Hi to all.
I hope you are all doing well. I would like to thank you all for being so very patient as I try to sort things out. After discussion with a few artists about possible ways of handling the show as it is currently, and weighing a few different scenarios, I have decided on a course of action.

I am going to refund everyone who has submitted, whether they were successful or not. If you have paid cash, I will have your cash at the studio and it can be picked up Tues to Sat – just send me a note, and I will make sure it is there for you. If you have paid cheque, the same goes, or you can ask me to tear it up. If you paid via paypal, I have refunded all those today, so expect an email from paypal. If you do not get your email, by all means, send me a note, okay?

I have not found a suitable place for this year’s Erotic Show just yet, and for the next week and a half must must must get work finished for Gallery Odin. I feel that the energies surrounding our erotic show as it stands now, are not conducive to a successful venture. I feel that by ending this chapter of the Erotic Show, new doors will open and the show will be much better off in the long run. Hopefully that makes sense to you all. Please understand this will be a priority for me once my own stuff is taken care of. When I have a confirmed venue, I will be opening up the show once again to all artists for the same theme, and maybe I will be able to use the posters, cards etc that have been purchased already.

Regarding the Fantasy Sex Show, all I can say is that it was an interesting adventure. I believe it was the right thing to do, and the interest in that event indicated that it could have been very very successful. When I found out there was no venue early April, I could think of nothing else for almost the entire month and in to early May. Since the Erotic Show pulled out of the event mid April, contact with the vendors who have paid $$ to N.L. was daily and many more times than once daily in some cases. The RCMP are involved but please understand that I am not being investigated! LOL far from it! If you would like to read the stories of people who have been involved in this, then by all means click on the title “Update for Vendors”. The most positive thing is that I have met some really nice people, and made new friends.

So thank you again so very much to you all for your patience. Any questions are most welcome.

All the best and talk to you very soon!
Julia

The jury is undergoing the process of selecting the artworks for the 2010 Okanagan Erotic Art Show. This year I can tell you that the artworks submitted were across the spectrum from drawing to painting to photography to digital to sculpture to tattoos and installation and more! Quite exciting, and the artists themselves range from across Canada, from Ontario to the majority of artists in the Okanagan. I think this is a good thing, a good move, having works from across the country. The show will be bringing some of the outside world to the Okanagan, and hopefully, these artists will also get to know each other – who knows where these connections might lead! There may be some thought to taking the show out of the Okanagan eventually as well, but more on that later as plans and ideas develop and gel. I will be continuing this trend for next year, (opening the show to Canada and the US) so if you want to get on the email list, send me a note.

This year, we had more artists submitting who were new to the show.  I am always glad and excited to see people get involved and push their boundaries…. little by little boundaries grow, and we all benefit from both creating and view. This year’s show incorporates more of an edginess, more imagination, more thought and more play with the idea of what is erotic. I think we are going in the right direction for this to happen.

While I am waiting for the entire jury to come back, I am going to pursue some other avenues for our Okanagan Erotic Show – you know me, I don’t sleep (well I do actually, but shhhh don’t tell anyone, it’ll ruin my image). Always on the go for bigger and better – I am all for empowerment of the artist, and the artist self. While we live “here”, we are in the age where we really live in the the “world”, and anything is possible.

Thank you to all the artists who were courageous in creating and submitting their work. This has not gone unnoticed and I hope you will continue to push again next year. Art is the expression of self, and by that expression, we claim our birthright and our entitlement to be who we are.

I will see you all soon in the blog!

Julia Trops

Putting this year’s Erotic Art Show together, I have received a number of complaints, eyebrow raisings, and yes, a few congratulations on keeping the art scene in Kelowna interesting and on edge. Never has the response toward an art show been on each side of the spectrum. I am still musing over why this is, and I have come to a few conclusions – you’d like me to share? Oh, how nice, I thought you’d never ask.

