Upcoming Events
All events are held at 2427 N. Murray Ave., two blocks north of North Ave. near the intersection of North and Farwell, unless otherwise noted.
The Art of the Tease Burlesque Dance Class
with Vee Valentine of Brew City Bombshells Burlesque
Tuesday, January 31 and
Tuesday, February 7 (2-class series)
8:00 - 9:30 pm
A personalized striptease routine makes a great Valentine's Day surprise for your sweetheart! Milwaukee's own burlesque star Vee Valentine will teach you the art of burlesque striptease. Learn a short routine that includes struts, glove peels, work with a feather boa, and other moves. Wear comfortable clothes sand bring a set of heels. Don't worry -- everyone's clothes will stay on during this class. $20 per class or $35 for both classes. Register online here.
Lap Dance 101 with Brandi
Friday, February 3, 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Come learn to lap dance like a pro! This easy and fun to learn dance will bring the naughty out in you. Learn the basics, all the little tricks of the trade, and the different styles and speeds of private dancing. Create and choreograph specific eye-pleasing routines modified to fit your confidence level, your ability, and your partner's desires. From booty shaking to floor dances, this class a a full body workout. Come dressed in something that makes you feel sexy (heels not required) but keep in mind you're going to work up a sweat. $20/person. Register online here.
Erotica 101 Writing Workshop
with Rachel Kramer Bussel
Thursday, February 9, 8:00pm - 9:30 pm
Professional erotica author and editor Rachel Kramer Bussel, editor of over 40 anthologies, including Gotta Have It, Women in Lust, Irresistible: Erotic Romance for Couples, Orgasmic, and The Mile High Club, will take you through the ins and outs of modern erotic writing, from getting started, finding your voice, writing against type, erotic love and lust letters, to submitting your work keeping up with the thriving erotica market. You'll learn how to incorporate everyday scenarios as well as outlandish fantasies into your writing, and make them fit for particular magazines and anthologies. Whether you're writing to that special someone, penning longtime fantasies, or want to earn cash for your dirty words, this workshop, taught by the editor of over a dozen erotic anthologies, is for you. Paper and writing implements will be provided or you can use your own laptop. $15 per person. Register online here.
Sex and the Many Senses: A Gourmet Indulgence
Friday, February 10, 8:00 pm
Most people think of us as having five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Often-overlooked are the additional senses that, when manipulated, can create a sexual atmosphere and scene that is both provocative and consuming. We will explore the senses of temperature, kinesthesia (awareness of position and movement of the body), pain, balance, acceleration, and interoception (any sense normally stimulated from within the body). We will discuss methods of stimulating these and using them to set the tone for a sexual/sensual encounter. Learn how to ensnare the object of your desire by stimulating their senses, and ways to expertly ride the waves of sensation to mutually create an intimate and heady experience. $15 per person. Register online here.
Vadoma is a sexuality and kink educator who has worked with The Tool Shed for several years. She presents at regional events, conferences, and sex shops in the Midwest. She believes that during sexual experience we have the ability to connect on a primal and visceral level beyond words, where we are most ourselves. Vadoma teaches with a scholar's passion for deep exploration and a best friend's sincere regard. Contact her at vadomaprimal@gmail.com.
Young MKE Poly Group
Wednesday, February 15, 8:00 pm
This monthly discussion group is primarily for those in their 20s and 30s who are interested in exploring polyamorous, nonmonogamous, or open relationships. Newcomers welcome. More information at www.meetup.com/Southeast-Wisconsin-Polyamory-discussion-group/. FREE.
Naughty Needles
Sunday, February 19, 1 - 3 pm
The cold weather has returned, and so had the Naughty Needles group! This regular crafting circle meets on the third Sunday of every month. Join us for knitting, conversation, and beverages. All genders, needle arts, and skill levels welcome. FREE.
Ongoing Art Installation:
"La Décadanse"
Viewable during regular store hours
La Décadanse is a photo series inspired by the love affair between Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin: he a French songwriter and she an actress with an appetite for the louche. Together, they were artists whose talents and sexual energy fueled and blurred their life and work together. Their most famous creation is perhaps the 1969 recording of “Je t’aime... moi non plus” (I love you... me neither). If there is a dirtier, lovelier song in modern recording history we have yet to find it. The photos in this series were shot on 35mm black and white film in August 2011. FREE!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Balthazar
Pretend photographer, letter writer, voyeur.
Balthazar is curious about hidden things: people’s inner lives, their secrets, their bodies. Photography is an extension of his curiosity and a tool for him to learn more about people. His favorite pastime is taking polaroids and sending them with letters to people all over the world.
SM Kubica
Model, writer, stylist, muse.
I live in a bordertown between longing and satisfaction. My words and images are inspired by dreams, pulp novels, and Taschen coffee table books. My compulsion to plumb the seamy depths of human desire has had me digging through the trash in motel bathrooms and living out Lou Reed’s Berlin album song by song. My art reflects the joy in my saudade.
