N o two people's fingerprints match, nor are any two of the countless number of snowflakes falling to the ground each winter alike.

No two bras in the "Artful Bra' exhibit are alike, many with creative themes like"Mardi Gras" (left) and the one below in honor of the state's most heated rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina - "Girls Divided." Though with similar characteristics, in both cases there is something that makes a single fingerprint or snowflake different - unique in its own way.

Rarely would anyone place a particular women's undergarment in the same category. Used to being able to find the type of bra desired regardless of cup size, color or brand, the notion that no two are alike may take a little getting used to.

But for once these undergarments aren't meant to be worn, rather to serve as a constant reminder of those who are fighting breast cancer as well as the millions who have to lost their lives to the disease.

Hoping to support a cause that has affected millions of American families, the Quilters of South Carolina's "Artful Bra" exhibit began a 10-day stay Wednesday at the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum.

Ledger Photos by Joe Hughes II The exhibit, which consists of 50 bras originally made for comfort and support but transformed into unique works of art, specifically was made for people to remember those who lost their battle to breast cancer as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. Beginning as a plain 36-C cup bra, all portions of the undergarment are jazzed up through the use of different household items like buttons, yarn and other material.

Spartanburg's Gibbs Cancer Center and the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society are sponsoring the exhibit.

"The women did a great job making these bras," said local resident Lynda Ramage. "Some may have similar ideas, but no two are alike; you see that by making you think further into the names of some the bras, like 'Hooters,' 'Sports Bra,' 'Nursing Bra' and 'Girls Divided.'"

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.

"After the exhibit travels around the state, the bras will be sold and money will go toward breast cancer research," Ramage said.

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.

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.

Tickets to the October event are $25. For more information, call Ramage at (864)206-0286, or CHAPS at (864) 489- 3988.

The 'Artful Bra' exhibit began a 10-day stay Wednesday at the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum. The exhibit will tour South Carolina until October, at which time the 'jazzed up' undies will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the Best Chance Network.