TOM OF FINLAND Untitled (Man with keys), 1970, Graphite on paper, Cat. #70.29, ©1970-2010 Tom of Finland Foundation

Vancouver Men in Leather’s Pride event - a Tom of Finland themed fundraiser was held Friday July 30, 2010. By all accounts it was a rousing success. The space was crowded from opening time, and most — if not all — attendees dressed for the theme of the night.

Raffle prizes of T-shirts and a Tom of Finland Comix Collection were drawn as well as a 50/50 ticket. Also available for sale were t-shirts and fridge magnets, provided by ToFF for the event.

Pictures and a more complete post about the night will be put up on Tom’s Blog as soon as the event organizers have had a chance to debrief and detox post-Pride week.

Terry LeGrand

Visitors to our website should enjoy Terry LeGrand and his guests discussing a wide range of gay topics. Broadcast live on Sundays at 6:00 PM (PST), all of the programs are archived, and can be listened to over the web or downloaded for listening on your favorite media player.

Shows you won't want to miss are dated:

Sunday, July 11, 2010
This show includes a special interview with Durk Dehner from the Erotic Art Fair on March 27, 2010 on preserving gay culture.

Sunday, May 23, 2010
John Waters, along with guest co-host Mark Powers, discussed his latest book Role Models as well as his interests in art including his curatorship of Outsider Porn: The Photos of David Hurles exhibit at the Marianne Boesky Gallery in New York City and his exhibit at the Rena Bransten Gallery (May 27 - July 10, 2010) in San Francisco.

Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Alternative visits the 15th annual Erotic Art Fair Weekend sponsored by the Tom of Finland Foundation held in West Hollywood, CA (March 27-28, 2010) with interviews with some of the artists, model, collectors, and Durk Dehner from the event.

Sunday, March 21, 2010
Durk Dehner, co-founder of the Tom of Finland Company and Foundation, discussed the history of Tom’s artwork and the Foundation’s dedication to preserving, selling, and exhibiting gay erotic art as well as preserving gay culture in general.

Learn more about The Alternative on LA Talk Radio.

Tom's Finnish WWII uniforms are on display in his attic bedroom.

House of NSFW

Caitlin Monaghan had a “real” tour of the TOM House, joined by neighbors who booked a tour as well. Caitlin has just moved to LA from Chicago. She learned of ToFF because her brother is in the band that opened for Gay Beast after the reception for Danimal at the TOM house.

"Over the past six decades, Tom of Finland has become an international gay celebrity, but not until recent years has his art been recognized in mainstream art circles for all art lovers — gay or straight. Notorious publisher Benedikt Taschen placed Tom in the company of Leonardo DiVinci and Michelangelo when he bound and sold 666-paged (oh, the irony!) books filled with Tom’s best creations."

Read Caitlin's article in Style Section LA here.

A Gay Eden in Echo Park – The Tom of Finland Foundation

Echo Park Now visited Tom of Finland Foundation and had "a lovely time with the boys. Am I allowed to call them boys? Guys? Men?" Enjoying the art, and the house, and the cats: "I think I’ll just stay until they kick me out."

“There are many young gay artists throughout the world whose thoughts and desires are either unacceptable or outright illegal. Tom of Finland Foundation exists to offer acceptance to these artists and their creations.”

Echo Park Now is a blog about all things Echo Park — business, community, things to do, lifestyle, the arts… Read the article about the Foundation here.

Photo: JayPG

Our BIG fundraiser of the year was a smashing success, thanks to all of the hardworking volunteers that pitched in! Additional thanks to our supporters, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, our generous sponsors, and the artists participating in TOM's Gallery!

For a look at Tom's Bar — and whet your appetite for next year — check out the 376 hot photos taken by JayPG. Jay has been documenting many of the Foundation events for years. Thanks, Jay!

Reporter Damiana Garcia got quite an eyeful when she went to Tom’s Bar. Damiana took a gander at hot muscled dudes getting down (very NSFW!), and she got to chat with the Foundation’s president Durk Dehner and vice-president Sharp, Antebellum Gallery founder Rick Castro, artist Hector Silva, and numerous luminaries from the leather community - Mr. LA Leather 2010 Brad Taylor, Mr. Christopher Street West Leather 2010 Louie Pacheco, Mr. International Daddy Bear 2009 Joe Mannetti, Mr. West Coast Rubber 2009 Jeffrey Moline, Sister Buffy of the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and many more. Damiana also got to check out the x-rated Tom of Finland action figure, and even received a good flogging from a cat o’ nine tails! Censored Video · UNCENSORED VIDEO.

Hair

The fashion dictate of our slick high gloss culture in the last two decades looked down upon male body hair. Well shaved and trained was the common ideal that almost every man had to face. And gay men who decided to keep their chest unshaved were simply categorized as “bears”. But the times they are a-changin’! Therefore today we say YES to natural growth of hair! The anthology HAIR — 260 pages strong — is dedicated to the man that mother nature once created so brilliantly: masculine and sexy, muscular and hairy! And of course you can find a lot of men who truly deserve to be called bears on these pages.

Photographers and graphic artists present their individual and always very special view on the hairy world of hunks. Drawing legends such as Tom of Finland and Fred Bisones are featured as well as Tom Bianchi, Jeff Palmer, Joe Oppedisano and Dylan Rosser—each of them a top seller in the genre of male nude photography. They compiled several works of altogether 48 artists to light out every single facet of this hairy topic. HAIR is an anthology for everyone who just shrugs the shoulders when the epilated Adonis appears in the aftershave commercial, for everyone, who rather follows the call of the wilderness than the mainstream. Are you ready, guys? Let it grow!

HAIR, photography / comics / art, 260 pages, full color & duotone, image-wrap hardcover,
6 ¾ x 9" / 17 x 22,5 cm, US$ 43.99 / £ 24.99 / € 24,95

Hair Press Release PDF
Bruno Gmunder Website
Sepp of Vienna Website (Thanks to Sepp for sending us this information.)

OutWrite

TOM OF FINLAND (Finnish, 1920 – 1991), Untitled, 1982, Graphite on paper, ToFF #82.20, © 2010 Tom of Finland Foundation

The “Queer Art” edition of OutWrite - Spring 2010 / UCLA features an article by Rich Yap entitled Erotic Art and Why It Matters with four Tom of Finland images along with a portrait of Tom. This newspaper is distributed at UCLA for students and receives a strong readership among the LGBT community on campus. With that said, the article makes a wonderful claim about erotic art to a new generation. Copies of the newspaper will be on hand at the Tom of Finland Library.

“In spite of all the recognition that Tom’s artwork has received and the legacy it has left behind, I worry that all these achievements are lost among the majority of my generation of queers. This concern is further exacerbated by the fact that I am always the youngest person at the house during my visits to the Foundation. I find this to be a travesty, especially among my fellow queer Angelenos given that our city played such a significant role in Tom’s rise to fame and recognition. But Durk disagrees with me.

“'I don’t actually see it receding completely away,' he reassures. 'Tom was an exception and still is — and why he was an exception is this: he was an expert artist and there was something magical about the man in his ability to actually speak through his drawings in that you could feel things coming through his drawings. And young men would feel like that drawing was talking to them specifically.'

"Those drawings definitely spoke to me, and I won’t lie—Tom’s drawings can still give me a hard on. And maybe Durk is right. So long as guys are still getting erections from Tom’s pictures, his legacy lives on.”

Read the full text of “Erotic Art And Why It Matters” by Rich Yap. PDF

OutWrite Website.

CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL (American, 1974 - ) If You’re Looking (from the series “Always”) 2000 Chromagenic print 15.75? x 11.00? Gift from artist and Luis De Jesus gallery, Santa Monica. Permanent collection, Tom of Finland Foundation.

