Entrance Denied: the Art of the Chastity Belt

This looks like a really interesting show. Lisa Kinoshita invited me to make something for the show and/or write something on one of the seven deadly sins. Since I don't do three-dimensional art and don't work in metal -- this is, after all, part of Metal Urge -- I opted to take part only in the writing part of the show. My part is tiny and insignificant, but there are some really interesting artists involved. The show opens next week, and I look forward to seeing it. Here is the invitation I received:

Entrance Denied: the Art of the Chastity Belt

Please join us for the opening of this show of contemporary chastity belts at Mineral, on Saturday, July 18, 4-8p.m. This show is a part of Metal-Urge, the Tacoma Arts Commission's summer-long showcase of the metal arts. Artists give new meaning to the words “high security” with designs that range in type from spider-web delicacy to the elegantly austere. Chris Causey, Peeta Tinay, Dorothy Cheng, Susan Connole, Bill Dawson, Lynn DiNino, Shannon Eakins, John Fisher, Carla Grahn, Lisa Kinoshita, Naomi Landig, Julia Lowther, Amy McBride, Malcolm McLaren, Mark Monson, Lauren Osmolski, Fred Park, Jennevieve Schlemmer, and Galen McCarty Turner.

Opening in tandem with Entrance Denied is The Seven Deadly Sins, a group show at Gallery 301, next door to Mineral. This show explores the age-old vices that have vexed mankind, recast in a modern light. In addition to mixed-media art, The Seven Deadly Sins has enjoined people from different walks of life to write about sin from the perspective of their profession. In this sense, it is a community project with intriguing implications. Please join us for the opening from 4-8p.m. Featured artists and writers include: Mindy Barker, Beautiful Angle, Joe Black, Daniel Blue, Brett Carlson, John Carlton, Chris Causey, Alec Clayton, Bill Dawson, Kyle Dillehay, Lynn DiNino, Marc Dombrosky, Bagger 288, Erica Fickeisen, Kyle Franklin, Becky Frehse, Walter Gaya, Debra Hannula, Robert Jacklin, Rick Jones, Charles Krafft, Denise Ladenburg, Malcolm McLaren, Linda Nyland, Claudia Riedener, Cathy Sarkowsky, Kathy Schultz, Chris Sharp, Seong Shin, and Niki Sullivan.

Entrance Denied runs from July 18-Sept. 5 (hours: Tues., Thurs. & Sat., 12-5); The Seven Deadly Sins from July 18-Aug. 18 (open by appointment). Address and phone for both: 301 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma 98421; 253.250.7745. Directions at www.lisakinoshita.com.