Patti Fellenz

press release: “Women of Strength: The Faces Behind Breast Cancer”

to be 1st Gallery Opening at the NEW Yahara Bay Distillery as Part of MMoCA Fall Gallery Walk  

Featuring Local Photographer Patti Fellenz in a special fundraiser for Breast Cancer Recovery  

Fitchburg, WI – The new Yahara Bay Distillery and Event Center is set to open in Fitchburg this October, which also means additional space for their local art gallery.  The first opening reception for the Gallery at Yahara Bay Distillery in their new location at 6250 Nesbitt Rd. in Fitchburg, doubles as a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Recovery, featuring photographs of “Women of Strength: The Faces Behind Breast Cancer” shot by local artist Patti Fellenz.  As part of the MMoCA Fall Gallery Walk, the tasteful and powerful, yet honest photographs of women in various stages of breast cancer are featured.  The exhibit will highlight survivors, warriors, and fighters of this terrible disease and show the strength that comes from the fight.  Brave women with/without hair, with visible scars, with inspirational tattoos, all are examined to illustrate the beauty and enduring power of these exceptional souls as we get a glimpse into their journey and their daily lives living with or living after breast cancer.  

On October 7, 2016, from 5-9 pm, The Gallery at Yahara Bay Distillery will be one of the many galleries participating in the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery Walk.  The cost of this event is free to the public and guests will not only enjoy this amazing and inspirational art exhibit, but have an opportunity to meet the artist and women behind these portraits.  The evening will also include free hourly tours and sampling from the new distillery, appetizers, and cocktails from their cash bar.  A portion of all cocktail and bottle sales that evening will be donated to Breast Cancer Recovery, who offer wellness retreats for women breast cancer survivors to heal emotionally, as all programs are designed and conducted by survivors for survivors.   

About the Artist: Patti Fellenz produces stunning photography and artwork that is a true study of "One Woman's Point Of View", allowing viewers to reflect on the past & look to the future.  Knowing this would be the first art show at the NEW Yahara Bay Distillery and Event Center, she knew she had to make it special.  Over a year’s time, along with the help of the great people at Breast Cancer Recovery, she sought out women who would be willing to share their stirring, encouraging, and raw stories of their struggle with breast cancer.  A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, so through the art of photography, Patti has captured the beauty, trials and power of these brave women and the true spirit of their journey-survival.