Christopher Russell is a graduate of Art Center College of Design (MFA 2004) and California College of the Arts and Crafts (BFA 1998).

Russell employs photography, bookmaking, writing, drawing, and digital-media printmaking to illustrate his explorations of the darker side of the human psyche. Investigating, and sometimes fabricating, the reasons people live or behave outside of socially acceptable margins, his work offers visions of what many would deem dirty, broken, useless, or criminal.

Chris was the subject of a Hammer Projects exhibition in 2009. From 2001 to 2005 designed, edited, produced, and distributed the “destroy-to-enjoy” literary art zine Bedwetter. He also wrote and edited an essay for the catalog that accompanied his curatorial debut of Against the Grain at LACE in 2008. He is now represented by Luis De Jesus Los Angeles.

Christopher Russel Curriculum Vitae. PDF

Luis De Jesus gallery Website

Watch the video on YouTube.

WeHoKnights continues to support one of the WeHo Awards nominated Outstanding Organizations in our community, Tom of Finland Foundation! Take a look at the trail blazers who are preserving another part of our gay history.

It was produced by Alejandra Duque of Power of Love Productions. In this era of social transformation, producer, writer, and director Alejandra Duque welcomes challenges presented with the eyes of an artisan, the compassion of a humanitarian, and a tenacious commitment to detail that can only be earned by one who has truly paid “their dues” working through the Hollywood food-chain.

These qualities lend to her resolute commitment to create work environments that cater to individuals who understand that only a team or nuclear family can produce socially responsible films capable of transcending the tactics too often used to entertain our post-modern society. Alejandra does not give up. A simple and evident fact she attributes to her mother.

President and Cofounder Durk Dehner commented to Anthony Cortez, "Anthony. I want to extend my thanks to you for making the video on the Foundation, the Gay Pride Festival and TOM's Bar take place. I was truly moved by the words that each and all of you shared about yourselves and the Foundation. Thanks for being such an amazing person and bringing your wonderful friend, Alejandra Duque, and the Foundation together. I have been showing people the piece on YouTube and it inspires me to think about more."

See more of WeHoKnights on YouTube.

MICHAEL BREYETTE Lathered Up

Erotic Signature announces its new International Search for the World’s best erotic artworks. This marks the fifth year that Erotic Signature has launched what has now become one of the world’s largest and highest prized competitions for erotic art.

Dedicated to both artists and art enthusiasts alike, Erotic Signature has put together a distinguished panel of judges consisting of museum curators, academics, collectors, editors and established masters in the field of erotic art to narrow down all submitted entries to a mere 200 winners.

Deadline: The Deadline for all entries is set for August 15th, 2010.

In addition to the three successfully published books, Erotic Signature has offered the winning artists from their yearly competition the opportunity to exhibit their winning artworks plus additional pieces in their annual exhibition tour named ARTundressed. Two years ago marked the beginning of this exhibition tour, which traveled from Miami to New York; Montreal (Canada); and Berlin (Germany). The second year, they launched the exhibition tour in Miami and it toured in Los Angeles and San Francisco. They have exciting news for the winners of this year's competition; a chance for them to be on one of the biggest stages in the art world where their work will be seen by tens of thousands of people.

Erotic Signature Website.

LORENZO GOMEZ

Lorenzo Gomez is helping ToFF with cataloging our poster collection.

Lorenzo Gomez has an BA in Fine Art Photography from California State University at Long Beach and has been shooting Latin Men for over two decades. He started out shooting men in the 80s working on his own Latin men calendar called Bravo. Since then Lorenzo has shot numerous calendars for 10 percent Productions/Village Lighthouse, again specializing in Latin Men to great success. His first book Dios Latino (Latin Gods) has sold out and gone out of print becoming a hot collector’s item. His second book Iron Men was published 2004. Both books feature gorgeous men from throughout Latin America.

Lorenzo’s work has appeared on over a hundred magazine covers, ads, posters, cards and billboards. His work has also been featured in gallery shows and movies. His greatest strength is his ability to blend eye catching composition and classic lighting, creating images that leave unforgettable impressions on the viewer. Lorenzo is available for assignments.

Lorenzo Gomez Website

HORNEY MEN

Alan Lo of Being Alive Studio donated this work to the Foundation. He exhibited at our West Hollywood / Los Angeles Erotic Art Fair Weekend in 2010. Here's how we acquired this work, as told by TOM housemate and Volunteer Jake:

This past Erotic Art Fair Weekend was my first. During the Fair I came across a potter named Alan who had an array of ceramics to vend. As I hovered about, Allan mentioned he had a piece he had not been able to sell and wanted to give it away. So I wished him good luck and went back to manning the Cafe.

Over the next few days Sharp asked “How did you like the Fair?” I mentioned the piece from the Being Alive Studio and got an “Oh my god !” Next thing you know, I’m on the horn with Allan to schedule a drop-off date.

With a ring of a bell, lo and behold, two faces appear at the door — Allan Lo and his partner Troy Wise. What a package! Allan exclaimed the piece was called Horny Men. Horny + Men... Oh yeah, my eyes were all over it. Allan's works help benefit Being Alive, a support group for those living with HIV and AIDS.

We are proud to house one of his examples here at ToFF. Thank you, Allen and Troy.

Being Alive LA Website

Photo: Greg Gorman

"Waters’ house is clean, but cluttered. 'I don’t think I’m a hoarder, but I’m not a minimalist, as you can see,' he cracks. Artwork lines every wall, and there are piles of books everywhere. He writes that he owns 8,089 titles, and one can’t help but notice the huge coffee table book of Tom of Finland prominently displayed."

Read more in Greg's Interview with John: Model Behavior

STUDFINDERS POSTER

Tom of Finland Foundation has donated a large group of posters to Wings for their Studfinders Auction on June 4-6, 2010. Wings is an all volunteer organization serving persons affected by HIV/AIDS. Wings supports life through social, cultural, emotional, educational and recreational activities in a compassionate, empathetic, safe and healthy atmosphere. (And from our point of view, what better way to raise funds than to offer art?)

Wings provides a broad range of activities such as retreats, bowling teams, canoe outings, theater, holiday gatherings, and monthly pot luck dinners, bar nights, dream adventures, and peer support groups. They now also offer retreats on Lake Huron. These activities are provided free or at a reduced cost since many participants are living on disability benefits or other limited income. Their sole support for these activities are private donations, fundraising events, and grants from sources such as Steppin’ Out-AIDS Walk Detroit.

Learn more about Wings
Learn more about one of their projects, Cutest Cabins

NEXT DOOR, an uncommon magazine celebrating the common man, has a four page spread on the Foundation's Emerging Erotic Artist Contest and the World of Tom of Finland.com address in the May 2010, 1st Anniversary Issue.

"This year’s competition produced the usual range of fresh and challenging work from an international roster of contestants from the UK, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S...."

Pick up a hard copy version at your local magazine stand, or check out the magazine online. For this month only, they are giving away the first issue of their magazine for free!

SCOTT SIEDMAN (American, born 1948), Goliath Head, 2010, Oil on board, 16" x 12", Gift from artist

Scott Siedman donated this work on April 16, 2010. He showed at our West Hollywood / Los Angeles Erotic Art Fair Weekend in 2010.

Siedman has unquestionably mastered the skills of the old masters in both clay and canvas. Somehow the inanimate materials he uses in his work come alive in his hands, often becoming not just something “human” but something more than human when you stand before it. His Persephone, a larger than life clay visage frozen in the cerements of death and his Fallen Angel falling into hell are heroically classic in both their size and presentation.

But what sets Scott Siedman’s art apart is not just his technical skill. It is the sharp wit that hides within each of his figures, that stares back at you from within each of his frames.

