MADISON – Payge Semmes has created the signature artwork for the 2018 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K and Survivors’ Walk. Semmes is the first Madison artist to claim the honor of showcase artist.

Ribbon Run organizers unveiled Semmes’ artwork in a ceremony on Aug. 31 at Saint John Paul II Catholic High School library. Semmes works as art instructor at JPII.

Semmes named her painting, “Love is Hope.” “This painting is about ‘love.’ How do we bring hope to those who are suffering with cancer? Through acts of kindness, we bring love and hope,” she said.

“When we take a friend to treatment, or cook a meal for a sick neighbor, or cradle a child who is battling cancer, we give them hope and encouragement,” Semmes said. “When we participate in the foundation’s Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, we are showing our love, giving hope, and honoring those who we have lost.”

The pink magnolia inspired Semmes to paint “Love is Hope.” This flower represents femininity, friends and love. “Through acts of kindness and love, family and friends give hope to those who are suffering from cancer and other illnesses. With love, we give hope for healing and a cure,” she said.

For the past 30 years, Semmes has lived and worked in Madison. In her hometown of Charleston, S.C., she studied painting and drawing from local artists. At the University of Georgia, she earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design.

After relocating to the Huntsville area, she worked for a local architectural firm and designed commercial interiors. Semmes continued her studies of painting and drawing from nationally recognized artists around the country. She also has participated in workshops and classes.

“For the past 10 years, I have been teaching art at JPII High School,” Semmes said. She enjoys sharing her love of art with the community and encourages her students to do the same. Her students have created more than 10 murals throughout Huntsville in private and commercial spaces.

Semmes’ “Love is Hope” will be featured on 2018 race T-shirts, which more than 6,100 runners will receive. 

“May our strength and determination to fight this disease together be a gift of love and a gift of hope for healing and for a cure,” Semmes said.

Registration is now open for 15th annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K and Survivors’ Walk on Oct. 20 at Huntsville Junior High School. The 2018 Ribbon Run proceeds will help to purchase a new 3D tomosynthesis machine for Madison Hospital Breast Center.

To register, visit lizhurleyribbonrun.org.