So in order to bring attention to the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska, Project Fairbanks organized “First Friday with a Cause.” The theme is Bra (Art) and artists were encouraged to design art pieces that focus on breast cancer detection. While it wasn’t limited to bras, that medium makes up the majority of all works submitted.
Isaiah Mangum, Project Fairbanks co-founder, said the bra show idea isn’t new to Fairbanks, but hasn’t been done in at least two years. When someone suggested bringing it back to life, the other co-founders — S Salon’s Scott Allison and Chartreuse’s Sheri Oleson — thought it would work. They put out a call for art in February and since then, have received about 100 submissions.
Though the goal was 200, Mangum said that regardless, the diversity is impressive. There are wearable bras, altered only with graffiti messages, to elaborate intricately designed art pieces.
There’s a bra made out of chain mail, another with elaborate beading that looks like a spider web. One even has a birch bark corset. Some have quirky themes. A bra decorated and colored with a felt pen is cleverly titled “Felt Up.” Another was inspired by mermaids. It’s made of iridescent material and even has a fin sticking out.
All of the pieces were donated and all of the sales will go to BCDC. The 100 pieces will be spread between three galleries: Chartreuse, S Salon and The Alaska House. Mangum said it’s a way of unifying First Friday while still sticking to Project Fairbanks mission.
“We’re doing this from the bottom of our hearts,” he said.
“And to showcase downtown and showcase something that needs more awareness.”
Contact features writer Suzanna Caldwell at 459-7504.
IF YOU GO
What: First Friday with a Cause
When: 5-8 p.m. today
Where: S Salon, Chartreuse and The Alaska House
Information: http:// projectfairbanks.org
Post a Comment