For one thing, Siedman isn’t afraid of incorporating sex into his scenes. The phallus and the vulva make regular appearances in his work. The Sacred Part of Mary reveals an interesting notion of her transcendence. Sexual metaphors appear in his political works as well, like Embedded. But sexual imagery and situations aren’t used merely to shock. The illustrations clearly illuminate the compositions in which they are used. Can you really trust the military to spoon feed you a war through “embedded reporters”. Does Mary have to be a virgin in order for her to be... magical?

— Nancy Fulton, Articlesbase

Posted 05/14/2010

PHOTO: Manuel "Howie" Ramirez

On Friday, April 16, 2010 the Foundation hosted an evening for some special men — local Mr. Leather title holders — dedicated to improving our community.

The evening started with a tour of the TOM house and a light dinner buffet, followed by a trip to the Eagle LA. Arriving en masse, it made a definite impression! Leather retains its mysterious allure.

Find out what Louie Pacheco, Mr. CSW Leather 2010, had to say about the night here.

Administrator Sharp (l) with John Platinus

We thank John Palatinus for his donation of the brilliantly organized digital prints of his body of work. And a most impressive body it is! We also thank him for his personal photographs and magazines. They are all an excellent addition to our archives.

John also has joined the Foundation at the Commander level.

Beginning in 1958, Palatinus started shooting and selling full-frontal nude photos thru the mail. He now lives in Palm Springs, California and may be one of the only photographers still alive from the ’50s era of physique photography.

More information on John Platinus can be found on our listing for his recent exhibition at Antebellum Gallery here.

Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman

To Our Friends–

On Sunday, June 6, 2010 from 2 to 4 PM, there will be a gathering at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery, 26 Wooster Street, New York, NY, to celebrate Fritz Lohman’s life.

Join us if you can.

— Charles W. Leslie

As per Fritz Lohman's wishes, there will be no funeral. More information below.

The Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation and Gallery Website

2009 Grand Prize Winner Kevin Francis and His Award Winning Work Photo: JayPG

Judging for Tom of Finland Foundation’s 8th Emerging Erotic Artist Contest (EEAC) is completed, and the Foundation derives great pleasure in presenting all the submissions, including the winning pieces, online for the public and press.

This year’s competition produced the usual range of fresh and challenging work from an international roster of contestants from the UK, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S.

The entries showcase the continued vibrancy and creativity extant in erotic art, and artists thrive when they are supported in their development and when an international audience of peers, curators, and collectors see their work.

The past has proven that a good percentage of the winners have gone on to become recognized in their field. Past Contest winners include Hector Silva, Marc DeBauch, Patrick Lee, Darrell Boy Smith, Dragan and Jay Jorgenson.

This year’s Contest also generated an artistic controversy that we may rightly christen with that popular phrase “a teachable moment.” Is imitation the sincerest form of flattery, or of thievery, one may ask? When does homage cross the line into copyright violation?

The EEAC panel of judges deliberated this question carefully in light of Crack Takes Over Your Life, a painting by James Cooper, who based his work on an existing digital photograph by Joe Oppedisano.

Comments by the two artists involved, as well as the judges for the Contest, debate the question in the link that follows. Ultimately the work was allowed to stand as an illustration of the ongoing debate.

The winning works of art will be exhibited at the Foundation’s Annual West Hollywood — Los Angeles Erotic Art Fair Weekend, March 27-28, 2010 in West Hollywood Park. Many of the Contest entries are offered for sale; interested parties are invited to contact ToFF’s office for availability and details.

The Foundation also wishes to thank its distinguished and diverse panel of judges: Kat Coric, Montreal; Dr. Laura Henkel, Las Vegas; Jay Jorgensen, Los Angeles; Marco Livingstone, London and Michael Taubenheim, Berlin. Their insight and erudition always enriches the dialogue that art creates. The judges biographies are available here.

View the Contest!

Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman

Fritz Lohman and Charles Leslie cofounded the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation, a unique non-profit arts cultural institution established in 1990 to be a safe haven for that art which is often excluded from main stream exhibitions and textbooks and looked upon as taboo or less than important or embracing by historians and critics.

"After 48 wonderful years together, Fritz — the love of my life — died at home on December 31st. He has been cremated. As per his wishes there will be no funeral.

"Later on, in the spring, there will be a party to celebrate Fritz’s marvelous life.

"In lieu of other remembrances, I ask that expressions of sympathy be sent to the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation (LLGAF) referencing the new FRITZ LOHMAN MUSEUM FUND. As the co-founder of The Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation and Gallery, Fritz’s name will now grace a new fund dedicated to our next significant growth phase-the establishment of the Leslie/Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art."

— Charles W. Leslie

Checks (payable to LLGAF) may be sent to:
     LLGAF
     Attn: Fritz Lohman Museum Fund
     26 Wooster Street
     New York, NY 10013

The Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation and Gallery Website

Memorial to Homosexuals

Claus Nieländer was the architect that realized the design of artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset for the Memorial to Homosexuals persecuted under Nazism in Berlin. The Memorial opened on May 27, 2008 and Nieländer told us that it has been the target of violent valdalism.

Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset are the curatorial team that created the installation
The Collectors at the 53rd Venice Biennale.

Claus and his friend Arnd Muehle found ToFF on the ‘net and enjoyed seeing Tom’s reference binders and looking at the pictures of The Collectors that Elmgreen and Dragset had just sent to Foundation HQ.

They each have TOM titles in their own collections and were impressed with the XXL book.

TOM House Living Room Photo: Henning von Berg

Tucker Neel dropped by last December, interested in writing a piece on Tom and the House. He is Queer and has great ideas about art and power.

"Your entire world changes once you’ve seen Tom of Finland’s work. His images reverberate in your mind when you see Navy recruitment ads, wrestlers, policemen and beefcakes in the gym. Born Touko Laaksonen in 1920, his meticulously rendered drawings of self-assured muscular men engaging in mutually orgasmic guilt-free sex play, have appeared in galleries, bathhouse hallways, on coffee tables and under mattresses. Knee-length engorged penises and rotund buttocks adorn every one of Tom’s men, complete with sultry expressions and five o-clock shadows."

Artillery is a fresh, smart magazine that captures the verve and vitality of the contemporary art world. We tend toward the provocative, with readable articles, skipping the academic art jargon that usually leaves readers snoring. Our reviews are critiques, not descriptions. Our profiles are indepth, not fluff. Our art dish captures the who’s who of openings. Artillery knows the buzz that’s happening in the galleries and studios. We stick by our guns with "killer text on art."

Pick up the January / February 2010 issue of Artillery.

Read the full article on Tucker Neel's Blog.

The Foundation is very pleased to announce that our Library Director & International Liaison, Allison Schulte, is the recipient of The Art Libraries Society of North America's ARLIS/ NA Internship Award. In addition to a $2,500 stipend, Ms. Schulte will receive a one-year complimentary membership in ARLIS/NA.

"I could not have done this without Tom and all of you.... This award is applied to by all kinds of librarians and curators with focuses that range from architecture to Renaissance. For the first time, it is being granted in the name of 'erotic art'."

Read more about it here.

The Board of Governers for The WeHo Awards has announced the nomination of the Tom of Finland Foundation under the category Community Organization. Other nominees include: Bienestar Human Services, Equality California, Human Rights Campaign, Imperial Court System, Love Honor Cherish, NOH8 Campaign, Project AIDS & Cancer, Project Angel Food, The Gay & Lesbian Taskforce, and Trevor Project.

In the Visual Artist category nominees are: Clark Fairfield, David Alexander, Jeremy Vargus, Lanny Lee Leyda, Marky Make Up Andrews, Miguel Angel Reyes, Mike Derry, Pam Holland, Robert Corrado, and Ron Woodward. Under Digital Artist: Adam Lyons, Anday Lotfus, Brian Sugden, Chad Serrano, Clark Fairfield, Cosmosis Graphics, Dustin Woehrmann, Evenstar Communications, Garrett Clum, and Viktor Pelayo.

