ArtErotica 2011 Let Them Eat Cake

I was proud to work on the planning committee for ArtErotica again this year and it was my second year heading up the Penis Project. ArtErotica is an Octopus Club party that raises money for the Paul Kirby Emergency at AIDS Services of Austin. Let's back up a bit by talking more about the Octopus Club before we get into the sexy good time that is ArtErotica.

The Octopus Club is a 100% volunteer group that raises money for the Paul Kirby Emergency Fund at AIDS Services of Austin, assisting our friends and neighbors living with HIV and AIDS in the Central Texas area. All the money that goes into the fund is raised by the Octopus Club and helps ASA clients with basic needs they may not be able to afford. This money can assist with things like healthy food, rent, utilities, eye care, clothing, and even life saving medication. The Octopus Club raises money for this fund by organizing and hosting annual events or parties like ArtErotica. Others include OctoTea, Pre Tea and 4-Play parties, The Rubber Duck Party, Tapasgiving, and new events like the Christmas Gala, and Spotlight Events. All Octopus Club events are unique since all of the cost for these parties are covered by host donations ensuring that every penny raised through tickets sales and guest's donations go to Central Texans in need. Go to the website to learn more about these events and how to get involved.  http://www.octopusclub.org/

This year I helped with the marketing and promotion of ArtErotica by creating the logo, some marketing collateral, and all the ads. I also assisted the Art Committee, and worked with artists on the Penis Project. 

We also had the help of 2 wonderful photographers. Charla Wood's photograph is used in the ad I did for the Austin Chronicle, and John Paul Wilson provided us the the Polaroid composite I used for our posters. Both really helped us push our "Let Them Eat Cake Theme."

There were post cards AND push cards!

 

I also donated 2 paintings this year. Both were selected as Juror Picks. There were 10 Juror picks in all. 

"Vintage Cowboy"
 is an oil painting on wood panel. I used 70's porn as a reference. Hence that awesome stache!

"A Lady's Hairbrush" 24" X 36" Acrylic on canvas with tapestry thread stitching. A throw back to early black and white erotic photos. Back then ladies got creative with their spanking fetishes.

Then there was the Penis Project. I made 18 penis molds and assigned them to 18 different artists to make an original piece of art. This is always a crowd favorite and this year the penises were amazing. I was also happy to have the help of Ashley Payne another OC volunteer. She helped keep me organized and less crazy this year.

My penis this time around was a prayer candle with the Virgin Mary inside the shaft of the mold. I also covered the balls with Sculpey clay roses. The top holds a votive candle and is outlined with punched copper for a very "spiritual" affect. It was a lot of work but I was pleased with the outcome.

ArtErotica 2011 was a blast! All my pieces sold and I am pleased to know that 100% of that is going to help folks living with HIV and AIDS in need. In 2 days we were able to transform the Seaholm Power Plant from a huge empty space into Austin's biggest and sexiest erotic art party. After all was said and done the total raised for ArtErotica is over $73,000.00! THANKS AUSTIN!

It takes a lot of tentacles to pull this off but here I am with just a few more committee members. 

Get the recap below!