Judi Grove started Breast Impressions Inc. in 2007 after she found a tumor in her breast and underwent a mastectomy. Fortunately, her tumor was not cancerous, but the experience had lasting effects. She now spends her life helping other women face breast cancer.

“Prior to my breast surgery, I wanted to make a cast — a 3D of myself to remember the way I was,” Grove says. “My cast was so beautiful, once finished by a dear friend who is a stained glass artist, I felt this might be a good way to raise breast cancer awareness through art.”

Each year, Breast Impressions holds a Gala and Live Auction benefiting Tulsa Project Woman. Breast casts are created and given to local artists, who work their magic on them in preparation for the auction.

“One hundred percent of the auction proceeds go directly to Tulsa Project Woman to help them continue to help women in northeastern Oklahoma without insurance with breast cancer screening, diagnostic procedures and cancer treatment,” Grove says. “They also hold educational events across this part of the state to help women understand the importance of early detection.”

In addition to this benefit, Breast Impressions provides breast-casting kits free of charge to any woman who would like to make a “memory” prior to breast cancer surgery.

For Tulsa’s benefit this year, cast models feature figures from 29 Tulsa businesses, organizations and media outlets.

Grove is especially excited about this year’s venue, Woodland Hills Mall.

“I’m so thrilled the public will have the opportunity to understand that raising breast cancer awareness through art is a unique and beautiful expression with the canvas being the torso of the female body,” she says.

Fast facts

Breast Impressions has donated 190 casting kits in the last two and a half years to women as far away as the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, as well as all over the U.S.

With 10 states down, Breast Impressions hopes to hold a benefit roller derby bout in all 50 states within the next five years.

Woodland Hills Mall approached Judi Grove to team up with her organization during the month of October to raise awareness.

Tickets to the event cost $25. For more information, call 691-3874 or visit www.BreastImpressions.com. Art exhibit, Oct. 3-25; Gala and Live Auction benefiting Tulsa Project Woman, 7 p.m., Oct. 25. Woodland Hills Mall, 7021 S. Memorial Drive.

“Fall Perspective”

“A relevant West.” That is how Waylon Summers of Lovetts Gallery describes the annual group exhibition featuring six national artists. The theme, he explains, is “exploring a reclamation and redefinition of ‘Western Impressionism.’” Take a moment and picture all of the Western artwork you have encountered in your lifetime. What does a relevant West look like? Come see for yourself. All six artists will be at the opening ready to discuss their lives, influences and most recent works.

Oct. 9-Dec. 9; opening reception, 5-8 p.m., Oct. 9. Lovetts Gallery, 6528 E. 51st St.

Art 4 Art benefiting the Tulsa Girls Art School

Works from local artists Shelly Lewis Stanfield and Darshan Phillips, from the group Live 4 This, as well as artwork by TGAS students, will be on show and for sale during this happening cocktail party benefit. Twenty-five percent of all proceeds benefits the TGAS to continue providing empowering art experiences for underprivileged Tulsa girls.

Oct. 1, 7-10 p.m. Tickets, $75. Purchase tickets from Robin LaButti at 592-7080 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . KEO Restaurant and Aberson Exhibits in Center 1 on Brookside, East 36th Street and South Peoria Avenue, www.tulsagirlsartschool.com.
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This column originally appeared in the October 2009 issue of TulsaPeople Magazine.