Winners will be announced Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the 9th Annual WeHo Awards Gala.

WeHo Awards Website.

Gary Robinson passed away on the morning of November 21st, 2009. "He was a very good friend — and was becoming a better one."

Many people associate Gary with Tom of Finland through the Tom of Finland Clothing line. After an exhaustive study of Tom's art, designers Gary Robinson and David Johnson produced a collection that brought the artist's vision to three-dimensional life. The line was embraced by fashion editors, featured in music videos, and covered prominently on both fashion television and the E-Channel...

More on Gary.

In a Frontiers INLA article by Ken Knox, Tom of Finland Foundation co-founder Durk Dehner reflects on his dream job and the vast influence that Tom of Finland has had on gay culture.

Exerpt: "Dehner has made it his mission to keep the Foundation going, and urges members of the gay community to get involved. 'The Foundation has a tough time of it as it’s very difficult to get large-scale funding for us because of the nature of the arts organization that we are,' he explains. 'Sexual expression is still not an easy sell to boards that donate to cultural organizations, so the solution has to come from within the community that the Foundation serves. If we don’t get it together and care for our own cultural treasures, who else do you think will?' "

Frontiers INLA Magazine

Leather Archives & Museum and Kris Studios
present Tom's Men: One, a video in honor of Tom of Finland Foundation's 25th Anniversary

Look for the video link under "The Latest News from the Leather Archives & Museum".

Leather Archives & Museum

Tom of Finland Foundation's Board of Directors is pleased to announce the addition of Pete Karjalainen to the Foundation's Advisory Board. He joins Cathie Bagwell, Gary Feldgemaker and Cliff Benjamin.

Tom of Finland's iconic artwork continues to find its way into contemporary culture. EuroPride 09's promotional video, created by the House of Curves, includes a brief glimpse of one of Tom's drawings.

This clever spot is a taste of things to come. The House of Curves is also doing preliminary work on bringing Tom's characters to life through the art of animation — something that Tom always wanted to see.

View the clip here on YouTube.
The House of Curves blog.
EuroPride 09's website. EuroPride 09 runs May 2 - June 7, 2009.

Coming in March 2009: Tom of Finland XXL published by Taschen.

With dimensions of 11.4 x 15.9 inches (29 by 40.5cm) and 666 pages, Tom of Finland XXL contains over 1,000 images, covering 6 decades of the artist's career. The work was gathered from all known collections across the US and Europe with the help of the Tom of Finland Foundation and features many drawings, paintings and preparatory sketches that have never been reproduced in any book. Other images have only been seen out of context and will be presented here in the sequential order Tom intended for full artistic appreciation and erotic impact.

This elegant oversized volume will showcase the full range of Tom's talent, from sensitive portraits to frank sexual pleasure to tender expressions of love to Tom's haunting tributes to young men struck down by the AIDS epidemic.

Completing this collector's edition are eight specially-commissioned essays on Tom's social and personal impact by Camille Paglia, John Waters, Armistead Maupin, Todd Oldham, and others, plus a scholarly analysis of individual drawings by art historian Edward Lucie-Smith. For the man — or woman — who thinks bigger is better, Tom of Finland XXL is certain to satisfy.

Learn more about Tom of Finland XXL here.

Lathered Up by Michael Breyette

Erotic Signature announces its 2008-09 International Search for the World’s best erotic artworks. This marks the third year that Erotic Signature has launched what has now become one of the world’s largest and highest prized competitions for erotic art. Dedicated to both artists and art enthusiasts alike, Erotic Signature has put together a distinguished panel of judges consisting of museum curators, academics, collectors, editors and established masters in the field of erotic art to narrow down all submitted entries to a mere 200 winners.

Deadline: The Deadline for all entries is set for February 15th, 2009.

Categories: Submissions will be accepted in: Fine art, Digital art, Photography, Sculpture, and Mixed Media.

Subject Matter: We have set very few parameters in this area, we want to encourage art expressing every sexuality and subject matter, as well as alternative lifestyles; however all work must not move outside of the boundaries of consenting sexuality.

Eligibility: This international erotic art competition is open to all erotic artists and photographers from every country. Whether you are already established as an artist, on the way up or a complete unknown, we wish to embrace and showcase your talents to the world.

Over $15,000 in Cash Prizes. Plus: this competition awards opportunities for artists to present their work to an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and others who appreciate erotic fine arts and photography. Your winning artwork featured in a six-month exhibition tour in five major cities; starting Mid-June 2009 (Schedule and Location to be confirmed).

All of the participating winning artworks (200 book winners and the (6) prize winners) will be published in World’s Greatest Erotic Art of Today - Vol. 3. You can see a preview of last year's book at: http://eroticsignature.com/jcms/index.php/Volume-2.html. More information on their website.

Erotic Signature Website.

This season we have sent out a very special card. Please look for it in your mailbox, or if you are not on our mailing list — or would like to share it with a friend — we're offering it here in PDF form. Just click on the image to the right.

Join us in serving the cultural needs of the communities of the world. Please sign up or renew your membership today. Consider moving up to a higher membership level or adding an additional contribution. Together, we can all be guardians and ambassadors of the erotic arts and the thousands of artists that create it. Tom’s legacy is our legacy.

Sign up or renew your membership today!

Posted 12/17/2008

Bettie Page, the legendary 1950s pin-up queen with the killer curves and coal-black bangs, died December 11, 2008 of pneumonia at a Los Angeles area hospital. She was 85 years old.

Her popularity as an underground, guilty pleasures phenomenon has continued to soar despite the fact that the reclusive Page disappeared almost a half century ago. As the model who many have argued raised cheesecake to an art, Page combined exuberant, wide-eyed innocence with confident, sometimes aggressive sexuality.

In posing for photos (some by acclaimed fashion photographer Bunny Yeager), many who were witnesses recall that Page seemed to command these sessions the way a movie director would. Without intending to (and without realizing it either), because of her ingenuity and dominant personality, Page was effectively the creative force controlling much of her own work.

"I was never the girl next door." — Bettie Page

Visit the Bettie Page Website.

Posted 12/16/2008

The Leslie/Lohman Foundation has an open call for artists for their exhibition Imaginary Portraits: Gay Lovers in History.

The call is open to all LGBTQ artists for the exhibition scheduled for November - December 2008. Actual dates of the event are to be determined. Deadline for entries is October 7, 2008.

See the Leslie/Lohman exhibition Webpage for more information.

Posted 08/09/2008

Larry Townsend [October 27, 1930 - July 29, 2008] was the pseudonymous author of dozens of books including Run Little Leather Boy (1970) and The Leatherman’s Handbook (1972) at pioneer erotic presses such as Greenleaf Classics and the Other Traveler imprint of Olympia Press.

He began his pioneering activism in the politics of gay liberation in the early 1960s. In 1972, as president of the Homophile Effort for Legal Protection which had been founded in 1969 to defend gays during and after arrests, he led a group in founding the H.E.L.P. Newsletter, the forebear of Drummer (1975). As a writer and photographer, he was an essential eyewitness of the drama and salon around Drummer in which his novels were often excerpted. His signature "Leather Notebook" column appeared in Drummer for twelve years beginning in 1980, and continued in Honcho to 2008. His last novel, Time Masters, was published April 2008; his last writing was an introduction to Gay San Francisco: Eyewitness Drummer (June 2008).

Fred, Larry’s long-time companion of 44 years, passed away on July 8, 2006, which interrupted this prolific writer’s output for most of the year.

