing together artists and brain cancer patients in a unique collaboration. Artists partner with individual brain cancer patients, or are themselves brain cancer patients, and they work together to demonstrate the creative force that emerges from the struggle with brain cancer. Various mediums are employed by the artists to bring to life the patients' relationship with brain cancer. The art show will be precursor to a new annual Art of the Brain Spring Art Show, which will include art pieces by and with brain cancer patients, which will open for the first time in Spring 2015 in a gallery in Southern California.

Jason Barry, award-winning reporter from CBS 5 in Phoenix, AZ will reprise his annual role as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Art of the Brain raises public awareness about brain cancer, spotlights the strength and courage of brain cancer patients, and helps raise money for brain cancer research in order to find a cure. Since 1999, AOB has garnered over $7 million for brain cancer research.

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For tickets, or more information visithttp://www.artofthebrain.org

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SOURCE Art of the Brain