In Memoriam:
MISS VELVET

I picked up A Butterfly that was dying today
I didn't know it was dying
But in ways I could see
Its wings were tattered and torn
Its pixies dust was worn
But still it was Beautiful
Never again would it float in that soft summer breeze
Never again would it land on the nose of an amazed child

My sweet sister Velvet died today
I didn't know she was dying
But in ways I could see
I couldn't stop her from dying
But
All I can hope
All I can pray
Is that she is floating on a soft summer breeze
And that which was worn
and that which was torn
And that which was Beautiful
Is again
As it once was
And she is at peace

--MBR

Fashion Clip

Fetish Parties in July have always been a cultural curiosity. Sweat might indeed be an aphrodisiac to fetishishy fiends, and smothering oneself in liquid latex during the absolute hottest month of the year does seem a bit like torture.

There are many fetish fantasy festivals throughout this month sponsored and hosted by various clubs and stores. The recent Whip It VI at Rock Island is one of the most popular and recognized parties in Colorado and was, as always, a guaranteed ghouly good time for all.

However, if there is one legendary fetish gala to be crowned, it would be the After Darkk Media productions that happen twice a year known as "Christaan's" after namesake Christaan Howard. These fiery fleshy galas are rumored to be one hell of a good time. And until recently, were a secret to be held by only those "in the know."

Howard, on the After Darkk Media website, states, "Everyone is invited to my events as long as they come in with an open mind and leave with some kind of experience."

This year, on July 28, Pure will house the After Darkk's July soiree. The night promises an edible buffet, body stimulation, a fashion runway sporting three fetish designers, cash prizes for best-dressed, gift certificates to FashioNation, and lots of other whip-creamed fun.

If Cool Whip doesn't quite stimulate your sensual senses, the website also promises that at all of Christaan's events you just might even "get your butt spanked, back flogged, and ladies will always have their toes sucked."

Tickets for this event are available in advance only at FashioNation for $10 or for $20 at the door the night of this strictly 21-and-older event. Vinyl, latex and rubber are "very appreciated"-- check out www.afterdarkkmedia.com for more.

--Kity Ironton

Local Arts

The annual MoCA/ D bash at Sue Cannon's house went off with a bang-- a bang of fireworks. The weather was glorious, the grilled fare delicious, the company fun and friendly. Attendees included artists Dale Chisman, Robert Mangold, Doris Laughton, Mark Sink, Myron Melnick, MoCA/ D's Cydney Peyton and Patty Ortiz, Parasol's Alfredo Garcia-Lucio, and playwright etc. Marina Graves. The Cannon casa was a faerie tale setting for sparkling fireworks and a cloud-shrouded moon. But the hosts really proved their mettle when the food ran out. They made a hot dog run.

Artist Doris Laughton headed off to Marble, Colorado, to partake in the town's annual July carving workshop. Surprise, surprise-- the town of Marble has lots of it, and artists congregate there to don goggles and ear protection and work it. The petite Doris glowed when describing rising at dawn to wrestle with loud, heavy machinery. "Just to have days dedicated solely to art making is worth the trip. You can just lose yourself in your art." The downside? If you're still working when they shut off the pneumatic equipment at the end of the day, you leave looking like you had a run-in with a sack of flour. Whether you're a sculptor itching to take a crack at M/ marble or are just plain curious, find more online at www.marbleinst.org

Maybe it's early to think "snowflakes," but Gateway Battered Women's Shelter is looking for a zingy holiday card design. Send a slide (no original work) and a SASE by September 1. Any two-dimensional work is encouraged-- just think outside the snowman/sleigh box. Spokeswoman Jeneen Worden says in years past, they've gotten "lots of winter scenes, and those are great, but we're looking for something different this year." I know Go-Go-readin' artists can be counted on for different! The winning artist's bio will appear on the card, which is sent to 15,000 people worldwide. And the shelter's spring newsletter will feature a full-length artist interview. Send your entries to PO Box 914, Aurora, 80040. Or call 303-343-1856.

Visited the European Masterpieces show at DAM yet? Do. I quite enjoyed it, despite my preconception of "boring!" Many attendees who take the audio tour will recognize the voice of Timothy Standring, the museum's curator of European art and University of Denver adjunct prof. Timothy seemed modest when confronted with a compliment about the range and enthusiasm of his commentary: "It's just conjuring and getting on a roll." He talked of the extremes that characterize a show: three years of taxing preparation distilled for the audience via one hour spent recording the audio tape-- in the curatorial office. Luckily, Timothy rather likes discoursing under duress, surprising himself by nabbing "information so startling that it gets right to the heart of the matter through the back door." Why, that doesn't sound boring at all! The show runs through September 9; call 1-888- 9030-ART for tix or read more at www.denverartmuseum.org

--Kimberly Graham