People who knew Mr. Townsend are invited to contribute to the Larry Townsend Memorial Anthology a people's memorial to a legend, to be published in Spring 2009. Publisher Mark Hemry is accepting diverse opinions in personal and journalistic essays about Larry Townsend and much more. The deadline is December 1, 2008. See the Palm Drive website for more information on this project.

Larry Townsend Publications Website for bio and publications.
Palm Drive Publishing Website for anthology contribution information.

Posted 08/06/2008

The artist Greasetank, known to his friends as Ron, died of a heart attack on August 1, 2008 at age 59. He had previously suffered a heart attack last January.

This Texan helped popularize computer generated artwork with many works that were often called politically incorrect — containing brutality, sadism and sexually. "Personally, I would recoil in horror were any of the material on my site to take place in real life, but please allow me the freedom to create my art."

His works have been exhibited at Riga, Rotterdam, and Los Angeles, and he has been published in periodicals such as Blue, Squeeze, and G-Men.

Greasetank's article On Censorship on the Foundation's Website.
Additional information and images appear on the Queer-Arts.org Website.

Artwork by Fandy

Decadent Wasteland, Book 1, is a a sci-fi sex adventure in 59 multi-paneled pages. Garon and his girlfriend Anna are captured by their enemies and put through tortures and humiliations on a live broadcast. If they don't give up the Rebel base, they will suffer, but if they do their world may be doomed...

This is Fandy's first 3D comic. "I have struggled with it, and fought to get across the scenes and story I always wanted to read in sci-fi sex stories. Hope you enjoy it!"

The panels are available for purchase by download on Renderotica. Fandy also invites you to view numerous free images in his Fandy2 gallery on Renderotica, as well as your comments.

Renerotica's Decadent Wasteland page.

Henning von Berg's long overdue retrospective is distinctive, provocative, fascinating! Henning von Berg: Alpha Males will be released in Europe in October 2007 with a worldwide release in December by publisher Bruno Gmünder. This hardcover book will contain 160 pages in a full-color and duotone, at 8.25 x 11.25 inches.

Henning von Berg first made a name for himself with his photo shoot in Berlin's parliament Reichstag — in 1999 he photographed six naked men, later known as the "Reichstag Rascals", and created an international sensation, catapulting von Berg into the international limelight. He's maintained his penchant for architectural backdrops and bizarre, erotic group scenes to this day, both things that make his images so distinctive. He prefers to work with natural lighting and in unusual settings.

In the meantime his work has been included in over four hundred publications, been represented in countless numbers of international exhibits in museums and galleries. A former engineer, Henning von Berg is a true shooting star in the world of photography. His previous release Universal was a co-production with Kingdome 19.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com here.

Henning von Berg website.
Alpha Males Website

Los Angeles Life Drawing Classes with Miguel Angel Reyes on Wednesdays, from 7 PM to 9 PM. This 10-week 2007 Summer Session runs July 18 - September 19. (No nudes)

This course builds upon anatomy and drawing skills for all levels. The emphasis of this course will be to expand the basic figure through the use of traditional drawing techniques. Students will learn the technical skills needed to create dramatic value and staged composition through the use of live model, draping of fabric (costumes) and a variety of drawing materials. Poses in these sessions will be long and short. Instructor will recommend reading material on art theory, discuss art materials as they relate to creating a professional product and give individual guidance and art critique.

Miguel Angel Reyes is a Los Angeles-based portrait and figurative painter, muralist, printmaker and illustrator who, incorporates expressionist brushwork and classical tradition in his portrayals. He graduated from Otis Art Institute/Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles with a BFA in illustration. Course Price: $150 for 10 week series ($15/class) paid advance registration required $20 per class at the door.

Self Help Graphics & Art, 3802 Cesar E. Chavez, Los Angeles, CA 90063. Contact at 323.881.6444 or at info@selfhelpgraphics.com.

Self Help Graphics & Art website.

The July / August issue of 2 Magazine contains an informative article, Tom X2, by Sean Carnage.

The Los Angeles – based Tom of Finland Foundation releases never-before-seen images of male couples by the artist. Foundation president — and Tom’s closest confidant — Durk Dehner reveals the story behind these startling visions.

"It looks like any other modestly impressive home on the block — with the possible exception of the stockade and iron cage on the lawn..."

2 Magazine website.

A new 130 page book of black and white photographs by Jack Slomovits titled Sex in the West Village, NYC has been released in Europe and is scheduled for a USA release in July 2007 by the publisher Bruno Gmunder. It should be available at most book stores.

"Seldom has a photographer created such an authentic work as Jack Slomovits has in this book. From the middle of the sexual action the artist captures us from the first photos onward.

"Slomovits' semi-documentary style leaves little to the imagination; high-contrast detailed photos are interspersed with portraits in a snapshot aesthetic. His protagonists are the lads of the West Village in New York, lads of impressive naivety and tantalizing innocence. A fast book from a fast city. Sexy!"

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com here.

Jack Slomovits website.

QX Magazine celebrates 50 Years of Tom with six layouts. Haydon Bridge examines Tom's influence over the years, QX interviews Durk Dehner — the Foundation's co-founder, photographer Magnus Hastings recreates some of Tom's most popular drawings, and more.

QX Magazine website. Look for Issue #638.

Frontiers Magazine asked. The people voted. Iin a very close call (just four votes!), the Foundation was voted Best Gallery in their People's Choice awards! A big "thanks" to everyone who voted for us.

Check out the latest copy of Frontiers, or view the article on the Frontiers website.

Our Art Fair in New York City will not be held this year. As a Los Angeles, California based organization the spiraling costs of transportation for staff and materials, lodging, and other expenses has currently made it impossible for us to subsidize the Fair. We hope to be back next year.

We will be hosting the Los Angles Erotic Art Fair Weekend this year and should have preliminary details very soon.

Michael Breyette is excited to announce the release of his first book, Summer Moved On. This debut collection of Michael’s work is being published by Bruno Gmünder. The 8” x 11” hardcover book will be released in Europe in February 2007 then in the US and elsewhere in April. Fans of Michael’s work can reserve a limited autographed copy along with a $10 Gift Card, by pre-ordering from his online studio.

Breyette’s images range from jocks to cowboys, from erotic to romantic, all dominated by beautiful men captured in sexy moments. The guys are full of confidence, bathed in sensuous relaxing warmth like that of the late summer’s heat.

In addition to book covers and magazine features, Michael’s images appear in the recently released book Stripped and the forthcoming collection, The World's Greatest Erotic Art of Today.

Michael Breyette website.

The Ultimate Eye Foundation announces the following grants:

One $5,000.00 grant for creative digital photography. One $5,000.00 grant for photographic figurative work.

The digital photography grant is for creativity using digital output in photography. The images can be realistic or fanciful, the manipulation can be subtle or extreme, but both a camera and a computer must be used in image creation. The photographic figurative grant is for the celebration of the human figure using any photographic media.

Restrictions: You must be over eighteen years of age and not a full-time student at any college or university. Entries must be received by January 20, 2007. Decisions will be made before February 24, 2007.
Website

Hank Eddleman is pleased to announce the sale of his photographs in the 2007 Provocateur Voyeur calendar. It is available in many stores around the world and directly from 10Percent Products.

Photographer Hank Eddleman offers a voyeuristic excursion in this collection of sexy images featuring beautiful men in their personal spaces. Each month feels as if you're taking a peek into their private lives. Calendar opens up to 12" x 24" and the images are great for framing.

Hank Eddleman Website

JD Dragan is pleased to announce the sale of his photographs in the 2007 Provocateur Black calendar. It is available in many stores around the world and directly from 10Percent Products.

JD will be signing his new 2007 Black calendar at Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, October 06, 2006 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Please stop by this Philadelphia landmark to meet the photographer and several of his models.

Collectors of JD's work will especially enjoy this compilation.

