“I’ve never used papier-maché before, and the first time I do, it’s on my breasts!” said first-year MichelaCorcorran, participating in the semi-annual breast casting event.

On Friday, April 20, and Sunday., April 22, from 1-5 p.m., the Fine Arts House and the Community Service House teamed up to offer the Whitman community the chance to participate in breast casting. It cost five dollars a person and all proceeds went to charity.

“The money goes to charity for breast cancer,” said Co-Op R.A. Kari Berkas. “This year we chose to donate to Pink Shamrock, which is a local foundation.”

The event was open to both men and women. Breast casting for women and pec casting for men involved participants going to the Fine Arts House at certain time slots they signed up for. After removing clothing on their upper bodies, participants coated their chests with Vaseline. They then used papier-mâché to cover the selected area that they wanted to cast. After the area dried, participants removed the casts, and either took them home or left them at the FAH until a designated painting time.

The event was motivated by multiple considerations.

“It’s a great way to support positive self image,” said FAH R.A., senior Phil Lundquist. “It’s a way to get people to realize that breast cancer is a problem, and celebrate their breasts and preserve them by having this cast of them,” said Berkas. “It’s a great concept: celebrate your body while helping other people fight for theirs.”

“It’s really hard to do community service on the campus, and especially to be involved in unique things, and this is a great way to do that,” said Berkas.
Many participants said that the event did not align with their expectations.

“I did it last year and I was expecting it to be really creepy,” said Co-Op resident and sophomore Souk Thongdymanyvong. “But it was weird how relaxing, fun and liberating it was.”

First-year Helen Brambrink went to the event with two of her friends.
“We were really awkward about it in the beginning,” said Brambrink. “But once we did it…we realized it was no big deal at all. I’m so glad we did it because it was a great freshman bonding experience.”
Over 60 students signed up for breast casting this year, said Berkas. Many of these students had different reasons for participating.

“Breast cancer runs in my family,” said first-year Ellen Vertatschitsch. “My grandma is actually dealing with it right now, so I feel like I’m supporting the cause.”

“My friends have done it in past years, and I thought it looked really cool,” said Viviana Gordon. “I’m going to give it to my boyfriend.”

“I think it’s liberating,” said Co-Op resident and sophomore Robin Hansen. “Everybody who comes in has to have an open mind to it.”

“At this point it has become kind of a tradition for the FAH and Co-Op to do together,” said Berkas. “Hopefully at this point it will become an official spring annual event.”