Chemo Fury by Gail

The odds of a woman having breast cancer are one in eight, and yet the feelings of survivors are seldom explored openly. “1 in 8: The Torso Project” is a compelling exhibit of embellished plaster cast torsos made by breast cancer survivors in Western Massachusetts and their female family members and friends.

Each decorated torso is accompanied by a statement telling the woman’s story. The exhibit runs through April 29 at the Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom, 1 Ashfield Street, Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts.

The Torso Project was originated by Pam Roberts, a 17-year breast cancer survivor who is the Program Director of  Forest Moon, a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of cancer survivors.

The project grew out of the desire to dispel the silence and fear about breast cancer through the shared experience of collaborative art. The participants make plaster casts of their own torsos to comment on the female form and to express outrage at the breast cancer epidemic, which kills one woman every 13 minutes.  This year over 210,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone; over 40,000 will die.

“We bared our breasts together to address the fear and to celebrate the supportive friendships and community that are necessary for surviving. We are all in this together,” says Roberts.

This exhibit is a collaboration of Forest Moon, Cancer Connection, and Rays of Hope.  You can read more about 1 in 8: The Torso Project on the Forest Moon website>>