JD Dragan Website

On April, 7th, 2006, we lost an icon and part of our history. John Blackburn passed away at 8.35pm, due to complications from treatment for colon cancer. He was 67.

"John definitely had a Zen philosophy", says his life partner Jimmy, "He was very kind and carried a nonjudgmental approach to everyone and everything. He believed that all of this world was of equal value. He didn't place people above other living creatures."

Read more about John and sample his artwork here.

An evening of Mr. Blackburn's artwork will be presented by Antebellum Gallery on July 17, 2006.

A big thanks to Rick Castro for these materials.

Posted 06/13/2006

The Visual AIDS Art + Newsletter covering Spring 2006 News and Events is now on-line.

Of particular note is page 3, which contains artists opportunities, grants and resources.

Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS strives to increase public awareness of AIDS through the visual arts. The Frank Moore Archive Project documents the work of artists with HIV/AIDS to ensure that their artistic legacy will be preserved, thereby safeguarding their place within art history. The Archive Project also facilitates the creation and presentation of new work and provides practical services to artists with HIV/AIDS, assisting in their pursuit of a professional career.

Visual AIDS Newsletter Website

In a daring daylight raid, thieves got away with a major piece of art from The Barracks Bar in Palm Springs on Friday, December 2. The piece of erotic art, interpreted by local artist William "Taurus" Webster from an original by Stephan, was secured by screws to the outside wall of the bar inside a locked patio area. The thieves removed part of the patio's wooden fencing to gain access to the area. The crime happened between 8:30 AM when the bar's cleaning man finished his work and 1 PM when the day barman arrived.

Cathedral City Police Department is investigating the case. Anyone with information should contact Officer Wallace referencing case number 0512-0265.

The piece of art is on wood and stands eight feet tall and is four feet wide. It is valued at $2,000 and is one of only two in existence. The other, which hung for many years in San Francisco's former leather bar the Loading Dock, is now in a private collection. Webster's reproductions of famous erotic artists' work are quite prized among collectors. The Barracks, the Faultline in Los Angeles and The Edge in San Francisco are just three of the California bars that feature Webster's art, particularly his interpretations of the master, Tom of Finland. The Tom of Finland Foundation is assisting the investigation by spreading the word to its members and supporters to be on the lookout for the missing art. (Click on the above image for a full visualization.

One of the three co-owners of The Barracks, John Rentsch, said it appeared the thieves may have left abruptly when they heard the day barman arriving. "They left behind the screw driver they used to remove the piece from the wall. This is now in the hands of the Cathedral City police and they are testing for finger prints," he said. "The thieves obviously made it a priority to get the piece of art. There were many other objects -- heaters, fans, a gas grill, etc -- on the patio that could have been removed more easily and sold much more easily. Instead they took a very unique and very traceable piece of art. This will be very hard to sell. It is not something that anyone can claim 'fell off the back of a truck.' We will not rest until the art is back in its rightful place on public display in the bar."

"We appeal for the community's assistance with our search," Rentsch added. The Barracks can be reached by telephone on 760.321.9688 and by e-mail at John@TheBarracksBar.com.

Roscoe has created the first in a series of posters for sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the relief fund Relief 2 Louisiana. This fund was set up by WBRZ, an ABC affiliate serving Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and The Advocate. The fund was established for two purposes: to aid displaced residents and to rebuild New Orleans. Click on the image to the right to view the full image.

The following message is from Tasha Reynolds-Sullivan, Hunter’s sister:

“I need your help and prayers right now for my brother Hunter. He's lived with HIV for 21 years, and now, it has claimed his right hand is paralyzed. His benefits have run out and he is sick. He is an amazing artist and writer, and this is devastating him. Please send him your positive thoughts and prayers and if you can help in anyway, our family will be forever grateful.”

What Hunter needs right now is love, financial support, hopes & prayers.

If you would like to send a card, present or another form of donation to Hunter, please e-mail info@matadorblossom.com and his address will be forwarded to you. He needs his friends now more than ever.

Hunter Reynolds' sister has put up a web page for the Hunter Reynolds Fund. Please help if you can. He needs help now.
http://www.matadorblossom.com/hunterreynolds.htm

Additional information is on the VisualAIDS website at:
http://newsgrist.typepad.com/visualaids/2005/11/artist_and_acti.html

Left to right: Auction Co-Chair Russ Alley, HRH Princess Paul of Romania, artist PS Gordon of Tulsa and New York, artist Kat Coric of Montreal. Photo by Jeff Eason, courtesy of HX Magazine New York, NY

The fourth annual GLAAD OUTAuction benefiting The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) was held in New York City on Sunday, November 6, 2005. Over 500 guests viewed 125 works of art on display from an array of international artists.

The auction was projected to raise $90,000, but to the delight of all; $130,000 was attained ­ funds which will go to support GLAAD¹s programs. A Herb Ritts image Paul, Torso donated by The Herb Ritts Foundation was valued at $10,000 and went for $30,000. A signature Tubes painting by Montreal's Kat Coric was one of the four featured pieces in the live auction along with The Herb Ritts image, and went to the high bid from entertainment attorney Michael Lanzillotta from MTV/VH1.

In attendance were; Auction Co-Chairs; Russ Alley and Enrique Limon, Famed New York surgeon Dr. Alan Fard (bought Herb Ritts piece), renowned artists PS Gordon and Charles Hinman, Brian English, representing The Herb Ritts Foundation, Edward Mapplethorpe (brother of Robert), CBS Network 48 Hours reporter Troy Roberts, gallery owners Asher Remy Toledo and Barbara Ann Levy, filmmaker Joe Lovett, artist Johanne Corno (originally from Montreal), Montreal artist Kat Coric, V.P., MTV Networks Business and Legal Affairs Michael Lanzillotta (who bought Kat's artwork), and artist Robert Risko.

The artist, Axel. Courtesy Axel.

Jimmy Palmieri, writing for WeHoNews.com, interviewed Axel, the artist in an article entitled: Time Out: For An Artist, Saint & Sinner.

"Axel, one of the most important local up and coming erotic artists, is a lesson is dichotomies. He is both man and boy, artist and subject, angel and sinner.

"He is also funny. Funny to the point that I chuckled to myself long after we had concluded our interview."

The full article is available on wehonews.com.

It is with deep regret that Art @ Large informs us of the passing of one of our own.

L. A. Willette died Sunday morning, November 13th at Beth Israel Hospital due to complications from cancer. He was 55.

He was a great artist who showed with them on several occasions, most notably his exhibition, "The Power of Women" in May 2004.

A memorial service is being planned, and anyone wishing more information on
this incredible New York artist, feel free to respond.

Also, please visit this link for a brief remembrance by Pet Silvia and
Tammey Stubbs of Art @ Large, and to see some of L. A. Willette's work.

Art @ Large Website

Posted 11/16/2005

The Tom of Finland Foundation and Taschen are working together on The Complete Tom of Finland, a massive book (11 1/2 x 17 1/4 Inches) that we hope to be... well... complete!

But much of Tom's work -- especially his early work -- has been lost. Tom would often give away artwork to promote bike clubs and events. Early sales of his artwork were rarely photographed, or were photographed poorly. (Tom never claimed to be much of a photographer!)

If you have any original art or reproductions by this fine artist, even if it's just something you think might be a Tom of Finland, please contact us. We will arrange to have your art professionally reproduced so it can be a part of this landmark project. This is your chance to be part of this stunning tribute to everyone's favorite dirty drawer, and to help us prove once and for all that fine art and great masturbation material can, and should be, one and the same.

Learn more about this project, plus see a video with Foundation Director Durk Dehner giving a tour of the Foundation House on the Taschen Website.

[Note: to view the video you may have to adjust your browser and/or firewall settings.]