I think it has to do with the complacency of the Okanagan. The majority of artists are complacent here. We live in a nice spot, we have nice weather, the people are nice, not that much crime, you get the idea? Some are in danger of becoming so complacent that they have become unconscious – similar to the people of Spectre in Big Fish.

Well, people, wake up!

I hear: “My work can only be shown in this type of venue, this sort of place, in this manner, by these people, by this organization, with this organization, as long as my other half approves” ….

Have you heard the song “Little Boxes”, the theme song for “Weeds”?

Let’s start with something specific: the venue. The biggest complaint has to do with the venue not being “valid” for an art show. Valid for what? Where is your free spirit and your imagination and your vision? I think I have already explained the vision in terms of making the show a success by placing it in a venue that is subject related, and where the attendance will be focused. What exactly do you think goes on at the “Seattle Erotic Art Show”, or the Calgary “Taboo Naughty but Nice” show, which are attended by THOUSANDS of people? The people who are going to the Fantasy Show are actually interested in that subject matter! It is the ideal place for brides to have a shower, it is the ideal place for couples looking to push the envelope for their relationship, or maybe regain some of that magic. Lovely art that gives the bedroom that “special” feeling of warmth and invitingness. Sheets that are sublime, candles and scents that make the bathroom a new sensual place, and too short, lacy lingerie to take off ever so slowly with a caress that kindles that inner fire.

Some have said they don’t want their art next to “porn” stuff. Excuse me? What is porn stuff? “oh, you know, like toys and movies and such”. Exactly what do you think is going to happen? That Linda from Deep Throat is going to come along and swallow the gallery whole? The difference between porn and erotica is subjective yes, to varying degrees, and however, if you are one of these people who can’t handle looking at nude bodies in art, please do not visit the Sistine Chapel or any other churches in Europe. You might be in for a shock. Most artists, though, recognize and accept the validity of the erotic in art, and know the difference. If you don’t know, then overall, porn is external – without positive supportive emotion – wham bam thank you ma’am, or masterbating as performance to an audience who really doesn’t give two shits and a holler about you (did you not question why masterbation is not an acceptable form of “expression” for the erotic show?) … and erotica involves the conscious decisions, the relationship, the sincerity, the interaction between two people, a supportive environment, an invitation to a dance.

This Xtream Fantasy Sex Show will be a sincere, safe and fun environment. It is your invitation to dance – you can decide yourself if you want to do the jitterbug, the waltz, or a jive (okay, showing my age.) It is up to you. The Fantasy Show will be providing you with a buffet, you can choose what to have yourself, and how daring you wish to be in the tastings. The question is, will you be brave? Or maybe your sex life is over. Maybe you have shut that part of you off – if so, not surprising you are somewhat unconscious – but wouldn’t it be amazing to grab hold of it again, or is that too much effort? The art will be in its own Art Gallery area as it is its own identity. By saying the gallery will be swallowed up by the items next to it is just a little absurd, don’t you think?

Natasha has said “Your relationship isn’t sleazy and neither is this show.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Next, let’s address the place of “your” art amongst other erotica items – such as lingerie, sweet smelling stuff, and yes, sex toys. The overall goal of the Fantasy Show is to have all aspects of the human sexual personality represented, whether it be shoe fetishes, costume fetishes, tantra yoga or BDSM. Each of these are valid and sincere representations and manifestations of someone’s sexual experience, and to deny these is no different than to deny gay/lesbianism. To deny that other facets of our human erotic psyche and physical being exists is to stick your head in the ground and suffocate. In my opinion. And since I really do like you, I’d like it if you came up for air once in a while.

Now realize I am not asking you to participate in any of these events, but they do exist and they are valid.

To deny these sexual expressions, is the same principle as denying that landscapes can be art, or that fruit can be interesting. By drawing a line saying one is, and one is not, is exclusionism, … If you catch yourself saying “I’m not going to show my work in that venue” maybe ask yourself “why” and give yourself an honest answer. If you are okay with being exclusionary, well, sorry I can’t help you there, but I would question whether your art is conscious… or not.

