The Keep A Breast Foundation proudly presents the 2026 High Desert Collection, opening September 18–20, 2026, at the Likker Barn in Pioneertown, California.
Opening Reception (RSVP Required)
Friday, September 18 | 5:00–9:00 PM
Meet the artists and featured community members during an evening celebrating the opening of the exhibition.
Public Exhibition
Saturday, September 19 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sunday, September 20 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
More than an art exhibition, the High Desert Collection is a living archive of the people who make this community extraordinary. Rather than asking the community to come experience art, the exhibition celebrates the idea that the community itself is the art.
Created by Keep A Breast founder Shaney jo Darden and curated by participating High Desert artist Clair Case, the exhibition pairs original chest casts of local community members with artists who transform them into one-of-a-kind works of art. Together, they tell the story of a community through creativity, vulnerability, and human connection.
Since relocating Keep A Breast to the High Desert eight years ago, Darden has been inspired by the artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, makers, and neighbors who define the region's innovative and imaginative spirit. The High Desert Collection was born from a simple idea: celebrate those people while creating meaningful conversations around breast health, prevention, and the power of showing up for one another.
Now in its second edition, the exhibition has become one of Keep A Breast's signature initiatives, bringing together artists, community members, businesses, and volunteers to create something that belongs to the entire High Desert region.
The 2026 exhibition features 29 local community members, each paired with an artist whose interpretation transforms an original chest cast into a one-of-a-kind work of art. Each piece reflects the unique relationship between artist and subject, creating a collection as diverse and authentic as the High Desert itself.
When the gallery closes, the exhibition continues.
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, every chest cast will be displayed inside participating businesses along Highway 62, transforming the High Desert into a month-long public art experience, coinciding with the annual Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours. Visitors can experience the collection while supporting local businesses, meeting artists, and engaging with Keep A Breast's prevention-first education.
The exhibition also launches Bucks for Boobies, a community-wide fundraising and awareness campaign inviting participating businesses to support breast cancer prevention while raising funds for Keep A Breast.
"People often ask why we make chest casts," said founder Shaney jo Darden. "The answer is simple. Art starts conversations that might not happen otherwise. The High Desert Collection isn't about bringing art to the community. It's about recognizing that the community already is the art. Every artist, every small business, every volunteer, and every person who said yes to being cast has helped shape this place. This exhibition is our way of honoring the people whose creativity, generosity, and spirit make this community unlike anywhere else."
Featured Community Members
Alea Bone, Alexandra Martinez, Angela Tricklebank, Blair Seifert, Clair Case, Cybele Rowe, Dianna Peña, Heather Yaryan, Hester Van Hooven, Johanna Bjork, Kelly Walsh, Kime Buzzelli, Kimberly Velez, Liana Bonadio, Lisa Schyck, Lyndie Greenwood, Maggie Downs, Mara Moon, Marilyn Ireland, Mojavewitch, Rachael Buettell, Reiko Roberts, Ronda Mueller, Roseanna Lewis, Serena Billiet, Shawna Sandoval, Silje Norenda, Taylor Elyse Compton, and Zack Merrick.
Featured Artists
Abe Alvarez-Tostado, Alane Levinshon, Alea Bone, Bob Aronson, Clair Case, Colleena Hake, Cybele Rowe, Dana Longuevan, Diane Best, Dianne Bennett, Gillian Keller, Gubby Beck Spencer, Jillian Sandell, Jim Austin, Justin Paszul, Kat Green, Kate McCabe, Kazumi Mathieu, Kelly Witmer, Kime Buzzelli, Krista Wargo, Lorry Stone, Nicola Vruwink, Serena Billiet, Shrine, Taylor Elyse Compton, Teresa Watson, and Zara Kand.
Community Partners
Boss Babe Lunch Hour, Pappy & Harriet's, Hoof and the Horn, Owl's Brew, and 805 Brewing Co.
Learn More
Keep A Breast High Desert Collection
September 18–20, 2026
Likker Barn • Pioneertown, California
The collection will remain on display throughout October in participating businesses across the High Desert during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours.
About Keep A Breast
Founded in 2000, the Keep A Breast Foundation is a global nonprofit dedicated to reducing breast cancer risk and its impact through art, education, prevention, and action. By making breast health approachable and accessible through creativity and community, Keep A Breast empowers people around the world to know their bodies, practice early detection, and take charge of their health.