Posted 11/16/2005

The Tom of Finland Foundation has announced the recipients of its three major annual awards. The awards, acrylic sculptures designed by artist Philip Hitchcock, were presented at the Foundation’s annual Awards Banquet as part of its 11th Annual West Hollywood - Los Angeles Erotic Art Fair Weekend.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Edward Lucie-Smith of London. An art critic, historian, poet, and photographer, Mr. Lucie-Smith is widely regarded as the world’s most prolific and most widely-published writer on art, with more than sixty books on art to his credit. Several of his works, including Movements in Art since 1945, Visual Arts of the 20th Century, and A Dictionary of Art Terms, and Art Today are used as standard texts throughout the world. Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Hugh Hefner, Larry Flynt, Benedikt Taschen, Durk Dehner, and Charles Leslie and Frederic Lohman.

The Foundation will bestow the Cultural Icon Award on artist and activist Ivy Bottini of West Hollywood. Ms Bottini was a founder of the first chapter of the National Organization for Women, and designed its national logo in 1969. She has been a graphic artist, a performer, and a longtime community activist, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board. The Cultural Icon Award is presented to an individual whose career achievements and personal qualities combine to make him or her a role model. Previous recipients include heavy metal rocker Rob Halford; author and filmmaker Clive Barker; and social critic Camille Paglia.

The 2005 inductees into the Erotic Artist Hall of Fame are Pierre Commoy and Gilles Blanchard of Paris, who work professionally under the name “Pierre et Gilles.” The pair met in 1976, and began their formal work as Pierre et Gilles in 1978. Their collaboration, which involves intricately staged and hand-retouched photographs, has led to exhibitions at Paris’s Musee d’Art Moderne and Centre Georges Pompidou, the Musee d’Art Contemporain in Montreal, and many other venues. Previous inductees to the Hall of Fame include H. R. Giger, Bill Schmelling aka The Hun, Michael Kirwan, and, posthumously, Tom of Finland and Herb Ritts.

The Visual AIDS Art + Newsletter covering Summer 2005 News and Events is now on-line.

Of special interest to New York artists: The Center for Book Arts is pleased to continue the Artist-in-Residence Workspace Grant for New York Emerging Artists program in 2006. Up to four New York-based emerging artists will be offered space, time and support to explore the production and exhibition of artist's books and related work in two-to-four month residencies.

Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS strives to increase public awareness of AIDS through the visual arts. The Frank Moore Archive Project documents the work of artists with HIV/AIDS to ensure that their artistic legacy will be preserved, thereby safeguarding their place within art history. The Archive Project also facilitates the creation and presentation of new work and provides practical services to artists with HIV/AIDS, assisting in their pursuit of a professional career.

Visual AIDS Website

The Foundation is pleased to announce that Mark Nelson has taken a seat on our Board of Directors. He brings with him great experience in NYC as a promoter and producer.

Mark also writes, edits and sends out a weekly email newsletter that goes to subscribers across the USA and many parts of the world. Currently Mark's office is working with The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force 2006 Miami Winter Party Festival and a fall New York fundraising spectacular for the Tom of Finland Foundation. Mark hopes to continue in this field for years to come and the Foundation welcomes him and his gusto!

Mark and the rest of the Board can be contacted by visiting the ToFF Directory.

Now in its tenth season, ArtSpeak is a monthly series of dialogues with Louisiana artists on designated Wednesdays from 7 - 9 PM.

The September 14, 2005 session features a special edition with artists from The Culture of Queer exhibition. Panelists: Brad Dupuy, Maxx Sizeler, Tom Strider, Moderator: Jenny Kahn.

Free admission.

Visit Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans for more information.

Posted 07/14/2005

Tom of Finland 1988

Tom of Finland 1988

Hudson, curator and owner of Feature Inc., a gallery influential in the early recognition of artist Tom of Finland, has donated two pivotal drawings by the artist to the Permanent Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Feature Inc. presented exhibitions of Tom of Finland's drawings during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hudson recalls, “His drawing skill and subject matter were an important influence on me and many people I knew, including many artists."

The two pieces donated by Hudson represent an American period — specifically a California period — in Tom of Finland's many transitions. Black men with White men became a part of Tom's creative focus during the 1980s, the last decade of work before his death in 1991.

"Hudson's donation, and the acceptance of these works by the Art Institute of Chicago, is one more stone in the pathway of Tom of Finland's recognition by the fine art communities of the world,” said Durk Dehner, cofounder and director of the nonprofit Tom of Finland Foundation.

"I was also curious to see if AIC would accept it as a gift,” said Hudson. Then he adds, “It was a great pleasure to hear of the acceptance and to realize that this gift allows many, many people the opportunity to see these terrific drawings and be inspired, amused, aroused, and/or enraged.”

First Tom of Finland was exhibited at the Town Hall in the hamlet where he was born, then the Kiasma in Helsinki, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Portland Museum of Art and the recent donation by the Judith Rothschild Foundation to the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Elliott, a talented artist in the prime of his life, passed away suddenly of a heart attack at his home in Malibu, California on December 17, 2004. Born on May 27, 1947, he had just launched his new business, Village Vignettes, which was expected to be a big success.

Elliott was a Foundation member, and he received our Honorary Commander Award that recognized his special contributions to the Foundation.

Mr. Harmon is survived by his brother and sister. "We love you friend. We love you brother."

Villiage Vignettes Website

Posted 04/23/2005

Sean Platter is well known to the Foundation. The cover art for this publication hangs on the first floor of the Foundation headquarters as part of its Permanent Collection!

StudioSplatter, in conjunction with Triple6 Comics and Instigator Magazine, have teamed up to produce Demonic Sex - Boy its HOT in Hell! This 11 page original work by artist Sean Platter is the first episode in a new comic series published by IXAmedia. It is a beautiful creation done by one of the leading fantasy and erotica artists of the day.

Plans for the comic to be released as an on-going separate publication are already in the works. Sean Platter's story can be found in the current issue of Instigator Magazine.

StudioSplatter Website
Triple6 Comics Website
Instigator Magazine Website

The South Bay’s only art gallery dedicated exclusively to serious erotic and adult-themed art is reviewing artists’ portfolios for possible exhibition.

Flazh!Alley Studio is located in the exciting, emerging arts community of San Pedro, CA. and is owned by the Art Editor for the popular GLBT on-line magazine, metroG.com, Joe Flazh!

Flazh!Alley is a deceptively spacious, 1,400 square feet, venue with 15 foot tall white walls, an elevated landing that creates a true sense of entering a stylish gallery when guests arrive; and, yes, you enter from an alley that’s adjacent to a large public parking lot.

Flazh!Alley Studio is also a space where people who have issues with adult themed work are advised not to attend, a space where the receptions are by invitation only, small, intimate and informal. Serious collectors and people of taste are always welcome.

For more information or to set up an appointment for reviewing portfolios call 310.833.3633 or flazhalley@aol.com.

This past weekend New York artist Albert Crudo had two of his paintings vandalized at an Upper West Side cafe, La Fenice 2012 Broadway, NYC 10023.

The painting, entitled The Nature of the Beast: Parts I, II, III has been causing quite a stir among patrons since it's installation in early December. The artwork is a monochromatic red triptych depicting three dog-men doing what dog-men do best — begging, sniffing and urinating on fire hydrants. Apparently, these common occurrences that New Yorkers see, and ignore, every day are acceptable to view on the streets of the city but not so while sipping a latte.

The exhibition at La Fenice has been up for several months and according to the owner Marco Mastrangelo, a few customers have been shocked by the work, but he never received any indication that anyone was so offended as to harm the work in any way. And he stands by his decision to keep the work hanging- "This is a private establishment. I love Crudo's work. And if you don't approve there are many other places for you to go."

