Bras for a Cause

World Cups. Knock Out Cancer. Burnished Beauties. Peak-a-Boob.

These are just a few of the "creative brassieres" designed and created by UB faculty and members of the Western New York community on display from Sept. 27 through Oct. 29 in the Center for the Arts on North Campus.

The UB Artful Bra Project is part of the University Employees Campaign for the Community, an annual campaign that raises funds for the United Way and other Western New York Charities.

Each bra will be auctioned off to raise funds for the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research. Additionally, there are bras from the 2009 Artful Bra Project still available to place a bid on.

Last year, the Artful Bra Project raised over $1,500 for the American Cancer Society. Aside from raising money, the project aims to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

The display of brassieres strives to be entertaining and also serves as a reminder for monthly breast self exams and annual mammograms.

The Artful Bra Project has gained attention throughout campus in its first few weeks on display.

"Last week I was in the Center for the Arts and saw all of the bras on display," said Haley Katz, a senior health and human services major. "They were all very unique. I think this project is a really interesting and cool way to raise money and awareness."

There are currently 27 bras up for bid on the UB Artful Bra Project website. Each bra is handmade and designed with certain interests and messages in mind.

UB faculty and staff have contributed to this year's exhibit with specific messages in mind while creating their works of art.

"My favorite holiday is Christmas, which inspired one of the bras I created," said Amie Schirching, an employee in the UB's Registrar's Office. "The bra is titled ‘Life is a Gift' to send out a message that is just that."

Schirching's brassiere consists of a present and a folder of Christmas yuletide cheer.

"My bra this year is named ‘Angel of Hope'," said Carolyn Neuner, an employee of UB Parking and Transportation Services, of her feathered and winged brassiere. "It is my tribute to all of our friends and family who help us through our rough spots we have from time to time. The ones we refer to as angels among us."

Contributors to the Artful Bra Project have also dedicated their artwork to family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer.

"My bra, ‘eXposed', is inspired by a cancer survivor from my home town of Lockport, NY, Brenda Schultz, an eleven year breast cancer survivor," said Jennifer Markee, the finance and general operations manager of UB Art Galleries. "She works in a local photo lab, hence the film canisters. I wanted to pay tribute to her bravery and perseverance in some way this year as I crafted my bra, and so I chose this design."

This is UB's Artful Bra Project's second year and the project's organizer, Mary-Camille Schwindler, hopes that it will continue into the future.

"This fundraiser is a creative way to raise money to help wipe out a disease that affects so many people," Schwindler said. "We will continue this project for as long as we can raise money for this great cause."

Schwindler encourages anyone interested to take part in the auction or creation of the "Artful Bras" and she especially hopes for more student involvement in the future.

"We have not yet had any UB student artists create bras for our auction," Schwindler said. "I would really love for more students to become involved in the years to come."

Bidding closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1. The project's website, http://wings.buffalo.edu/org/artfulbra/, provides more information on the fundraiser and lists the bid prices and photographs of each brassier on display. Additionally, calendars of the Artful Bra Project are available for purchase on the website.

Email: news@ubspectrum.com