Risqué Business

Palm Springs’ Tool Shed goes more wine-and-cheese than beer-and-nuts Feb. 7-18 when it hosts the sixth annual Erotic Art Expo and Silent Auction.

by Kevin Cazares

The Tool Shed, self-described as “Palms Springs only Leather/Levi cruise bar,” is holding its sixth annual Erotic Art Expo Feb. 7-18.

Erotic Art Expo creator Dennis Cramer, an architect by trade, and former Mr. Tool Shed 2003, said he has always had an interest in the arts. “Palm Springs is really unique. Here, everyone is always more than willing to pitch in and provide art donations.” Initially conceived through his association with local Palm Springs artists, the Expo has evolved into something people eagerly look forward to from year to year.

This year, 19 artists will have their works on display, the largest number ever to submit in the event’s history. The artwork ranges across different media: painting, pencil drawing, etching and photography—from high-brow erotica to soft-core pornographic, with all submissions provided by gay males, the primary clientele of the Tool Shed. On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 3–6 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet with several featured artists and their work, which will be available for purchase.

All patrons of the Tool Shed can find something to hang on the walls of their homes (or dungeons), from members of the leather community to the bear crowd. Fran Frisch, one of this year’s contributors, produces drawings of, and for, bears and their cubs. But not all of the displayed artwork can be so simply categorized. Take Jim Gravely, for instance. Gravely, who will attend the meet-and-greet, explains that he doesn’t wish to confine his creativity to a particular type of male subject. “I photograph men whose body type ranges from average to athletic, who were 18-70 years in age, hairy or hairless; I’ve done bondage photography as well.” A school teacher by trade, Gravely says he has always wanted to explore his creativity through art, so as to help worthy causes.

Every year the proceeds from the Expo have gone to a different charitable cause, usually one that serves the gay community. In 2007, money raised went to the Christmas Stocking Fund of the AIDS Assistance Program of Palm Springs. All proceeds from this year’s art sale will go to the Desert Pride Community Center, the equivalent of the gay and lesbian center of Palm Springs, serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in the Coachella Valley. Michael Bennett, co-chair of the board of directors of the center, says the money raised by the Art Expo will help fund the center’s various programs, which include “coming-out workshops, health and wellness programs, as well as our cyber center.”

The sixth annual Erotic Art Expo and Silent Auction takes place Feb. 7-18 at the Tool Shed, 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs. Find more information at www.toolshed-ps.com.

Absolutely Fabulous

It’s nearing the 11th hour and you’re still without a gift for your loved one—hit up Palm Springs’ Just Fabulous.

by Ryan Baber

On Valentine’s Day, everyone wants everything to be just fabulous. If you are lucky enough to be spending the day in Palm Springs, you might just have a chance. In a time when chains and mega-stores are driving local retailers out of business, one old-fashioned gift shop is defying the trend and making shopping personal again.

At Just Fabulous, owner Stephen Monkarsh personally buys all of his merchandise. Originally a lawyer, Monkarsh was sidelined from practicing law after suffering a back injury. When his mother died not long after that, Monkarsh was looking for a change. The answer found him at the coffee shop next door to what is now Just Fabulous. Noticing the empty retail space, he saw an opportunity. Now, Monkarsh runs the store with his dog, Lucky. With a wide variety of merchandise, Just Fabulous has gifts for every taste. Here are a few gift suggestions for those scrambling to get their loved one a little something special:

Greeting Cards

Duh, right? The problem is, whether you’re looking to propose or just trying to plant the idea this Valentine’s Day, Hallmark’s no help when it comes to same-sex loving. Just Fabulous has a selection of gay and lesbian greeting cards to choose from, including marriage themes. If you’re already married, no matter, gay divorce cards can’t be far behind!

Books

So you’ve been praying to The Secret for a Valentine this year, eh? Well, if that hasn’t worked, maybe you need to appeal to a higher power … no, not Oprah! With a wide variety of books to choose from, including spirituality texts, Just Fabulous can help you learn how to win over a lady with chakras, karma and chi, oh my! If that’s not your style, you can always pick up a cookbook and follow the old fashioned route to a man—through his stomach.

Chocolate

On the long list of alleged aphrodisiacs, chocolate is the undisputed king—or queen, depending on your gender politics. Whether feeding it to a lover or stuffing your own face while weeping in front of a Netflixed copy of An Affair to Remember, Just Fabulous has an assortment of chocolates to put you in the mood. Perfect if you have a date, and even if you don’t, a wise woman once said, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” Wink, wink.

Pet Supplies

Sometimes the special one in your life is actually a spaniel or a terrier or a retriever, and they need the same amount of love that people do. With a wide selection of specialty pet supplies, Just Fabulous is the perfect place to find something for Rex and Rover. Don’t have a dog? Not to worry. A shiny new choke chain might just be the best way to tell your partner, “This Valentine’s Day, let’s try it without a safety word!”

Just Fabulous is located at 515 N. Palm Dr., Palm Springs. For more information, go to www.bjustfabulous.com.