Ledger Photo / JOE HUGHES II An assortment of bras and shoes like the ones above will be on display at the Cherokee History and Arts Museum as part of a fundraiser to help find a cure for breast cancer. 'Artful Bra' exhibit can be seen Sept. 2-12

Staying concentrated on the task at hand is hard for men, especially while shopping with their wives or significant other for clothing items like shoes and bras.

With each moment comes a new question, like "Do these look good?," or "Does this match?"

Fortunately for men, those questions will not be a part of an exhibit passing through the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum in September, according to local resident Lynda Ramage. However, there will be more than enough bras and shoes for their wives to look at; not necessarily for shopping purposes, but to support a cause that has affected millions of American families.

To do their part in the fight against breast cancer, the Quilters of South Carolina's "Artful Bra" exhibit will be on display at the museum Sept. 2-12.

The exhibit, consists of 50 bras originally made for comfort and support but transformed into unique works of art, specifically was made for people to remember those who lost their battle to breast cancer as well as continue in their pursuit of a cure. Spartanburg's Gibbs Cancer Center and the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society are sponsoring the exhibit.

A disease that forms in tissues of the breast, usually in ducts carrying milk to the nipple or glands that produce milk, this form of cancer occurs primarily among women, though males can be diagnosed with the ailment. Approximately 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in America each year.

Ramage found out about the exhibit while browsing the Internet earlier this year. However, after receiving calls from local resident Susan Boynton as well as another friend suggesting an event be held here, Ramage could not refuse.

"After seeing that the Web site myself, and then getting calls from two more people about it, I knew it was destiny," Ramage said.

The bra exhibit will tour the Palmetto State until October, at which time the "jazzed up" undergarments will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Best Chance Network, a program helping women ages 40 to 64 who need to be screened for breast and cervical cancer but do not have insurance that covers the procedure.

In addition, a fundraising event will be held the final day of the exhibit in which organizers hope local residents will do their part in "Stepping Up for a Cure" for breast cancer.

Several shoes given an added flair through the use jewelry, buttons and a number of other items, will be on display, with attendees being able to win the footwear through a silent auction toward the end of the event.

"Mrs. (Nancy) Patterson's creativity made these shoes look particularly well," said Dawn Bridges, an organizer for the event. "It's going to be a fun, good day, but we're raising money for a serious cause."

A number of other prizes will be lobbied for that night, according to Ramage, who said the most sought after item will likely be the week-long vacation at a home along Folly Beach.

"No doubt, there are going to be a lot of bids for that one," Ramage said.

Tickets to the October event are $25.

For more information, call Ramage at (864)206-0286, or CHAPS at (864) 489- 3988.