LASC Art Exhibit Tells Child’s Story Of Victory Over Cancer

Sponsored by LexArts, the Atrium Gallery at the Living Arts and Science Center has introduced a new exhibit this summer called The Cosmic Cure, which is a collaboration between awarding-winning Lexington artist Lennon Michalski and Ava, an 11-year-old Lexington girl.

In addition to being an accomplished artist, Michalski teaches at LASC. Not only is he an artist and educator, Michalski is an author. His most recent publication is “How Penguins Saved Television.”

Ava is a regular kid with an abnormal story – she was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of kidney cancer at the age of 3.

This exhibit is a portrayal of triumph over cancer through the lens of extraterrestrials, who symbolize a life form with capabilities beyond that of humans – “a supernatural hand,” according to Michalski.

The extraterrestrial beings guide Ava and teach her the importance of her chemotherapy treatments and of eating healthy.

The cancer is represented by a squid-like being that Ava eventually defeats in space, while wearing a bright-yellow spacesuit.

“We wanted to connect kids with something that typically is an adult situation and bring in that conversation in a less scary fashion,” Michalski said.

Admission to the Atrium Gallery is free, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and during special events.

Info: (859) 252-5222 or visit LASCLEX.org.