The 2009 10th Annual "Children of Hope" Art Exhibit held at The Columbia Museum of Art, located at 1515 Main Street, from August 17- October 18, 2009, displays art work created by children with cancer and blood disorders.

The exhibit displays paintings done by the children while in treatment for pediatric cancer or blood disorders at Palmetto Richland Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The children range in age from 4 to 18 years old and come from different parts of the state to be treated at Palmetto Richland's Children's Hospital.

Lyssa Harvey, the art and play therapist for Palmetto Richland and the Coordinator of the "Children of Hope" Art Exhibit explains, "Children approach the arts as children first, not children with cancer or with a blood disorder. Art allows a child to express his feelings about his immediate world in a non- threatening and enjoyable process. Each child's artwork in this exhibit reinforces his special impact and uniqueness in this life. The artwork in this exhibit portrays the children's strength and willingness to persevere even during the most difficult of times."

Sponsored by Children's Chance, the exhibit will be open to the public at The Columbia Museum of Art during the following hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am- 5 pm, Friday from 10 am- 9 pm, and Sunday from 1- 5 pm.

The exhibit will then be displayed at Edventure Children's Museum located at 211 Gervais Street from October 23- December 31. The exhibit will be available for view there from Tuesday- Saturday, 9 am- 5 pm and Sunday from 12- 5 pm.

Palmetto Health Children's Hospital will then house the art exhibit during January 2010.

For more information about Children's Chance or families facing pediatric cancer, visit www.childrenschance.org or call 254-5996.