I met with Natasha this week to finalize some things about the Xtream Fantasy Sex Show and the Okanagan Erotic Art Show. I can tell you that the space we are given is very generous – our art gallery will be in a 16′x48′ and it will be near the back right hand side of the curling rink. The whole show itself  will be in the curling rink portion of the Curling Club, and I really like how she has it set up. Depending on how things go, we may have the drawing session nearby, or if our space expands a small amount, the drawing sessions will be part of the gallery space. Either way, the works will be presented in a cohesive way.

For those of you who are not familiar with what will be happening that weekend, there will be a main stage which will feature performers, such as Poi and Belly Dancing, as well as fashion shows, and I hope a demo on pole dancing. I would love to see that, and even learn how to do it. Apparently that is a killer workout and tones muscles like nothing else! Walking around the show will be themed masquerade type entertainers, masks, some stilt walkers, lingerie vendors, toy vendors, I wish I could put everything in this post, but suffice to say, I think it will keep things very interesting. There will be tattoo artists, hopefully henna artists, photographers, and I think Natasha is still looking for a yoga practitioner, and a few other presenter type people. A list of vendors is being updated fairly consistently on the Xtream Events Facebook page, so please check that out, and join the group. If you haven’t joined the Facebook Okanagan Erotic Art Show group, please do that too, while you are over that way.

Our jurors have been picked, and the jurying will take place around the beginning of April, with artists notified around April 5th. I will be sending you all emails with the results. This year, with the focus on wholistic sensuality, I have chosen two people with backgrounds in art, yes, but they also are specialists in other fields to do with our human form. Daneen is a nutritionist, and she feels very strongly that the food we put in our body not only impacts on our physical form, but also on our mental and emotional bodies. Sharon has recently come to Kelowna from Winnipeg, where she served on the Arts Council, and she has a strong connection to the spiritual aspect of our human existence. I have decided this year that I will not submit any artwork, but will serve as jury member insteadl.  I am sure most of you know my credentials so I don’t need to go on and on. If you don’t know about me, then feel free to visit my webpage and explore it.

At the Fantasy show, there will be specialty events which will be draped off from direct public view – and will require a conscious choice to enter to visit. Some of these specialty events are not expected in the mainstream but they are valid parts of some people’s personal sensual expression. The one thing that I can say about this Xtream Fantasy Sex Show is that, for many, they will have the opportunity to view or ask questions about activities that they would not otherwise have. The show itself is in a safe environment, with open minded people presenting, and I hope, open minded people visiting and learning.

There will be a focus on advertising the show on the radio (K96.3, Power 104, Q103, and Sun FM), for the first few weeks will be for any vendors who have not yet heard about the show and the remainder of the time will be the actual show itself. I am told the Erotic Art Show will also be specifically mentioned, which I think is very generous of Natasha. Since the beginning, I’ve been working with Natasha when and where I could to try to help make the Fantasy show a success, and as you all know, I’m a big believer that the more we all work together, the better our events will be. If you feel the same, and have connections that you think would be interested in being at the Fantasy Show, please have them contact Natasha at xtreamevents@shaw.ca.  Tickets are available at the door $15. Listen to the radio stations to find out how to win two free tickets.

The Okanagan Erotic Art Show will definitely push the boundaries this year – I have not looked at the submissions so far, but it is not even the deadline yet, and they are coming in steadily. Because the show is open to all across Canada and the US, I hope that the diversity will make for some interesting viewpoints and conversation. The deadline is March 30th, but you can do the entire submission online if you wish, I have tried to make it as artist friendly as possible. If you have any questions about the show this year, please do not hesitate to contact me either through the “info” email address, or using the contact form on the website.

I just received a really nice email from a fellow artist here in town – Angela Bonten. Some of you may know Anjy from the Arts Council, or as the Artscape Director. If you don’t know her personally, visit her website (will open a new window). She is one of the most amazing personalities I have met here in Kelowna, and I always listen to what she has to say – the reason is she speaks from a space of impartiality and objectiveness. I appreciate that tremendously.

