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Show The Daily Utah Chronicle - Page Seven Monday, May 13. 1991 Campus Feature x IH1 (ld mm sd dtd tors expDodes myths to feel comfortable about their sexuality and sexual feelings, the class also concentrates on sexual diversity. Reagan commented that acknowledging diversity is essential in the class. Diversity is reflected in the make-u- p of the class. Reagan commented that not everyone in the classes is heterosexual. Nor is everyone sexually active. Reagan Linnea Lundgren Chronicle Feature Writer By No matter what one's race, color, gender or religion, we are all sexual human beings. However, the sexual aspect of human nature is more often than not shunned, ignored or frowned added there are people in the class who are single, married, upon by our society. While people understand the world around them, many don't, won't or can't understand their own divorced, celibate, heterosexual, homosexual and sexuality. al. "Whenever we talk about any aspect of sexuality we have to But, for those wanting to learn about their sexual nature, the University of Utah offers a course that explores sexuality in all its dimensions. This course, listed under women's studies and health education is the very keep in mind all that life experience and all the fears, pains, anxieties and joys surrounding those differences," Reagan said. The course curriculum is not designed to impose any theoretical cultural popular Human Sexuality 300. A "sexual education" course at the U. is not a new concept. Patricia Reagan, an associate norms on those differences. Reagan said she believes that any sexual relations between professor in health education and women's studies, said the consenting adults is good if it's health education department began teaching a course on "joyous, ago. However, while it was a popular class, Reagan said the class focused primarily on reproduction and was taught from a clinical, male perspective. Reagan decided that this narrow focus on reproduction had seen its day. When she took charge of the class she geared the teaching towards sexuality as a whole. "The emphasis of the class is to make people realize they are sexual beings and they have a right to be creative ana explore of their human nature,", she said. "However, in the '90s we ought to do this in a safe and sane way." Tim E.M. Smithe, a student majoring in history and art history, said he took the class to learn what the public schools and his parents neglected to teach him. "I feel there is too much restriction in learning who we are as sexual beings. There is no way to ignore our sexuality and feelings shouldn't say-sexua- l U. g, other-enhancin- g, matter. A human being by nature is inquisitive about hisher sexuality," he said. Smithe commented that before taking this class much of his knowledge of sexuality came through reading, personal experiences and talking with other people. However, while he had some information on sexuality, he never had a full grasp on sexual topics until he took the class. "The class has given me a lot of information that previously I may have had only a small amount of knowledge about especially on anatomy, social concerns and information transmitted on sexually Smithe thinks that every diseases," he said. student should take this course because of the negative stigma associated with that part of the because, in his experience, one's limited knowledge may not always be enough. In addition to teaching that body. Citing this example, Tyler and sexuality is part of being human, the instructors strive to dispel the Reagan both importance stressed of the becoming comfortable with one's body and one's sexuality and getting rid of such notions as the one that the genital area is a "bad part of the body." "My goal is to help people learn to like themselves, to be and myths many misconceptions students have about sexual matters. .Mike Tyler, an instructor for the class, said many students come into the class with misconceptions about their more comfortable with their body and their sexuality. In sexuality. He commented that many of these misconceptions or misunderstandings often have to do with the genital area. For example, he said many students think the genital area is a "bad or dirty area" and should not be touched. A few students have even commented that they are afraid to wash their genital area qualities, there is nothing wrong with it; she said. She added that the diversity aspect of the class has increased its popularity. "If we were just talking about sexual reproduction, the only people who would want to take that class are people who are currently planning to reproduce. Now that we explore many variations of sexual experience more people are attracted to the class." In discussing sexual diversity, Tyler said he attempts to rid students of the false notion that differences are wrong. He said that in our society there are too many negative and stereotypical attitudes towards individuals becoming comfortable with their own sexuality, people are better able to talk about their sexual who are "different" by society's standards of "normal." "Hopefully, in this class I can from the class," Reagan said. In addition to teaching people should be celebrated rather than needs and wants and able to make decisions based on the factual information obtained help the students understand people's differences and help students realize differences see "sexuality" on page eight Hospital's 'Hallside Gallery' displays works By Gregory Thilmont Chronicle Feature Writer browns, it takes a sublime look at a manmade object, something that will not last, that is covered with the inevitable snows of winter. It is always good to get away from the daily grind, even if it's just for a few minutes. One of Many of his paintings on display are floral scenes. One world is to delve into art. There is something soothing that comes from standing back and enjoying the creative energy of yellows and purples. Chidester's most unique piece on display is a textured the best ways to forget the another. It can be difficult, however, to find the time to visit a gallery or showing. This, though, is not the case in the University of Utah Medical Center. The Hallside Gallery is an enclave of art just off what is an otherwise unassuming hallway in the U. Hospital. Occupying its own small room, the gallery gives the opportunity for a busy medical self-liberatin- socially responsible and honest." If one's sexual encounters bring about those human sexuality about 20 years this aspect cross-dresser- s, student, nurse, hospital visitor or anyone else to view rotating exhibits. The current exhibit in the Hallside is an extraordinary one. It is a collection of watercolors by Brad Chidester. The paintings, by Chidester, all reflect inspiration from natural landscapes. One, "Winter Relic," portrays an old, 19-year-- abandoned truck in a snowy scene. Painted in muted in particular, "Yellow Roses," is striking in the interplay of abstract. Using Japanese rice paper, the piece juxtaposes leaf prints with a rough, rumpled, and contoured surface. The purple and green piece invites contemplation. "I've worked in oils and acrylics, but I prefer to use water colors," Chidester said. His collection is not limited to flowers by any means. One painting of Double O Arch in Arches National Park is quite good. Another, entitled "Italian Still Scene" is a whimsical (and its with contemporary a wine of Riunite depiction bottle) variation on the classic still life form. Chidester, who has Muscular Dystrophy, says that he plans to make art nis career. He has sold a number of pieces to the public. He also donates works to the annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. The proceeds from the sale of his works benefit Muscular Dystrophy research. Karen Gundersen, who works with the gallery, explained its name. "The collections used to be placed in the hallway, hence it was the Hallside Gallery. The name was kept when it was moved into its own room." The gallery, not in one of the most obvious places, is somewhat of a secret to those who visit it. "A lot of the people that come to the gallery know of it by word . of mouth. Staff members stop by to visit during breaks," Gundersen said. "We also get a lot of hospital visitors coming to the gallery. It's a nice place to spend a little time when you're waiting in the hospital," sne said. Gundersen said that the displays are rotated monthly. Local artists are able to put their works on display in the gallery. She added that a number of the hospital's doctors have had works on display and that the Hallside has enough artists wanting to show their works that they are booked a year in advance. Chidester's collection will be on display in the Hallside Gallery through the month of tow. m Brad Chidester, who has Muscular Dystrophy, of watercolors on display in the University of a show has currently Nineteen-year-ol- d Utah Hospital's "Hallside Gallery." Proceeds from the sale of Chidester's work goes to help work on Muscular Dystrophy solutions. May. The gallery itself is located in AC 113 in the bottom of the School of Medicine building. |