Though “Summer’s Heat” is an erotic art show, a rarity in Snohomish County, the art that visitors will see is mostly pretty mild, said Shana, the show’s curator.
Still, there’s lots of diversity, with selections of lesbian art, gay male art, group sex art, heterosexual art and funny sex art that reminds us not to take life too seriously.
But in putting together “Summer’s Heat,” Shana, who goes by just her first name, also was careful about what she selected from the 25 artists who are participating in the show: no bestiality and nothing even remotely to do with children. Shana said she rejected anything questionable because, though she’s expecting a certain amount of heat from “Summer’s Heat,” she didn’t intend to break any laws.
“This is my first one and I’m smart enough to know that we will put our toe in this pond and see how the piranhas will attack,” said Shana, a Snohomish artist.
Shana said it took her eight months to legally prepare for “Summer’s Heat,” open Saturday and Sunday at Lowell Art Works. To comply with the law, no one under 18 will be admitted and no alcohol is allowed.
Shana wanted the show to strike a balance between playing within the rules and stretching the artistic envelope.
“If we don’t take risks, there are not huge rewards,” Shana said. “How much kitten art, tulips and lighthouses can we endure? Art is supposed to move you to the point where you are grossed out or aroused or that it triggers a response.”
Lowell Art Works is the perfect venue, Shana said, because “Summer’s Heat” adds to the diversity of art that already has been showcased there, including the kid-friendly sci-fi art show, a show dedicated to the plight of homeless women and a show celebrating the female breast.
Erotic art helps promote ideas of acceptance and tolerance, and also stimulates us. “When you look at a piece of art and feel the warmth stir in your brain … ahhhh … the elixir of stimulus that lets us know that we are still alive,” Shana said.
The curator said she put on this show because it’s a bold thing to do and she’s a bold woman. She said many artists would like the chance to try this type of art but there are few places willing to show it because of the controversy surrounding sexual art.
“I believe that showing this kind of art is very important,” Shana said. “Sexuality is a part of our human experience and journey, and I, for one, believe we should celebrate the many forms of expression that it comes in.”
Shana has been bold in other ways. Raised a strict Mormon, Shana left Utah and ex-communicated herself from the church. She lost her 5-year-old son to cancer but instead of suppressing her pain, became a volunteer hospice worker. Today at 41, Shana is married with a 13-year-old daughter and makes her money teaching art.
She maintains only her first name so that her worlds don’t collide.
“That way with one name, my artwork is not associated with my husband’s career or the parents of my students who might snarl at my child,” said Shana, who does 3-D sculptures and collage.
Her mantra speaks worlds about her, as a person and an artist: “Where there is no fear, a great oasis of freedom awaits.”
Reporter Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424 or goffredo@heraldnet.com.
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