NECC photography student and cancer patient Priscilla Westaway has formed a nonprofit to raise money for cancer patients and their families. She has created more than 100 pieces of blown glass that will be sold with other art pieces during the fundraising art gala.

Last year Northern Essex Community College photography student and stage IV breast cancer patient Priscilla Westaway held a fundraiser to raise money for cancer patients and their families. This year she celebrates the official creation of her 501C3 nonprofit organization – “Believe Anything and Everything is Possible” with a two-day art gala.

The gala will be held at Northern Essex’s Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Various types of one-of-a-kind art forms including photographs, paintings, blown glass, pottery, cigar box guitars, and more will be exhibited and available for sale.  All proceeds from the art gala will help patients who are in need while dealing with the daily struggles of receiving cancer treatments.

Photographers and artists interested in submitting a piece of art as a donation to be selected by a panel of judges, can fill out a form  and submit it along with a photo of their work.

In lieu of an admission fee, attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped gift of clothing, toy, or gift card for oncology children from newborn to 18 years-old.

To date, Westaway, of Salisbury, formerly of Methuen, has raised more than $8,300 for cancer patients and their families.

For additional information on the event, to volunteer, or donate, contact Westaway at 00273891@student.necc.edu or visit the website.

Northern Essex offers an Associate Degree in General Studies: Art and Design that gives students the opportunity to focus on fine arts, multi-media, photography or visual communications, to learn more visit NECC website.