PINK aims ‘girly’ art at breast cancer awareness

Breast cancer is the second-most common form of cancer and has the second-highest death rate affecting 1 in 8 women and killing 1 in 35.

On March 17, people gathered at CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando for "PINK ART II," an exhibit put on by the UCF Women's Studies program and the Young Survival Coalition to bring awareness to these statistics.

The exhibit featured original work by local artists, including UCF students, graduate students and even children in the Orlando area.

Every wall in the room was filled with original pieces including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, poetry and one not-so-typical type of canvas — bras.

The heart-shaped display made up of crafted, adorned bras was the center of attention at the exhibit. Each bra was different than the next; some displayed jewels, feathers and all things "girly," while others were decorated with poetry, painted scenes and names of former breast cancer patients.

"I hope the exhibit brings awareness not only for women, but men also," said contributing artist Kelly Quintero, a sophomore political science major and vice president for the UCF chapter of the National Organization of Women. "Breast cancer happens and people need to be informed and know how to check for it."

Quintero had two pieces in the exhibit, one of which sold almost immediately upon opening. Her other piece was a sculpture of a vulva.

Maria C. Santana, director of the Women's Studies program, said the works being sold were selected with particular guidelines. Proceeds from the works and donations would go toward Women's Studies and YSC.

"To get in the show, you had to submit original work that respected women and reflected female empowerment," Santana said. "We want to celebrate life and promote breast cancer awareness and art is the most personal and creative way to express a message without writing it down."

Guest speaker Linda Schulte's message centered on the importance of women checking themselves for breast cancer and how finding people her age for support who were going through the same thing was difficult.

"It does take a lot of volunteers and money to do this which is why this exhibit means so much to me," said Schulte, a UCF alumna who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 37.

Six years ago, after being declared cancer-free, Schulte decided to join forces with the YSC. Schulte's work with the YSC has resulted in monthly support meetings that include activities such as yoga and pilates. Since 2006, Schulte and her cause have come across more than 600 people battling cancer.

Schulte's hope, like Quintero's, is that the exhibit reminds women and men of the prevalence of breast cancer and the measures they should take to protect themselves.

"Remember, touch your boobies once a month," Schulte said.

Each original work at the exhibit included a statement by the artist, a personal touch that Santana said is not found at most other museums. Guests were encouraged to browse the exhibit and read the artist statements to give the exhibit not only a more personal feel, but also to stress the importance of the cause at stake.

The statements explained each artist's connection to the cause, whether they themselves were a victim of breast cancer, have a relative or friend who was affected, or as a general sign of respect to anyone who has been a victim of the cancer.

"The exhibit here is beyond words," said Maria Ford, co-founder and vice president of Ribbon Riders, a non-profit organization made up of women with a passion for motorcycles and assisting breast cancer patients in Central Florida. "The support for breast cancer is just amazing. Absolutely amazing."

Santana said the exhibit will be featured again next year for a third time.

"We will absolutely be doing the exhibit again," she said. "I would love to see more sculptures and more of a variety in general next year."

The exhibit, which opened this month in honor of Women's History Month and the March Month of Women, will be on display until April 10 at the CityArts Factory.