Sid Jacobson JCC’s artSPACE was filled wall-to-wall this past Sunday as over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the opening of Prime Cuts, a deeply personal and powerfully imaginative exhibit by artist and cancer survivor Kevin Long.
The exhibit drew a capacity crowd and raised more than $5,000 for our Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Center’s free, comprehensive services for individuals impacted by cancer and their families.
“Kevin isn’t only an amazing artist, he’s also a very active member of our Center,” said Randy Hight, LCSW, Director of Sid Jacobson JCC’s Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center. “He’s taken part in many of the services we offer—from our Power of Words Writing Workshop to our walking group and peer support programs. Seeing the community come out in such strong numbers to support Kevin and the center was incredibly moving.”
Susan Stein, LMSW, JD, Cancer Wellness Social Worker, echoed that sentiment, adding: “Kevin brings warmth and wit to everything he touches. His art, like his spirit, has a way of connecting people. There’s something in his collages that spark imagination and joy in others, and Sunday’s turnout was a testament to just how deeply he connects with those around him.”
Long, who created, titled, framed, and installed the entire exhibit himself, was overwhelmed by the response: “Things worked out better than I could have imagined,” he shared. “There was such great energy, and people really connected with the art and my story.”
Prime Cuts is more than an art exhibit—it’s a reflection of Kevin’s personal journey and the healing he found through SJJCC’s Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness Center.
Harvey Marx, Vice President of Sid Jacobson JCC’s Board of Directors and husband of the late Nancy Marx, for whom the Center is named, was in attendance and stated: “It was a great experience. I was impressed with the number of attendees. The artwork was very original. The speeches even brought me to tears—hearing how our [Nancy Marx] Cancer Wellness Center is helping so many individuals.”
“Cancer takes—and the [Nancy Marx Cancer Wellness] Center gives,” Long concluded. “They give support, community, and care. And all they ever ask for in return is that you take good care of yourself. I’m proud to give back in my own way.”
Over thirty pieces were sold at the opening, and the exhibit will remain on display in our 90-foot artSPACE through April. All sales continue to benefit our free cancer wellness programs.
For more information on Prime Cuts, please visit sjjcc.org/artspace.
About Sid Jacobson JCC
Sid Jacobson JCC (sjjcc.org) in East Hills provides a full range of cutting-edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural arts, and social service programs. SJJCC promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage, and culture, and is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in its community. Where life flourishes.
“Like” the JCC on Facebook (facebook.com/sidjacobsonjcc) and “Follow Us” on Instagram (instagram.com/sidjacobsonjcc).
Sid Jacobson JCC is a beneficiary agency of the UJA Federation of New York.