Artist Leandra Drumm, left, and Kim Shuman, head of business for NEO Rock ’n’ Roller Girls, are shown with the cast of Shuman’s bust that Drumm created into art for “Bustapalooza,” A Bout Against Breast Cancer Aug. 29.

Photo: Timothy Kane; courtesy of NEO Rock ’n’ Roller Girls

Kim Shuman, head of business for NEO Rock ’n’ Roller Girls, said the league has partnered with Breast Impressions Inc. to put on “Bustapalooza,” A Bout Against Breast Cancer.

According to Shuman, Breast Impressions raises breast cancer awareness through art.

“We were contacted back in March by Judi Grove from Breast Impressions Inc.,” Shuman said. “She has worked with several roller derby leagues throughout the United States, but we will be the first in all of Ohio.”

Shuman said Grove came from Tulsa, Okla., to plaster-cast 12 roller girls during a two-day period.

“Our busts were given to local artists to paint, decorate, embellish, etc.,” she said. “I was very fortunate to have my idol, Leandra Drumm, do mine. Also, Cleveland’s famous Derek Hess is an artist for a bust as well.”

The players took applications from local artists, said Shuman, and each roller derby girl got to choose her own artist to decorate her bust.

“Each bust was then delivered to the local artist,” she said, “and they had about four months to turn a plain, white, thin, cast into a beautiful piece of art.”

Shuman said the art is being showcased at the We Gallery in Downtown Akron, 20 N. High St., and the CYRUS Framing & Art Gallery in Canton, 2645 Cleveland Ave. N.W. On Aug. 14 from 5 to 10 p.m., a bust opening will take place at the CYRUS gallery.

“The busts will be auctioned off during our Bustapalooza bout on Aug. 29,” she said, adding the team will play the Gang Green Roller Girls that night. “We are giving all the funds from the auction to Stewart’s Caring Place,” located in Fairlawn.

The team has a goal of $2,000 in donations, Shuman said.

“The bidding starts at $100 per bust,” she said. “So at the very least, we would get $1,200 at the end of the auction. However, since every one of the finished busts is absolutely gorgeous, there is no doubt that we will raise much more than that.”

Shuman said while it is the first year the team has taken part in the program, it won’t be the last.

“We plan on doing it again next year. It has been a wonderful experience for us girls and we have had such an overwhelming response from our fans,” she said.

According to Shuman, it wasn’t difficult to convince players to take part in the program.

“Quite the opposite, actually,” she said. “We had more girls sign up than we had spots available. This is another good reason to do it again next year — to get a new set of derby girls casted and auctioned off.”

Shuman said the team is happy to help the community whenever possible.

“We feel such great pride to be able to donate the way we do,” she said. “However, our bout for breast cancer will be our biggest event to date. Roller derby girls are tough, but not nearly as tough as breast cancer survivors.”

NEO Rock ’n’ Roller Girls Inc. was formed in May 2007, Shuman said.

“[We] are Greater Akron’s premier roller derby league and we’re in the middle of our second successful season,” she said. “We’re a nonprofit organization. Our goal is to further the sport of roller derby, and we are devoted to giving back to the community. Since the formation of our league, we have donated over $6,200 to several charity events and organizations.”

At each of the team’s home bouts, Shuman said, a local charity is designated to receive all the door proceeds.

“We’ve worked with Akron Children’s Hospital and the American Red Cross of Summit/Portage County,” she said. “We’ll also be donating to Akron’s Battered Women’s Shelter and the Northeast Ohio Girl Scouts for our 2009 season.”

In the arena

According to Shuman, roller derby is a full-contact sport where players have to play offense and defense simultaneously and there is constant action.

“It’s an event where you can bring the whole family and watch real women playing a real aggressive sport — on roller skates,” she said.

Shuman, who plays under the name Scarlet GoDancin, said the team is in the middle of its home season.

“Our 2009 away season ran from January through April,” she said. “The home season started in May and will go through October. The remaining home games are Aug. 29, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17.”

The team’s home bouting venue is the Summit County Fairgrounds Arena Complex, 1100 North Ave. in Tallmadge.

“The Summit County Fairgrounds has been an absolute dream to work with. The Arena Complex can hold up to 4,000 fans and is accessible to all of Northeast Ohio,” said Shuman. “Our crowds have more than doubled from last season.”

Overall, the team’s 2009 record so far is 3-3.

“We have what it takes to be undefeated [at home] this season, having won our first two games against previously undefeated teams,” said Shuman.

The team practices three times a week at Springfield Lake Roller Rink.

“We have a very dedicated and fun group of skaters, refs and volunteers,” Shuman said, “not to mention a very large following and serious derby fans that come out to watch real roller derby.”

In addition, she noted, the league is always looking for more roller derby girls, referees and volunteers. For more information on how to join or the league, visit the Web site at www.NEORollerDerby.com.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for “Bustapalooza,” and advance tickets can be purchased for $10 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/57964. Tickets will be $12 at the door. Children younger than 12 are admitted free of charge.