Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival

San Francisco, CA 94103

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carol Leigh

San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival

Phone 415 751-1659

http://www.sexworkerfest.com

http://www.bayswan.org/swfest2005/schedule.htm

New fine arts exhibit added to 4th Sex Workers Film and Arts Festival

San Francisco, CA -April 18, 2005- The visual carnival of the Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival has become more provocative. A new show, "After Hours" has been featured in the weeklong event. Some of the most prominent names in the Bay Area art world will be featured. There differences in style and approach will have one common link among them. They have been or continue to be sex workers.

"From artists' models to muses, from hetaera to geishas, sex workers have been vital participants in arts communities through the centuries," says sex rights activist Scarlot Harlot, "despite their influence on the arts and culture, polite societies rarely acknowledge the contributions of the demimonde who have also been painters and poets themselves. " The show will be a first time opportunity for some artists to come out about their involvement in the sex industry. Other artists have seen their work in sex and the arts as being inseparable.

Jane Cassell, a former sex worker, is the curator of the show. "The variety in which sexuality can be embodied by artists, along with the diversity of vision is apparent in this show of painting, prints, collages and photographs by former or current sex workers." comments Jane Cassell, also an artist. "There is a power in the artist's brazen playfulness that, in this current political climate, is enchanting!"

The list of contributing artist for the event is sizeable and includes many artist/activists from the Bay Area. Included in the exhibit are Katie Gilmartin, Annie Sprinkle and Mim Weisburd. Elizabeth Stephens will have some of her sculpture installation and Carol Queen will display her most recent collage work. The opening party will be May held May 1 from 7 pm to 10 pm at the Epicenter Gallery, 398 11th St. Kitten on The Keys will perform her special ribald songs and an Auction will be held at 8 pm. Proceeds will benefit the St. James Infirmary.

For more information contact go to www.sexworkerfest.com or call 415 751-1659.
Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.sexworkerfest.com/tickets.html