My Art Bra for 2014

Making Art Bra's is fun and knowing the money is going to a good cause always makes it even that much better.

Personally, I am not real excited about the use of radiation and chemotherapy.  But, I have also never been diagnosed with an illness that would suggest those are my best options.

I do know, many women I know have been helped as a result of these treatments and the money raised from this event will go towards furthering the research and treatments for so many women.

The event is great.  The cause is a good one. The art you will find will stir the imagination.  And, it really is just fun.

I was considering making a candle holder out of this and changed my mind when I took this top down photo.  I love the way it looks just like it is so why change a good thing.  I actually made this for another event and the winner never picked it up (her loss right?).  So, I will be making a few adjustments and entering it this year.

Mark your calendars.  Save a little money to buy something cool.  Think about donating an "Art Bra" yourself.  That term is very open to interpretation by the artist.

Pat Deere
Make it a fabulous day!

Link:  Art Bra Lenawee

Another "Art Bra" from a previous event...

I don't remember what year I made this one but it was fun.

I think I like it because it could be hung but doesn't necessarily look like a bra, unless you are at an event and know it is supposed to resemble one.

This was made with two melted glass baby food jars.  The red flower was given to me by a friend.  Sorry, I don't remember who it was but people are often giving me glass objects.

I love the little wings under the rose because I bought them from a man who would recycle old car parts.  He had all kinds of molds that he would make little objects with.  That was YEARS ago.  I still have quite a few of them.  They don't solder in easily and have to be wrapped in foil to make them work but I love them.

And the crystal at the top was intended to be hung.  Over time, the top broke and there was no longer a hole to hang it with.  So, with a bunch of misfit pieces, one of my favorite art bras was born.

This is what I meant when I said the Art Bra Class I will hold for the next 3 Thursdays would be kind of a free for all.  Whatever I have in my studio, mostly whatever, would be open for use by students.  And, almost everything would be included in the class.  Of course, I have to have some exceptions.

Thursday, 6pm-9pm, or whatever time you have.  Would be great to get something going!

Pat Deere

$200 was the highest bid!

The Art Bra I posted yesterday sold for $200 at the auction tonight!  It started at $75 and they closed the bidding at 6:10pm - only 40 minutes after the bidding started.  Thanks to Elizebeth Engle, who made the ceramic base I was able to work with, it was put back up for auction and reached $200 before they closed the bid again.  Fun work for a good cause.  Lots of fun pieces - some bras that people were wearing, some edible art bras, music, food, and a lot of people. 

If you didn't make it this year, put it on your calendar for 2011!

Pat Deere

Tecumseh's Art Bra Auction

A couple of photos from past events...

Tecumseh, MI puts on a really nice event that supports breast cancer research. It is called Tecumseh's Art Bra Auction and it is held at the Purple Pear Tree.

The photos here show two bras I donated in 2005 and 2006. The black one was made using glass frit, glass stringer, and embellished with brass filigree. The glass bra on the right was made with fused clear glass bottles and other found objects.

The following information is an excerpt from Tecumseh's Downtown Develpmont Authority's web site:

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a fact that does not go unnoticed in Tecumseh. Merchants throughout the city are planning events that will take place from October 18 through the 24. Mark your calendar for the Tecumseh Art Bra Auction. This entertaining evening takes place at The Purple Pear Tree in downtown Tecumseh. This year the date is Thursday,October 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Artists have been invited to create and submit their own interpretation of bra art. All entries are on display during the evening, and folks are encouraged to bid on their favorite pieces. Purchase your ticket for this unique event at The Purple Pear Tree or Evans Street Station. Tickets are $25.00 and include live music, delicious food, fantastic art and wine. All proceeds are donated to The Hickman Cancer Center. Call 517-424-6003 to find out more about Tecumseh’s Art Bra Auction.

I will be going. I don't have a donated item this year but I will enjoy the event. Hope to see you there!

Pat Deere

Links: Facebook Link for the Art Bra Auction

Tecumseh's Downtown Development Authority Info

Tara - The Retired Model

This is Tara. When my husband brought home this mannequin - minus one arm and a head, he told me he was going to use it for target practice. I objected and told him I had a much better use for it.

This is the beginning stage of what she looks like. She is being mosaic'd... small glass pieces glued to the entire piece. Once done, she will be grouted. I am using clear silicon adhesive for this project.

If all works out as planned, she will be given to the Art Bra Auction in Tecumseh to be sold to the highest bidder. The money made from that auction goes to breast cancer research.

The design: I have taken Tara to several different locations and many people have worked on her. Right now, I have her at the Lenawee County Fair (until this Saturday) where I am working on her as well as anybody wanting to put in a little time. The colorful piece on her right cheek was added by a girl who was at the Blissfield Festival. That has now turned into a design on her pants pocket. The pink ribbon... the symbol for breast cancer. The eagle - just seemed like it should go there. She also has many parts of her front finished. I'll add pictures as we move along.

So, if your visiting any of the fairs I am at, stop by my booth and help me finish Tara. It will be fun for you and go to a good cause. A list of the fairs I'll be attending are shown below under the Lenawee County Fair title.

CLASS NOTES: Mosaic classes are offered through my studio. The fun thing about them is you can use so many different things besides just glass. Add stones, pottery, broken dishes. The shedule is flexible and only limited by your imagination.

CUSTOM MOSAICS: If you browse through my web site you will see some pretty extravagant mosaics I have done in the past. They make wonderful backsplashes behind a stove. If you do not have the creative itch to make your own mosaic, or don't have the time, I would love to provide a quote for you to make a backsplash that will make your kitchen a showpiece!