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Art That Makes a Difference: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those affected by breast cancer, raise awareness about early detection, and recognize the importance of research in the fight for a cure.

Whitney Sherman ’71, ”Breast Cancer Research Stamp,” 1998. Art Director: Ethel Kessler ’71.

Whitney Sherman ’71, ”Breast Cancer Research Stamp,” 1998. Art Director: Ethel Kessler ’71.As MICA celebrates its 200th anniversary, we're highlighting Whitney Sherman ’71 (Photography BFA), acclaimed illustrator, educator, and founding director of MICA's MFA in Illustration Practice, whose artwork has made a lasting impact on breast cancer research.

In 1998, Sherman created the artwork for the U.S. Postal Service's first semipostal fundraising stamp, the Breast Cancer Research stamp. Her powerful illustration depicts a woman in a pose inspired by Artemis, the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, symbolizing strength, courage, survival, and hope. Featuring the words “FUND THE FIGHT” and “FIND A CURE,” the stamp has helped raise more than $100 million for breast cancer research.

Sherman's work is a powerful reminder that art can do more than inspire; it can educate, advocate, and drive meaningful change.

“That’s what illustrators do,” Sherman says. “We communicate ideas in the public sphere. It’s intentional, it’s accessible, and it connects.”

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate Sherman's extraordinary contribution and the power of creativity to make a difference in people's lives.

MICA's Bicentennial: Celebrating Two Centuries

Join the festivities as MICA honors its 200-year history, recognizes its present success, and looks forward to a bright future. Throughout 2026, the College will be sharing community stories and announcing one-of-a-kind events on campus, in Baltimore, and beyond.

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Related MICA Bicentennial

At the Fête of Lights: Bicentennial Gala, Aidan Leizerov ’28 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture BFA) wore their wax soldier costume created in the Mask and Headdress course taught by Valeska Populoh, faculty in the Fiber, Fashion, and Textile program. On the upper landing, Martin Knuppel ’26 (Illustration and Printmaking BFA) is dressed as a modern version of the First Lord of Baltimore. Leizerov and Knuppel were part of a larger student interpretation of the Main Building’s Maryland painting. Students created a living mural that was more representative of MICA's students today. + Enlarge

On The Cover: Fall 2026
At the Fête of Lights: Bicentennial Gala, Aidan Leizerov ’28 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture BFA) wore their wax soldier costume created in the Mask and Headdress course taught by Valeska Populoh, faculty in the Fiber, Fashion, and Textile program. On the upper landing, Martin Knuppel ’26 (Illustration and Printmaking BFA) is dressed as a modern version of the First Lord of Baltimore. Leizerov and Knuppel were part of a larger student interpretation of the Main Building’s Maryland painting. Students created a living mural that was more representative of MICA's students today.

On The Cover: Fall 2026

At the Fête of Lights: Bicentennial Gala, Aidan Leizerov ’28 (Interdisciplinary Sculpture BFA) wore their wax soldier costume created in the Mask and Headdress course taught by Valeska Populoh, faculty in the Fiber, Fashion, and Textile program. On the upper landing, Martin Knuppel ’26 (Illustration and Printmaking BFA) is dressed as a modern version of the First Lord of Baltimore. Leizerov and Knuppel were part of a larger student interpretation of the Main Building’s Maryland painting. Students created a living mural that was more representative of MICA's students today.

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