The straps are showing at the Blue Ruin Gallery.

	Lake Fong, Post-Gazette Blue Ruin Gllery, South Side is hosting "The Bra Project," in which local and national artists and designers were invited to create "art bras" that will be auctioned off over the course of the exhibit. Click photo for larger image.

Actually, the whole darn unmentionables are showing for "The Bra Project," which has the dual uplifting purposes of recognizing Women's History Month and raising money for a good cause.

South Side's home of erotic fine arts, Blue Ruin Gallery, decided to put this on by inviting local and national artists and designers to create "art bras." The result is a collection of foundation garments that are "fun and playful, with serious women-oriented themes, or simply artistic and stylish," by participants, including Megan Buday, Ann Cihon, Selene DePackh, Megan Dietz, Molly Kiely, Laura Craig Mason, More Than Mammal, Monica Phillips, Louise Silk, Snipple Chips, Cheryl Townsend and Amy Watson.

Starting with the opening reception from 7 to 10 tonight and through March 27, the public is invited to come see the exhibition and bid to buy these beautiful brassieres. You can also bid online at www.blueruingallery.com.

The gallery will give at least half the proceeds, plus any donations, to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition www.pabreastcancer.org. It's a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to do research, education, outreach and advocacy to end the breast cancer epidemic.

As owners/curators Tamara Moore and Amy Woodall pointed out in announcing the event, it's about support: "Support breast cancer research, support women-owned business, support freedom of expression in the arts, and treat yourself to a fun, fantastic piece of art while knowing you're helping all of these forums. Do it for the breasts you love!"

The gallery is located at 1019 E. Carson St., South Side. For more information, call 412-488-9121.