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Read the press release here.

Looking For A Sexy Gift? Go To Pleasure-Focused 'Shop Sensual' Festival

By Mina Bloom | December 1, 2016 8:46am
 A past Slow Jams yoga class.
A past Slow Jams yoga class.
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Courtesy/Moll Jean

HUMBOLDT PARK — A group of women artists and makers focused on sex positivity are launching "Shop Sensual," a festival offering erotic workshops, wares and yoga.

The pop-up festival is set for Dec. 16-18 at the art gallery and event venue Reunion, 2557 W. North Ave., which is run by one of the organizers, Kristen Kaza.

Kaza and her fellow organizers Leah Ball and Chelsea Ross of the "Feminist as F---" campaign, said the goal of the weekend fest is to "participate, instigate and further activate the current wave of sensually-woke zeitgeist, expressed through art and culture."

"Shop Sensual transcends the pornified, hyper-sexualized status-quo by providing products and pieces for a more pleasurable future for all people," the news release reads.

The fest will begin with a free market from 6-11 p.m. Dec. 16. More than a dozen local makers will be there selling their "sensually woke" wares. There will also be performances by Kiara Lanier and Darling Shear, cocktails and tunes courtesy of DJ Audio Jack. The market is for people 21 years and older.

Vendors include Noelia Torres, Claire Arctander, Silk Shaman, Morgan Reed Jewelry, GNAT Glitter Kink, Mano Y Metal by Desiree Guzman, REMIX by Giselle Wasfie, Humboldt House, Leah Ball, Cities in Dust, Emma Alamo and Solid Air by Taylor Mauch.

From 6-8 p.m. Dec. 17, certified sexologist Rena McDaniel will lead a discussion on sexual identities and relationships. McDaniel works for the LGBTQ mental health clinic Intraspectrum Counseling. The workshop is for people 18 years and older.

On Dec. 18, unwind with slow yoga from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Part of Kaza's series "Slo' Mo Party," the $15 yoga session will be led by Lauren Ash, co-founder of Black Girl in Om and Party Noire. Since space is limited and classes fill up quickly, organizers recommend buying tickets in advance. People of all ages are welcome.

The last event will be led by local artist Leah Ball. From 6-9 p.m. Dec. 18, Ball will help people make sexy art while a sex-positive film plays on the projector. People with all art backgrounds are welcome. The event costs $15.

"Feel free to lay back and doodle while you watch or create your very own erotic dream of a print to hang over your bed," the release reads.

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