World Tour Of 'Oncology on Canvas' Art Exhibit To Make U.S. Debut At Harrison Center For The Arts In Indianapolis

World Tour Of 'Oncology on Canvas' Art Exhibit To Make U.S. Debut
At Harrison Center For The Arts In Indianapolis
More Than 300 Artworks Presented by Eli Lilly and the National Coalition for
Cancer Survivorship 


INDIANAPOLIS, May 16  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- "Oncology on Canvas:
Expressions of a Woman's Cancer Journey," a distinctive art exhibit traveling
the world, is making its U.S. debut, and its first stop is in Indianapolis,
where the work of several area residents will be featured.

The exhibit, showcasing hundreds of pieces of art created by those touched by
cancer, will open at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware
Street, on Friday, June 3 and will run through June 17.  The exhibition, which
coincides with National Cancer Survivors Day(R) on June 5, includes entries
from cancer survivors from Indianapolis and surrounding areas.  Oncology on
Canvas is presented by Eli Lilly and Company, in partnership with the National
Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS).

About the Artwork

Oncology on Canvas began as an international art competition open to women from
around the world diagnosed with cancer, their families and friends, as well as
healthcare professionals involved in their care, to express their struggles and
successes in battling this disease through art.  Lilly created the competition
to recognize those women diagnosed with cancer who have used art as a powerful
emotional outlet to inspire others as a means of self- discovery and
self-expression.  The exhibition was unveiled at London's Royal College of Art
in December 2004.

"Oncology on Canvas started out as a testament to the struggles and hopes of
all cancer survivors and the people who care for them, including family,
friends, advocates, and healthcare professionals," said Edmundo Muniz, vice
president of Lilly Research Laboratories and Oncology Platform Team Leader. "It
quickly evolved into a lesson about taking one of life's most difficult
journeys, and imbuing it with a sense of meaning.  At Lilly, we now have a
better understanding of the significance of treating the person as well as the
disease, and finding innovative, meaningful ways of helping make her cancer
journey more hopeful."

Oncology on Canvas received more than 400 submissions from 23 countries
including Australia, Botswana, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia,
South Africa, the U.S. and U.K.  The competition yielded 24 winners in various
categories including photography, oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel and
charcoal.  Monetary awards were provided to the winners' cancer charities of
choice.

Local Entrant Painted for Mom

Lori, a 28-year old art teacher at an Indianapolis area high school, entered
her acrylic painting, "Free to Fly," in honor of her mother, who died of breast
cancer in December 2004, the same month that the Oncology on Canvas exhibit
first opened in London.  Her painting depicts a woman's graceful back, with two
doves in flight behind her, one of them holding a clock.

"My mother survived with cancer for about three years.  She was grateful for
the time she had, and credited modern medicine for giving it to her.  She said
it gave her and others 'more time to fly.'  I never realized just how strong
she and other women like her really are."

Lori had previously lost two aunts to breast cancer.  The contest was the
impetus for her to paint on the subject of cancer.  "Art lifts you out of your
pain like nothing else; it is very freeing."

Lori's work will be on display in a special section for entrants from the
Indianapolis region.

Celebrating Survivorship

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1.4 million Americans
will be diagnosed with cancer this year, including more than 660,000 women. 
Advances in cancer treatment have made many kinds of cancer manageable and in
some cases curable.  But Ellen Stovall, two-time, 33-year cancer survivor and
president and CEO of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS),
says the title of survivor is earned early on.

"The founders of NCCS defined a survivor as from the moment of cancer diagnosis
and for the balance of life, one is a survivor -- a definition that has now
been accepted and adopted by the cancer community," said Stovall. "And because
Oncology on Canvas is about survivorship -- the experience of living with,
through and beyond a cancer diagnosis -- NCCS is proud to be associated with
it."

Following its U.S. debut in Indianapolis, Oncology on Canvas will continue
traveling to other cities in the U.S., as well as around the world.

Schedule of Events

On Friday, June 3, the exhibit will open with a reception and Open Studio Night
at the Harrison Center for the Arts, followed by live music at 9 p.m. The IDADA
(Indianapolis Downtown Artists & Dealers Association) First Friday Shuttle
Tour, sponsored by Lilly, will provide transportation to and from the Harrison
Center between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.  Oncology on Canvas will be open through June
17, during the following times:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11
a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturdays.  Admission is free.

On Saturday, June 11, the exhibit will be offered in conjunction with the
Harrison Center's Independent Music and Art Festival.

Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing
portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by
applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from
collaborations with eminent scientific organizations.  Headquartered in
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and
information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. O-LLY

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)

NCCS is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country and
a highly respected authentic voice at the federal level, advocating for quality
cancer care for all Americans and empowering cancer survivors.  For more
information about NCCS and its advocacy for quality cancer care, please visit
http://www.canceradvocacy.org/ or call 1.877.NCCS.YES.

Harrison Center for the Arts

The Harrison Center seeks to be a catalyst for renewal in the City of
Indianapolis by fostering an awareness, appreciation, and community for art and
art culture.  The Center includes:  17 local artists, three art galleries, The
Underground Music Venue, VSA Arts, Herron School of Art, Primary Colours, The
Advent Project, The Nature Conservatory, and Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

For more information on National Cancer Survivors Day, please long on to
http://www.ncsdf.org/

To view samples of the artwork from the Exhibition, please log on to
http://www.lillyoncology.com/ and click on the Oncology on Canvas logo.

National Cancer Survivors Day(R) is a registered trademark of the National
Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, Inc.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/NCCSLOGO ) 

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031219/LLYLOGO

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/NCCSLOGO

DATASOURCE: Eli Lilly and Company



CONTACT:  Gregory Clarke of Eli Lilly and Company, [phone],

Pager: [phone],  ; Chantal Samonte of CPR

Worldwide, [phone],  

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