Dyeing to Color Your World

Mary does not remember a time when she was not e creating something. She grew up in a home where both her mother and grandmother sewed and stitched. Playing with thread and fabric began at an early age. After a career in education, being able to create art on a full-time basis is a dream come true! Mary's wearable art and art quilts have been juried into national competitions and she has won several awards. Opening Fantasy Fiber Art is a dream come true! Visit Mary's Fine Art website www.maryschwarzenberger.com or on Facebook

Artist Statement: In my fiber art, I attempt to create moods with color and texture that soothe or stimulate. To quote Iris Apfel, "Color can raise the dead". The garments I create are designed to provide comfort and to create visual statements. After all, life is too short to wear boring clothes! It always pleases me when my wearable art elicits conversations and interactions I would not likely have without wearing my art.  Much of my work is influenced by the ocean, as I find its impact on every sense to simultaneously evoking feelings of calm and exhilaration. 

Mary is an ovarian cancer survivor, who is grateful for the treatment she received at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Since her cancer experience she has attended a conference on ovarian cancer and a camp for survivors. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Mary participates in the Turn the Towns Teal program that involves hanging teal ribbons up and distributing cards that list symptoms.

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly form of women’s cancer. Only 15% are diagnosed in the early stages. Since the symptoms are vague and at times nonexistent, by the time most cases are discovered, it has done significant damage. Then it becomes a chronic disease that never goes away. To complicate this, there is no screening for ovarian cancer at this time. Pap tests do not screen for ovarian cancer! Unfortunately, funding for ovarian research is significantly less than funds for other types of cancer. It is imperative that women familiarize themselves with symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. If this type of cancer is suspected, having surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist greatly improves outcome.

Ovarian cancer symptoms include, Bloating, Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, Vague but persistent GI upsets such as gas, nausea or indigestion, Urinary symptoms, Pelvic or abdominal pain, Unexplained changes in bowel habits, Unexplained weight loss or gain, Ongoing unusual fatigue, Pain during sex

For more information contact National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

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