Mr. Crudo and Mr. Mastrangelo are jointly offering a $1,000 reward for any tip leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal. The police are currently investigating the crime. Please contact Detective Jose Rodriguez with any information at: 20th Precinct, 120 W 82nd Street, NY, NY 10024. Phone: 212.580.6414, Fax:212.579.1741.

To view The Nature of the Beast visit the "Forces of Nature" gallery on the artist's website.

Albert Crudo Website

The Tom of Finland Foundation has selected this piece of art by their namesake artist, TOM OF FINLAND, as the image to represent the Foundation in print during the 2005 calendar year. It will be shown at the New York City and Los Angeles Erotic Art Weekends and is being auctioned off to the highest bidder!

Learn more about this piece of art here.

Posted 03/02/2005

In the seventies in the middle of Texas there was "born" a artist of realism who would bare the name, TANK. Paul Tankersley's one aim, by all apparent presentations of his work, seemed to want to pay homage to the American cowboy. His work always had a sense that each man stood alone. TANK had a direct eye for realism, with fine small pencil strokes not unlike Tom of Finland's style. He tended to use graphite and color pencil, with the occasionally dance with oils. He was very fond of of the works he created so it was rare that he would part with an original. Instead, he produced very high quality photo prints that he offered through the mail and at gay rodeos.

Well the day came this past year when we were called and informed that the time had come. To let go of them and for them to be put into the hands of a institution that would care, exhibit and keep the publics awareness of Tanks legacy alive once again.

The Foundation is the fortunate recipient of over 24 TANK originals along with a major selection of photo prints that the artist used to offer to the public. We are proud to be the institution that will care for, exhibit and keep the public's awareness of Tanks legacy alive once again. The Foundation is now committed, through the generosity of TANK's partner, Stephen Worley, to make sure the public doesn't forget this wonderful artist.

The Foundation has plans to set up a exhibition of TANK's works that will travel to different facilities honoring the beauty of the male species and the truly intoxicating effect he would produce with the men his heart throbbed for.

The Visual AIDS Art + Newsletter covering Fall 2004 and Winter 2005 News and Events is now on-line. See what Visual AIDS is up to, check out their new AIDS Awareness flyers, get details about their upcoming Benefit at Pavel Zoubok, check out Archive Member Artist news, exhibitions and opportunities. Artists may be interested in a number of grants listed.

Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS strives to increase public awareness of AIDS through the visual arts. The Frank Moore Archive Project documents the work of artists with HIV/AIDS to ensure that their artistic legacy will be preserved, thereby safeguarding their place within art history. The Archive Project also facilitates the creation and presentation of new work and provides practical services to artists with HIV/AIDS, assisting in their pursuit of a professional career.

Visual AIDS Website

With a fiery flash and a puff of smoke culminating seven years of intense fundraising, the Leather Archives & Museum loudly took ownership of their permanent home on Sunday, February 20. A capacity crowd filling the Etienne Auditorium watched as LA&M President and Founder Chuck Renslow set afire the paid-off mortgage (actually, a reasonable facsimile).

The toasting began earlier at a reception and cocktail party with a light buffet served by titleholders from around the country. A brief program included remarks by several dignitaries and board members, a remembrance for past contributors who did not live to see the historic milestone. Activist Roger Klorese received the first-ever President’s Award for his support of the Archives.

Director Randall “Bear Man” Klett made an impassioned blessing of the building as “a sacred space.” Klett and the LeatherWerks of Fort Lauderdale, Florida underwrote the afternoon festivities. A popular feature for visitors was the recently completed Teri Rose Memorial Library.

The LA&M retired their mortgage in August of 2004 after a seven-year capital campaign raised $400,000 from community donations to purchase and improve a 10,000 square foot building at 6418 N. Greenview Avenue on the north side of Chicago. Originally incorporated in 1991 as the National Gay and Lesbian Archives, the Leather Archives & Museum evolved in 1994 to compile, preserve and maintain the history, archives and memorabilia of leather and related lifestyles for historical, educational and research purposes. Information on the organization, membership and publications is available at the museum or at their website.

Leather Archives & Museum Website

The Annual Sensual & Erotic Art Exhibition and its sponsor, The Lifestyles Organization, proudly announce the collaboration with like-minded institutes by presenting at our space, The XART Gallery, and assisting in creating revenues.

With its multi-medium approach, the annual exhibition is a valuable resource to artists, educators and the general public. We give the public information about new trends in art and how it functions erotically. This year's exhibition will tour several venues after the successful engagement at The Erotic Museum. We believe the timing is perfect to present art that follows new directions, new mediums and would inform and inspire people to engage in an intelligent and open dialogue about sexuality, a subject that is central to human happiness.

This exhibition is a valuable resource for all artists. We wish to involve artists who are willing and responsible, while fulfilling our obligation to be as historically correct as possible, in order to lend our authority in this field to the public. It seems vital to illustrate clearly the connection between contemporary art and sex.

Artists who share these goals are invited to contact Luis & Theresa De La Cruz directly at XART@aol.com.

All commissions will be donated to the Tom of Finland Foundation.

XArt Gallery Website

"How to Worship the God Goddess in You and Your Lover"

Dr. Ava Cadell leads an interactive workshop for singles and couples who want true love to last. Join Dr. Ava in this unique journey and learn exclusive heart-to-heart connective exercises that will result in many changes individually and together. This tantric lab will take your relationship to a whole new plateau.

Dr. Ava encourages her clients to be open about sex, and to live out their fantasies to keep their relationships alive. Dr. Ava's goal is simple: by helping her clients to discard the guilt and shame they were raised with, she motivates them to view lovemaking from a new a perspective. According to Dr. Ava, "Discussing sex should be as comfortable as discussing what we are going to have for dinner."

Sunday, February 6 from 1 to 3pm. $25 per individual, $40 per couple. Members receive a 10% discount. Seating is limited. To purchase in advance call 323-463-7684 x105.

The Erotic Museum  Website

It is with sadness we write of the death at 2:34 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, of John Klamik - better known "Sean", the artist. An artist and activist, John succumbed to pneumonia at West Anaheim Medical Center in Anaheim, California following a series of strokes and a diagnosis of lung cancer, listed as the official cause of death.

John was born on July 22, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, where he studied at the world-famous Art Institute. He moved to California in the mid '60s, settling in West Hollywood which, next to Chicago, was his favorite city in the world.

While working as an artist and Display Director for the Akron Stores, he combined two of his loves — art and activism — as the original editorial cartoonist "Buckshot" for the old Advocate. During the next three decades, as "Shawn", he contributed cartoons to mainstream gay newspapers and magazines.

Most are familiar with his erotica as "Sean" in more specialized gay publications — including Drummer, Bound & Gagged and Red Tails. He created murals for such famous Hollywood sites as Manspace, Hollywood Spa and The Sewers of Paris, as well as for Leather bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco. John wrote and illustrated graphic novels, and illustrated many books and short stories for such writers as Larry Townsend and R.F.M. (Roger Mays).

He exhibited at the Tom of Finland Foundation art shows, and his original art is owned by collectors worldwide. Indeed, he worked until nearly the end, delivering his final illustrations the day before his first stroke.

John loved all animals, especially cats, horror movies - he created the lobby poster for the 1987 film, Berserker!, gourmet cooking, helping his fellow man and watching the sunset while enjoying a perfect Manhattan.

He is survived by Jim Newberry, his companion of 40 years; his sisters, Dorothy Fay of Chicago and Louise Doty of Wayland, Michigan; and literally thousands of close friends and fans. John is mourned by all who knew him.

If anyone would like to share any personal thoughts about his work and how it may have impacted on you, please send them to HollywoodCatLady@msn.com.

Click here for a sample of Sean's distinctive artwork. Many additional examples are available on Sean's website. Jim Newberry also invites people with any of Sean's artwork to submit it to him for posting on the site — so all can enjoy it.

The Sean the Artist Website.