Just in time for Pridefest weekend, Tom of Finland brings his infamous and empowering erotic drawings to the phd gallery. As Tom himself puts it, "If gay men have historically been portrayed as weak, pathetic and sad individuals, then Tom's drawings blew this stereotype out of the water! His men were proud, happy and dignified. They were powerful and unapologetic and gay men saw these hyper-masculine images as heroes. Indeed, if you glance through comic books you'll see the depiction of most Super Heroes is not unlike the men in [these] drawings. Tom's drawings espoused an ideal in sexual prowess, and worldly empowerment for gay men that lasts even today." More information on this event and more after the jump.
All Roads Lead to Roam: Five exhibitions inspired by the idea of movement and motion. Opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Starting June 26, Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through Aug. 19, free. St. Louis Artists' Guild, 2 Oak Knoll Park, Clayton, 314-727-6266, www.stlouisartistsguild.org.
Aunia Kahn: Film Noir: Dark and confrontational self-portraits by Aunia Kahn. Opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Starting June 25, Thursdays-Sundays. Continues through Aug. 6, $10 donation opening night, free thereafter. phd gallery, 2300 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-664-6644, www.phdstl.com/.
Boccia 90th Birthday Bash: Combination birthday party/gala art opening for Edward Boccia includes cake and the exhibition Drawings, 1948-2009. Fri., June 24, 6-9 p.m., free. Pierce Arrow Building, 4814 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, www.piercearrowbuilding.com.
Dog Days of Summer: Work by ten artists spanning three centuries that explores humanity's relationship with canines. Opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Starting June 25, Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through Oct. 2, free. Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd., Sunset Hills, 314-615-5278, www.laumeier.org.
Drift: One part of a two-part exhibition (the other half is on view concurrently at the Saint Louis Artists' Guild) that explores the ideas of time, space and movement. Opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Starting June 25, Mondays-Saturdays. Continues through Aug. 19, free. Art Saint Louis, 555 Washington Ave. #150, St. Louis, 314-241-4810, www.artstlouis.org.
Drift: One part of a two-part exhibition (the other half is on view concurrently at the Saint Louis Artists' Guild) that explores the ideas of time, space and movement. Opening reception from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26. Starting June 26, Tuesdays-Sundays. Continues through Aug. 19, free. St. Louis Artists' Guild, 2 Oak Knoll Park, Clayton, 314-727-6266, www.stlouisartistsguild.org.
A "Spin" Through Cinema: DJ Josh Levi spins classic movie soundtracks to complement the film-inspired tapestries in the current exhibition, Sun Smith-Foret: Final Cut. Popcorn, movie fare and free A-B products will be served. Fri., June 24, 5:30 p.m., free. Saint Louis University-Museum of Art, 3663 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-977-3399, sluma.slu.edu.
Tom of Finland: Twenty-seven original drawings by the master of heroic male erotic art, Tom of Finland. Opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 25. Starting June 25, Thursdays-Sundays. Continues through Aug. 6, $10 suggested donation opening night, free thereafter. phd gallery, 2300 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314-664-6644, www.phdstl.com/.
