Fairoaks Project Closing Reception: Photographs by Frank Melleno

A Rare Look inside a SF Gay Bathhouse in 1978, Curated by Gary Freeman

Closing Reception June 30, 2013 1-4 pm

           Frank Melleno’s Polaroid photography captured an extraordinary glimpse into pre-AIDS gay sexual culture. Melleno was part-owner and night manager of The Fairoaks Hotel, a unique San Francisco bathhouse operating from 1977 to 1979.  His candid images are remarkable, documenting the social and sexual behavior with celebration and no apology.

           The Fairoaks was owned and operated by a gay commune, lending a counter-culture approach to the establishment. There were monthly theme parties including costume and “Open Door” parties, when room doors would be removed from hinges.  Many images contain nudity and erotic scenes.

           The restored images, known as The Fairoaks Project, were well received at Los Angeles venues Highways and drkrm/Gallery. The Advocate and Lambda Literary have written articles on The Fairoaks Project.

11 June Permalink

BOOKISH BEASTS: CSC Zine & Comic Fest

With Wondercon not in San Francisco this year there is not great comics events happening in April. Wouldn’t be great to have a local comics event that was a s uniques as San Francisco? The Center for Sex & Culture is a fantastic multi-use space that is perfect for a small gathering of local artists whose works need to be celebrated for their stance outside the mainstream. 

Bookish Beasts is a one day zine fest for the creators of art, books and comics featuring sex, sexuality, gender and erotica. We want to give you the opportunity to exhibit your works, and connect with local readers who love and collect adult material. 

This is a not for profit event that is free to the public, Although as we live to support local artist we will  need some help from you t make this happen. We are asking for $20 to split an 8’ table with chairs. You will be responsible for cashiering your own sales and all profits are your own. The CSC has enough chars but will need to rent tables and promote the event. If this sounds like a great event that you want to get involved with please confirm right away. 

The event is one day. April 14th from noon to 6PM. There will some presentations and workshops following. Please let us know if you are interested in participating or would like to propose a workshop or presentation. 

CSC provides judgement-free educations, cultural events, a library/media archive, and other resources to audiences across the sexual and gender spectra; and to research and disseminate factual information, framing and incoming issues of public policy health. Please consider donating copies of your work to the library and helping spread the word about this great resource. All of the CSC Library books are searchable though Goodreads and CSC’s Zineography, along with their growing zine catalog/database, which is currently being cataloged. 

If interested in participating or for more information contact us- gallery@sexandculture.org

Sincerely, 

Jon Macy

Dorian Katz, CSC Curator

Anissa Malady, CSC Librarian 

Tess McCarthy, CSC Archivist

27 February 5 Permalink