We were talking about the erotic show the other day about how there are artists who are super interested in showing and who “get” where I am going with the show, and then there are the others who are nervous or afraid of having their name associated or concerned that the venue is the wrong one. Without further comment, I’m going to copy and paste her email.

Hi to all! I am posting this on the Facebook group wall and the Facebook event as well: two points for those considering entering:
1. if you are nervous about entering, for whatever reason, please consider using a pseudonym. Then you can choose whether to tell anyone that is your piece when the show is up.
2. the show call for artists will now be open to US and Canada. The Seattle Erotic Art Show received 1600 entries from 26 countries and only took 75. While I do not think it will be THAT big this year, I am interested in putting on a quality art show that pushes boundaries. Where else will we have an interested audience but at an event like this?

I got a question today about whether giclees, prints and such can be shown at the Erotic Art Show. All original works of art are welcome to be shown. This means that giclees or hand embellished giclees or other such mechanical prints will not be considered. Original prints such as lithos, intaglio etc and small limited edition photographs are more than welcome. Original drawings, paintings, sculpture, all of this is acceptable. Installation art is welcome, as is media. Presentation is important, though, so work must be framed, not just matted, or pasted to a board.  Anything not listed here, contact me, and we’ll clear it up.

For those artists juried in, cards are welcome to be sold, they must be individually priced. Space will be limited for cards so please let me know if you are thinking of submitting these. Please ensure you have business cards or other marketing materials for giveaway.

For those artists who have work they just want shown, but not sold, that is perfectly acceptable. Work submitted does not have to be for sale.

Please ensure your artwork is priced with all taxes included. I have the capability to process visa and mastercard transactions, but there is a 5% commission on these methods that is payable by the artist to me to cover costs. If the artist decides to take cheques, the cheques will be made directly to the artist, and the artist takes all responsibility on these.

If you are interested in staffing the show, please send me a note.

Going right for the jugular… there will be no prostitutes, no strippers, no Sex Trade activities, nothing like that whatsoever. Anyone who is spreading these rumours is a bit overboard in their imagination. Gosh, I hope they enter the show, I am sure their artwork would be amazing with this sort of activity going on “upstairs”. LOL! Got questions? Talk to ME! I am happy to discuss this.

I spoke to Natasha today, and the show booths are filling up very quickly. This really will be quite the event, with companies such as Level Night Club, Health Effects, Bath Fitters, Positive Living, and various belly dancers, yoga instructors, cosmetics and jewelry artists involved. Natasha is looking for a Tantra practioner, someone who has connections with Egyptian cotton or luxury sheets, and one of the models from Livessence, Donnalee will be performing Belly Dance and Poi! Passion Parties promise to make an appearance (how’s that for a fun alliteration) and one tattoo artist I know of, Rob Forest from Genesis Designs, is thinking about participating. I understand Aradia Fitness will have a booth and may even do a presentation. Check out their website it is very cool, and one of the most trendy sensual tools being learned by women (and men!) Another thing that I am really looking forward to is Wise Women’s Cookery, I think they are from Vancouver, who will be present to teach sensual cooking. You know who I hope shows up? Therapy Winery – Freud should definitely make an appearance! I will have a two hour drawing session going each day with a semi-draped model so if you are interested in participating in this, send me a note. I have room for only 10 people.

So you see? It’s going to be a fullsome show. Last I heard tickets will be $15, and I know that this is one show you absolutely won’t want to miss, whether you come in the Art Show, or not. If you are interested in entering the art show, and still have some concerns, please contact me, or else post a note below. If you are interested in being a presenter at the Xtream Fantasy Sex Show, then contact Natasha Lacourse at xtreamevents@shaw.ca or 403-547-5005. Deadline for artists is March 30th….

Talk to you soon!