Art, AIDS and Erotica… Austin’s Sexiest Benefit is Back

Live drawings of nude models, penis and breast sculptures and more erotic art in every medium all in the name of fundraising. Yup, sounds like ArtErotica is back and by the buzz of it, better than ever. Event Co-Chair Scott Ballew gives us the naked truth on this Can’t Miss Event.

Where did the concept of ArtErotica come from?

Well, Chuck Watson, a long-time Octopus Club supporter, started with a small art show many years ago. They were just small parties at a persons home. The concept kinda fell off for a few years, then suddenly the inspiration for an erotic art show/benefit came into being and the first ArtErotica was held.

The event seems to gain more popularity every year, what would you say is giving it this momentum?

The Austin Chronicle voted ArtErotica the Sexiest Nonprofit Fundraiser and that helped get some attention. As with many Octopus Club events, the movement starts underground; emails, banners, print and internet ads, in-kind donations and mentions, word-of-mouth, as well as ticket sales events at the bars. It’s reputation precedes the event and we have to keep it different, unique, gay and changing – a lot to accomplish with an all volunteer committee. People expect surprises, mayhem, and a good time. They come just to see what we’re up to this time…

Last year, AE had a setback when the scheduled venue pulled out; at the last minute a new place was found but I’ve heard locating a host for this very adult show is tough, true? If so, what are usually the concerns from venue owners?

Obviously, there are people who take issue with human sexuality, nudity, interpretive art, and the celebration of the human form. It does take a liberal venue to host such an event, but it certainly keeps up with the “keep Austin weird” philosophy. We are very true to that tradition. It is not necessarily the content, it is the issue of adhering to city codes that plagues us. We try to work with “free” spaces. There are few that are as state of the art as required by city ordinance.

What kind of art is available for auction?

We try to be subjective about what we will accept. Generally we are liberal, but there is a selection committee that works to make sure the donations are not offensive or too risqué. The art is heavy in the human form or “parts” of it, but we have a number of mainstream items that are donated for auction. Truly, there is a variety of interesting and captivating items for auction.

I can imagine erotic exhibits can be from mild to extreme… what jawdropping pieces from past shows come to mind?

In 2007, we launched the Penis Project. Clay molded penii that are sent to various artists for painting and use in art. The outcomes range from the silly, to wildly creative, to sensual and erotic. We hope to have 20 of them for 2008 and are trying to introduce the breast press. This would be breast impressions on any material, using any medium – subject to the artist interpretation. If we’re successful – this should be quite interesting. We are working hard to be inclusive of all adult audiences; male/female, straight/gay/bi/asexual/etc…

Looking at this year, have you seen any, or heard of, entries that could create some real buzz at AE?

I anticipate the penis project and breast press will be highlights of the show. The penis showcase was the buzz of the show in 2007.

If an artist wants to donate a piece, what is the criteria, how many pieces can one person donate and who do they contact?

All of the information, including forms for art submission, corporate sponsorship, event hosts and other info is at www.octopusclub.org We will work with anyone who wants to donate to the event. From photographers, sculptors, painters, even galleries.

What is the bidding range of most pieces at AE?

Items can sell for as little as $10 to several hundred. As with any auction, it all depends on the item, the synergy, and the competition!

Last Chance Plug:

As always, we need event hosts to cover expenses, we need site volunteers, we need corporate support as well, and we need to remember that all this effort is for those who are in the most desperate need of financial assistance.

Also, we now have a “vision statement” that we want the public to know: The Octopus Club encourages responsible and safer sex practices to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Photos from Flickr: celluloidson

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