Gulfport art exhibit honors breast cancer survivors

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport is honoring it in several ways.

The gallery is working in support of The Affirmations Project, a Tampa-based nonprofit supporting cancer survivors.

“Radical Self-Acceptance,” a powerful exhibition of photography depicting breast cancer “warriors” by Tampa artist Michelle Caudle, opens on Oct. 6. Caudle is also vice president of The Affirmations Project.

“I love the power, dignity, and vulnerability of this art show,” McMahon said in a news release. “Women are defining beauty and strength on our own terms! As always, art has a way of piercing social norms, of redesigning old concepts to fit today’s reality and tomorrow’s vision. The Affirmations Project is doing beautiful work and we’re honored to support them.”

The gallery has committed 10 percent of all sales throughout October to the organization, which will have a booth set up outside the gallery during the opening.

During the opening, Gulfport tattoo artist Samantha Roberts of Mother Ocean Studio — which provides areola restoration tattoos — will have a table set up.

Pink blown-glass pumpkins by renowned artist Susan Gott will be for sale throughout October as part of the fundraising effort.

“Art communicates through emotion,” Caudle said in the release. “You never know how sharing a piece of art might change the course of one’s life. You never know who might need to hear what you have to say; you never know how your life experience will help another going through a similar situation. I’m honored to be a part of this exhibition and a wonderful group of survivors at The Affirmations Project.”

What to know before you go to the Brenda McMahon Gallery

“Radical Self-Acceptance” opens with a reception from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and remains on view through October. Free. Brenda McMahon Gallery, 2901 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. brendamcmahongallery.com.