The Keep A Breast Foundation is set to debut its 2026 High Desert Collection from September 18–20 at the Likker Barn in Pioneertown, California. This second edition of the art exhibition brings together original chest casts from over 30 local community members, which are then transformed by artists into unique works of art. Curated by High Desert artist Clair Case and founded by Shaney jo Darden, the collection aims to honor the region while sparking essential conversations about breast health and prevention.
The exhibition opens with an RSVP-required reception on Friday, followed by public viewing hours on Saturday and Sunday. But the impact extends beyond the opening weekend. Throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the chest casts will be displayed inside participating businesses along Highway 62 as a month-long public art experience. This coincides with the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to engage with the art while exploring the local creative community.
Alongside the exhibition, the foundation is launching Bucks for Boobies, a community-wide fundraising and awareness campaign. This initiative supports breast cancer prevention and the Keep A Breast Foundation, encouraging local businesses and individuals to participate in raising funds and awareness. The campaign underscores the foundation's commitment to prevention-focused education, a mission that has been central to its work since its inception in 2000.
The Keep A Breast Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fills a critical gap in breast cancer education by reaching young people before they become patients. With a mission to reduce breast cancer risk and its impact globally through art, education, prevention, and action, the foundation pioneered a youth-centric approach that empowers Gen Alpha, Gen Z, and millennials with prevention-focused information during their teens, 20s, and 30s. Through programs like the "i love boobies!" bracelet campaign and the Keep A Breast app, the organization provides accessible, shame-free education about breast self-examination, risk reduction, and environmental health.
The 2026 High Desert Collection exemplifies this mission by merging art with health advocacy. By involving local community members as cast models and artists as interpreters, the project creates a personal and communal connection to breast health. The public art display along Highway 62 aims to normalize conversations about prevention and early detection, reaching audiences who might not otherwise engage with such topics.
The choice of Pioneertown as the venue is significant, as it places the exhibition within the vibrant High Desert art scene. The Likker Barn, a known gathering spot, provides a fitting backdrop for an event that blends creativity and community. The partnership with local businesses for the October display further integrates the project into the daily lives of residents, making breast health awareness a visible part of the community landscape.
The Bucks for Boobies campaign is expected to generate vital funds for the foundation's educational programs, which have reached millions of young people worldwide. By supporting prevention efforts, the campaign aims to reduce breast cancer risk and its impact, aligning with the foundation's long-term goals.
As the exhibition opens, the Keep A Breast Foundation continues to demonstrate how art can serve as a powerful tool for social change. The 2026 High Desert Collection not only showcases the talents of High Desert artists but also reinforces the importance of early education and community involvement in the fight against breast cancer.
