One in Eight: The Torso Project, an exhibit of embellished plaster cast torsos made by area breast cancer survivors, families and friends, will open in the Center's west gallery on Friday, March 13, with a reception from 5-8 pm.

Breast cancer survivor Pam Roberts, Colrain, conceived of One in Eight: The Torso Project to bring attention to the fact that one in eight women, over the course of their lifetime, will get breast cancer. Roberts, the Program Director of Forest Moon: Celebrating Survivorship, a non-profit that provides free and low cost workshops and retreats for people touched by cancer, is an artist and writer. She leads writing and art workshops and retreats throughout New England.

Twenty local breast cancer survivors and friends and family cast torsos in workshops in Franklin and Hampshire Counties for this collaborative exhibit. Each torso is accompanied by an artist’s statement. An interactive area invites community response.

"We bared our breasts to bring awareness and healing about the incidence of breast cancer," Roberts says.

The opening reception will feature food and beverages and music by Adam Bergeron, contemporary classical pianist.

Sponsors are Cancer Connection, Forest Moon, Northampton Arts Council and Rays of Hope.

Photo Credit: Got Mammary Glands? Get Mammogram by Dale Schwarz