Local artists come together to give back

Sue Brown, one of the founders of the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus, and the ensemble's lead percussionist, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, leaving many members of the community wanting to help. Brown is expected to undergo a ten hour surgery, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy, which will lead to four or five months of limited activity. This weekend, an auction will take place to help Sue financially as she battles cancer.

Long-time friend Deborah Rockman said that although hearing the news of Brown's cancer was hard, there is still plenty of hope left. "I found hope in the knowledge that Sue is a very strong woman and a woman who will fight as hard as she can to survive." Rockman was asked to help organize the art auction aspect of the event. Collectively, there have been over 40 local artists to donate work on Brown's behalf. In addition to the live and silent auctions being held, there will be a cash bar and live music. Local musicians include Lauran Bittinger, Mechele Peters, Tory Trujillo, Jane Deyoung, Nancy Steltmann, Laura Armenta (dance) and Hawks and Owls.

Leslie Kohn, fellow member of the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus, has known Brown for 16 years. Kohn found out Brown has cancer just days after seeing her at a Women's Chorus rehearsal. To Kohn, "it took me completely off guard."

The response from the community has been huge, with an outpouring of support. "I feel overwhelmed at the response from the artists and other people who have donated goods and services. We have about 40-50 artists donating art and 40-50 others donating goods and services. So we have nearly 100 auction items," Kohn said. Artwork will include paintings, drawings and prints made by local artists.  

Local artist and current graduate student at Kendall College of Art and Design Phil Scally was approached to donate work for the auction and did not hesitate to contribute. "One of the most admirable attributes of the arts, especially the local arts, is the sense of community that has been created. I felt more than happy to contribute." Although Scally does not know Brown personally, this did not stop him from donating four pieces of artwork. "Donating the work to help out someone in need gives the work much more meaning than I ever could," said Scally.

Sue herself, as evidenced by her Spectrum Health CarePage, is still upbeat through it all. "I feel extremely blessed, honored and humbled by the generosity of all of you who are sending me positive energy, checking in on me, and those of you who are involved in organizing the fundraiser for me on July 24th." The fundraiser will hopefully raise money to help cover medical and living expenses throughout Brown's recovery. Rockman said the reason is simple, "She is a woman who has given so much and we just want to give back."