| Dorothy Bryan |
TOLEDO – Former Bowling Green resident Dorothy Uber Bryan used art as a form of therapy, as do
many area residents impacted by cancer.The Chemo Paintings, a series of works by Bryan, along with art by
those currently wrestling with the disease, is part of a new exhibition opening Friday in the Toledo Museum
of Art’s Community Gallery.The exhibition, which continues through March 21, reveals how Bryan used art to
express the range of emotions she felt during her fight with cancer. Each object in the series portrays a
different stage of the artist’s 1989 battle.One painting not previously shown publicly joins 10 others in
this exhibition.Works of art by other local residents of all ages affected by cancer and who participate in
the museum’s Community ArtReach Program are being exhibited as well.Jennifer Bandeen, community gallery
manager, said the works convey how those battling cancer and their loved ones can use art to express their
journey with the disease, just as Bryan did when creating The Chemo Paintings.Acting on a long-held
interest, Bryan resumed taking art classes after raising her family.She became well-known in this region as
an artist and arts supporter. She and her husband, Ashel Bryan, also now deceased, received a 1994
Governor’s Award in recognition of their patronage of the arts.The story of how Bryan used art to express
her struggle with cancer was the subject of an award-winning public television documentary that aired
nationally.Admission to both the exhibition and the Museum is free.
