ArtErotica 2009 in Review [Photos]

Work those boots!

Last Saturday, Chris, my boyfriend TK and I attended the 13th annual ArtErotica held at Copper Tank on 5th and Trinity. As we walked in, we saw paintings of sex, a wall of dildo sculptures (labeled The Penis Project), nude photos and a stage. We quickly met up with co-hosts Scott Ballew and Tim Young for a little chat. [Check out our video of the event, including short interviews with Scott and Tim and more art.]

By employing an all-volunteer staff, they donate the proceeds to AIDS Services of Austin’s Paul Kirby Emergency Fund, a fund supporting those living with HIV or AIDS who are in financial dire straits.  Two of our fellow Republic Of Austin Bloggers, Noe and Tim, were part of the staff, serving drinks and spinning records [You can listen to Tim's set here].

As guests arrived, they were greeted by volunteers passing out free booze.  We grabbed some drinks and looked at the art [Check out our email interview with Wes Holloway, one of the artists at the event].  A great blend of sexuality and fun, the art on display was for sale through a silent auction. The pieces ranged from ink sketches to a four-foot-tall post-coital penis sculpture.  After a few beers, I bid on–and won!–a hot leather collar.

The collar wasn’t the only bondage piece in the place.  In fact, it was a fun environment where people felt free to be themselves; lots of flesh was in plain view and without shame!  Outfits ranged from bondage gear to lingerie and costumes.

At the back of the room, a woman was onstage for the live auction.  With skirt hiked up and a fallen bra strap, about 10 artists were sketching and painting her.  People gathered around the stage, enjoying creation in progress.  It was cool to see so many different interpretations of the same model.  Upon completion, the artists’ pieces were immediately put up for auction.

Overall, it was a night of art and a celebration of sexuality.  I can’t wait to go again next year.  In fact, maybe I’ll make something to donate to the cause!

Did you attend the event?  Tell us what you thought in the comments.

Woman looks at Darth Penis and other penis sculptures on the Penis Project wall.

"Butt Marilyn" by Richard Bettinger, at first, just looks like a picture of Marilyn Monroe. Take a closer look: The image is actually cast upon someone's butt.

My new leather collar...

Look at what one artist painted of one of the male models in just ten minutes!