The paintings breast cancer survivors create to display on the Art Wall every October are so much more than works of art.
"It's not just an art project but an emotional project. So much joy and sadness comes out," said Amber Lawrence, director of Komen Arkansas' Southwest Regional Office.
"We are here to celebrate our survivors and these beautiful panels," Lawrence said Monday during the unveiling of the Art Wall.
The paintings created by breast cancer survivors and their families and friends were unveiled at the Art Wall near the Regional Arts Center at 321 W. Fourth St.
Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Texarkana team up for the Art Wall to bring awareness to breast cancer.
Many paintings included either a humorous or empowering message.
One painting featuring a Volkswagen Van said "Peace, Love and a Cure." A painting of cowboy boots said "Stomp out Cancer." Another painting featured dandelions and said "Wish for a Cure."
Artists for the project are chosen by Komen's survivor committee from women who participate in Race for the Cure.
The artwork will be displayed throughout October.
Painters were assisted by local artists and did most of their work at Skyler's Frame Shop on State Line Ave.
"They work on them for two weeks and the survivors really bond during this time," Lawrence said.
She said the survivors usually have a special connection with each other that most other people don't understand.
"If you have not walked that path, you don't really understand," she said.
Race for the Cure is Oct. 20 in downtown Texarkana on Front Street. This is the 20th year for the event in Texarkana.
The route will go by the Art Park and everyone in the race will be able to see the paintings, Lawrence said.
Carol McVeety is a survivor of more than 17 years and did a painting this year with the help of her family.
"Everybody had a hand in it," she said.
McVeety's painting featured the words "Faith, Hope and Love."
She plans to participate in this year's race as she has every year since she was diagnosed.
Another painting on the wall was very simple but expressed the sentiment of many of those attending. The painting featured a heart and a pink breast cancer ribbon along with the message "Cancer didn't beat me. I beat cancer."