AUTHOR // Mason County News
Proceeds from April 30 show in Mason, Texas to support cancer patient services, treatment
Mason, Texas — April 14, 2011 — Cancer survivor and artist Rebecca Tobey will join the Mason County Cancer Benefit on April 30 where she will donate her newest ceramic work “Moonlight at Mason Mountain” with proceeds benefitting area cancer patients. Just one year after being diagnosed with cancer and spending six months in treatment, acclaimed sculptor and former Mason, Texas resident will join dozens of other volunteers for the special one-day event to raise awareness for a disease that also afflicted her late husband, the renowned sculptor Gene Tobey, who lost his fight against leukemia in 2006. “We all realize that life can be short, so it’s important to take every opportunity to contribute to a cause that touches us personally,” said Rebecca, who hails from Santa Fe. “This event is a celebration of life, and a chance to come together to find a cure.”
The annual Mason County Cancer Benefit will be held on Saturday, April 30th at Heritage Park. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies and a survivor lap around the park. There will be booths, raffles, games, food and drinks and entertainment the entire day until 10 p.m. Last year, the event raised $35,000, which helped 15 area cancer patients pay their medical bills, transportation to distant appointments, and food and lodging during treatment. Five years after Gene passed away, Rebecca continues to create signature Tobey sculptures that appear at first glance as sleek silhouettes, but upon closer viewing reveal a surface alive with animals, human shapes, symbols, clouds and mountain ranges. A typical Tobey sculpture is characterized by the striking use of color with lively, inspired patinas. “Rebecca is a great fit for this event,” said Tommy Starks, a committee member with the Mason County Cancer Benefit. “We are happy to see the momentum growing and grateful for the community support.”
Mason has always been a special place for the Tobey family. Rebecca and Gene called the town home for seven years. Following Gene’s death, the family established the Gene Tobey Memorial Art Scholarship, which awards scholarships to Mason High School student pursuing a career in the arts. Rebecca’s work can be found in galleries in Tubac and Sedona Arizona; Palm Desert, California; Golden and Vail Colorado; Jackson Hole and Cody, Wyoming and her native city of Santa Fe where she works out of her home studio. For more information regarding upcoming exhibitions and to view Rebecca’s work, visit www.Tobeystudios.com. Learn more about the Mason County Cancer Benefit by calling Connie Witt at (325) 347-5911.