The Superpowers of Art
Curtis Taylor, whose large set pieces until recently decorated the now-defunct OK Hotel, reports having had one of his larger works "pinched" from the venue's back ballroom. "Some kids took it as a souvenir [of the OK Hotel] after the earthquake shut it down," Curtis says. "Fortunately, I know who they are, and where to find them. It's only a matter of time."
As the web inexorably closes in around these vulgar villains, In Arts News cannot help but get caught up in the drama of it all: We are imagining Mr. Taylor dressed in some sort of costume of colored tights (puce, or magenta) and winged gold boots, a bold insignia emblazoned on his reinforced leather breastplate, diaphanous cape trailing behind. With a grace that seems almost angelic, he swoops to the ground and stands, arms akimbo, before the wayward hooligans. Light bursts forth from his eyes. As the air clears, we see only a pile of dust where the thieves once stood. This--this is the power of art. JAMIE HOOK
Profiting from Disaster
Even though his business is literally crumbling around him, the Fenix Underground's Jon Behrens has managed to sell a brick from the Fenix's quake-damaged building for $10.25 on eBay. More importantly, as a reward for his unparalleled business sense, Behrens was interviewed by a reporter for 60 Minutes. The show plans to air the episode in the next few months... or so its producers said. JAMIE HOOK
Not Profiting from Disaster
Olympia's virile old Capitol Theater amazingly managed to stay erect in the recent quake. However, some plaster damage has rendered the building unoccupiable, according to the city. Now, this spells trouble for our friends at the fabulous Olympia Film Society, who have had to cancel shows through April 1: "We are getting the problems fixed," notes OFS director Sean Savage, "but it's definitely costing us a lot of money." Dear readers, don't fret: In Arts News just happens to know where you can send your donations! Olympia Film Society, 416 Washington St. S.E. # 208, Olympia, WA 98501. JAMIE HOOK
Sexy Sand
Some may believe that the earth on Ash Wednesday shook because of shifting tectonic plates, but now the truth is known: The earth wanted to depict its own vagina. A shop in Port Townsend has a sand-tracing pendulum, which during the earthquake produced a design in the sand that is clearly vaginal, particularly against the background of patterns created by the pendulum under normal circumstances. Photos of the image were sent to geophysicists, one of whom stated, "The images are quite aesthetically pleasing." Is this self-expression by Mother Earth? Or a split-beaver shot from the Devil? Look into the depths of the "earthquake rose" and decide for yourself. BRET FETZER
Profiting from Disaster II
One of the most heavily used rehearsal spaces in town, Grand Central in Pioneer Square, has been shut down by the earthquake. "Over the course of the five years we were in residence, 50 to 70 groups have used that space," estimates Laura Curry, who--in partnership with fellow dancers John Dixon, Peggy Piacenza, and Maureen Whiting-- ran Grand Central. "It was never a business deal for us; rates were calculated to cover the rent," says Curry. Though occasionally used for performances, Grand Central primarily provided much-needed time and space for exploration and development. Fortunately, the Grand Central team may have already found a new space on the sixth floor of a warehouse in the SoDo district. "This place is its own building, which is a plus--and we get our own bathroom, and heat, and other luxurious stuff," says Curry. "It's a huge-ass space, enormous." Anyone looking for rehearsal space should call Grand Central at 726-2691. BRET FETZER
Speaking of Making the Earth Move....
All dirty-minded writers (who are not employed by us) are invited to submit their tales of smut-driven fantasy to "Talk Dirty," The Stranger's erotic-fiction writing contest. The winner receives $150 cash and $250 worth of erotica from Toys in Babeland. See page 113 for details.
