56 GreerNow SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009

ARTS & EDUCATION

GreerNow SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 57

ARTS & EDUCATION

written by SHERIL BENNETT TURNER

photographed by JOHN FOWLER

TheArtfullBra Project

I can usually spot a cancer survivor quite easily. They seem to have a certain awe-inspiring aura surrounding them; one earned fighting in the trenches of a life or death war. They are fearless because they’ve

seen the worst. They are hopeful because they’ve made it through. They are helpful and encouraging to others because others did the same for them. Cancer survivors have looked cancer in the eye and said, “Oh no, not me buddy!” And, quite often, they’ve come through the firing line with their sense of humor intact, plus an unmatched joy and appreciation for life. Case in point – Cynda LuClaire, a breast cancer survivor and talented local artist whose own artwork inspires and empowers women. When members of the SC Quilters Association created a collection of 50 wacky, weird, and wonderful bras as a tribute to breast cancer survivors, those who may have lost the battle, and others who may be fighting the good fight, Cynda was inspired to bring the radical and humorous Artfull Bra Project to the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville. “The bras were funny, uniquely creative, and wonderful! “ Cynda says. “Everyone who viewed them broke out in laughter! It’s was wonderful to see and hear!” Not your typical art exhibit, the brazen bras with such names as “Hooters”, “Two Cans”, and “Monkey Business” were created with lots of love and audacious humor to raise money to benefit the Best Chance Network. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that 192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of cancer of the breast in 2009. The Best Chance Network helps women in South Carolina with a limited income receive screening and case management in the hopes of reducing those numbers with early detection, treatment, and education. After the exhibit has finished traveling throughout the Southeast, the Artfull Bras will be auctioned off and all monies donated to this cause in the hopes of saving lives. d

For more information on the Artfull Bra Project, go to www.quiltersofsc.org. For more information on the Best Chance Network,

go to www.scdhec.gov. For more information on the Artists Guild Gallery of Greenville, go to www.artistsguildgalleryofgreenville.com.

BODACIOUS BRAS FOR A CAUSE

Be Aware!Often breast cancer has no symptoms,

but there are certain clues that can serve as a warning for breast cancer. When examining your breasts every month, pay attention to their appearance and consult your doctor about any changes you see, such as the following:

• Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast

• Change in breast size or shape

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin

• Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away

• Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle

• Pulling in of the nipple

• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast

• An itchy, sore or scaling area on one nipple

This October marks the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For

more information, go to www.nbcam.org.