Demimonde: The Art of Molly Crabapple

: : : Arena Studios presents Demimonde: The Art of Molly Crabapple, curated by Audacia Ray.

Opens Friday, February 8th, from 7-10 pm
Work hangs from February 8 to April 4
@ Arena Studios, 407 Broome St, Suite 7A

In the 19th century, the term ‘Demimonde’ referred to the world of the theatre, of bohemia and of high-end sex-work: where style was traded for money and class transgression was possible - though often at great personal cost. As the American safety net falls apart, we’re once again turning to the Demimonde for consolation.

Molly Crabapple’s ‘Demimonde’ explores this half-world of sex, ambition and artifice. It also marks the debut of her new series of large scale works. Dr. Sketchy’s burlesque drawing in the back room. Bring your sketchpads!

: : : Arena Studios is a continuing sponsor of CineKink NYC February 26 - March 2, 2008.

Candlelight Vigil, 5-7PM in NYC & Worldwide

Today, Monday, Dec. 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Here in NYC, $pread Magazine, SWANK, & PONY are co-hosting a vigil from 5-7 pm on the steps of Judson Memorial Church (55 Washington Square South, ACE/BDFV to w. 4th or NR to 8th st).

For more information as well as for information about actions, workshops, and vigils outside of NYC see: http://www.swopusa.org/dec17

This year’s list of names of murdered sex workers will be read aloud, participants will be encouraged to speak or offer a prayer, and a moment of silence will be observed to call attention to the global hate crimes committed against sex workers.

Originally conceived by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and SWOP-USA [Sex Workers Outreach Project USA] after the conviction of serial killer Gary Ridgway (the “Green River Killer”), who was responsible for the murder of at least 48 prostitutes in Washington State, this day has been embraced by sex workers and their allies in over 100 cities as a chance to raise global awareness about the assault, rape, murder and institutional violence that is routinely committed against sex workers.

Vigil attendees are asked to wear red and to bring a red umbrella. Media and the public are encouraged to attend.

For further information regarding the details of the vigil and other actions related to International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, please visit: http://www.swopusa.org/dec17

here are some suggestions on ways to mark the day from legend Annie Sprinkle:

Ten Things You Can Do to Participate:

1. Do something of personal meaning alone at home; take a ritual bath, or simply think about those who have died, light a candle, make a wish, have a cry, call a friend and discuss the topic, etc.

2. Write a short personal quote or a statement about violence against sex workers and send to the SWOP web site for them to post.

3. Send a donation to a nonprofit group such as SWANK, PONY, Urban Justice Center that helps sex workers stay safer.

4. Organize a public memorial event in your town. If not, choose a place, and time, where you can gather. Make an email letter and/or flyer and get it around with news of the event. Invite people to bring writings, stories, readings, thoughts, related news items, poems, performances, etc. Make a circle at the event. Take turns sharing. This will make for a wonderful memorial and be great for consciousness raising and outreach as well.

5. Organize a panel discussion about violence towards sex workers. You can ask a church or other community space if you can do it there.

6. Send news of this event to any and all press you know, so the word gets out that there are people who care about murdered sex workers, and who are concerned with the safety of sex workers out there today.

7. Attend one of the events which is listed on the SWOP web site.

8. If you know any sex workers, send them some information about self-defense.

9. Send a personal email letter to people telling them how you feel about violence against sex workers and the women who were murdered by serial killer Gary Ridgway. Or email this letter around.

10. Read Daisy Anarchy’s poem, to yourself or to friends, or at one of the public events. Or email it around.

Keeping You Warm in November

: : : Friday, November 9, 2007 from 7-10 pm

"Modified Eros" Art Opening
@ Arena Studios, 407 Broome St., Suite 7A

Experience the modified body beautiful in a gallery setting, with photography featuring tattooing, piercing, corsetry, and scarification.
"Modified Eros" features photographs by seasoned artists and fresh talent alike and will display images by Patrick Reardon, Brian Mackey, and many others.
Many of the models and photographers will be present at the public opening for the show on Friday, Nov. 9, which runs through January 18, 2008.
Additional viewings by appointment only. : : :



: : : Sunday November 11th, 7:30 - 10pm

Sexxxy Clothing Swap @ Madame X, 94 W. Houston St.
(between La Guardia Place and Thompson St.)
$10 (a dollar off the entry price for each item of clothing you bring)

Don't throw away your old work clothes!
SPREAD Magazine launches their new issue back in NYC with a clothing swap for adult entertainers of all genders: strippers, pro-dommes, hookers, models, peepshow girls, and anyone else who wears sexy clothes to work.
Bring along the outfits you're bored of and trade them for even sexier ones to get a fresh new money-making look for winter!
Each item of clothing you bring gets a dollar off the entry price, so if you bring 10 items or more, you get in for free. : : :



: : : Wednesday, November 28th from 7 to 9 pm

Arena will also host an evening with Lolita Wolf, a BDSM player, educator, and TES Emeritus Board Member, who will present a hands-on workshop on play piercing. The workshop costs $25 to attend and will arm attendees with knowledge about tools, supplies, safety, technique, preparation and aftercare.
RSVP to Arena Studios at 212-889-1591 or info@arenanyc.com : : :

*Visit the News Archive for previous posts.