2023 girlpARTs Sculpture Project

Raising Genetic Cancer Awareness Through Art

The girlpARTs Sculpture Project is a unique community education and awareness program that focuses on the genetic relationships between breast, ovarian, and other cancers.

This project pairs community leaders and local artists to create three-dimensional works of art (torso sculptures).  The sculptures made their debut at the Riverssance Art Fair (Davenport, IA) in September. The sculptures are now on display in various Quad City locations alongside important, life-saving information until December 1.

This project is designed to provide critical health information in an easily accessible and creative way. The emphasis is on reaching underserved populations, including LatinX, BIPOC, LGBTQ and others, who experience disparities within healthcare.

Learning about a person’s genetic makeup can save their life. Several medical conditions and hundreds of genetic mutations can put them at higher risk for certain diseases. Two specific genes, the BRCA1 and BRCA2, have many mutations that can play a role in the development of several cancers including ovarian, pancreatic, colon, uterine, prostate, melanoma, rectal, and breast.

Genetic counseling and screening can help a person understand how their family history impacts their personal risk of developing cancer. If someone in a family has been diagnosed with cancer, their relatives may also be at risk. All it takes is a simple blood test which is usually paid for by insurance.

Furthermore, ovarian cancer symptoms are subtle and easily ignored because they mimic non-life-threatening conditions like menopause, gastro-intestinal and urinary tract diseases. There are currently no screening tests for ovarian cancer; the pap test only screens for cervical cancer.

All people born with ovaries are at risk for ovarian cancer, even if they no longer have their ovaries. Those with a family history of breast and other cancers or who have had a history of gynecology issues may be at increased risk. Risk assessment, early detection, and appropriate medical referrals are essential to save lives.

It is well documented that utilizing art to meet community challenges can spur economic development and lessen the opportunity gap. The girlpARTs project connects our artistic and healthcare communities with information aimed at creating positive outcomes, especially in underrepresented and vulnerable populations.

Want to get out into the community while learning about your risk of developing cancer?

Check out the Passport to Genetic to Discovery activity! Simply download and print the passport, then identify the locations of the sculptures through visual clues. When you submit a completed passport, you will be entered into a drawing for local gift cards. If you are interested in participating in the Passport to Genetic Discovery, just click the Participate link

If you have any questions about the girlpARTs Sculpture Project, genetic testing, cancer risk, or anything else we can help you with, please don’t hesitate to contact NormaLeah.

Interested in purchasing a sculpture? Please contact us to discuss it.