It’s an art form that’s rapidly rising on the trend ladder—a trend that’s igniting all across the world, even after only three years of existence.
It’s an art that touches the hearts of women of all kinds, yet particularly one type of woman.
The woman who eliminated that one necessary article of clothing after her mastectomy. The woman who walks by Victoria’s Secret and is painfully reminded of the cancer that invaded her womanhood.
And though she may think that breast cancer robbed her of her chance to ever love a bra again, that isn’t the slightest bit true.
What began as one woman’s creative and unique way of promoting breast cancer awareness soon became a movement of authentic celebration for hundreds of women near and far.
In 2011, Anna Braden conceived the idea to paint various bras and post pictures of them on her Facebook page. When the creative bras quickly gained popularity, she created a Facebook page for a group she named the Painted Bra Project.
Braden made it the Project’s mission to “increase awareness about breast cancer and create a nurturing support system with the help of artists around the world.”
The Painted Bra Project took off immediately. During its first year, the Project received over four hundred bra submissions, and the silent auction raised $10,000, all of which was donated to the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. The following year, the Project raised $15,000.
Though she herself has not experienced breast cancer, Braden paints for her aunt and friends who have dealt with it. She explained that some breast cancer victims have even dubbed bra painting their own form of therapy.
“It’s a creative way to raise awareness and educate people,” Braden stated.
And the time came once again to showcase these beautiful BRAsterpieces, some of which were created right here in Huntsville, and some of which traveled from Japan, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.
On October 25th, the Huntsville Depot and Historic Roundhouse Museum emitted a pink glow from its windows as the celebration began at 6:30 that evening.
Though not all of this year’s twelve thousand bra submissions could be exhibited, the ones that were displayed were absolutely breathtaking.
Bidders scribbled down prices for bras and other artwork on the bidding sheets as the Redheaded Stepchild played live music.
Vendors lined the perimeter of the room, offering handmade artwork and food for guests to buy.
And elaborately dressed mannequins were scattered across the room and placed on tables for guests to snap pictures of and marvel at.
One mannequin’s bra happened to belong to Deborah Sales, a contributing artist to the Project since its origins.
She entitled her BRAsterpiece “Plentiful Blessing” in dedication to the family members she has lost to breast cancer and to her sister-in-law who is currently struggling with it.
“I am able to do something to raise money for a cure,” Sales remarked. “I do it because everybody knows someone who has breast cancer. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Others were thrilled as well, posing with certain bras and mannequins and sharing their photos to their social media accounts using the hashtag #paintabra.
Women and men pointed, laughed, and smiled as they looked at the many walls sprinkled with unique and innovative BRAsterpieces.
Among the many guests impressed with the exhibit that Friday evening was Liz Hurley, WAFF news anchor and founder of the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund.
“This is such a beautiful expression for such a huge disease,” Hurley stated.
Hurley explained that from a survivor’s perspective, bras are necessary evils: they constantly remind survivors of their condition.
“But now they have given support to the cause and have turned it into something that is really fun. It’s a fundraiser.”
Hurley announced at the event that the money the Painted Bra Project raised would go towards new equipment that the Fund is buying this year.
In thanks for her support, Hurley received her own personal painted bra that night from a close friend associated with the Painted Bra Project. She was nearly brought to tears by all of the detail and thought that the bra held.
Molly Hopkins and Cynthia Decker of Lifetime’s hit show, Double Divas, made a special appearance at the event, and were also given their own painted bra with their faces and the show’s name painted on it.
The dazzling event drew people from near and far and touched several hearts that night.
What once may have pained a breast cancer victim to look at has now become artwork to admire.
Bras from all over the word are now providing support in a different sense for these victims—all thanks to a little paint, a small idea, and a few people determined to make a huge difference.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” Hurley reminds.
“Indeed, it’s the only think that ever has.”
For more information about the Painted Bra Project, visit http://www.thepaintedbraartproject.com or like its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/thepaintedbraartproject).
