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Show nconventional Day at the Rodeo An by Jamie U Cadette ell you just take these here oversized jockeys and toss them over the goat and there you have it" Welcome to the rodeo folks! Yes, that slice of Americana generally synonymous with oversized belt buckles (affixed to Wranglers that are so tight they negate the purpose of any belt at ail), putrid green horse droppings, and men with tobacco packed cheeks out for a bit of "rasslm" with animal livestock has passed through our little city of salt leaving behind quite an indelible impression. May 31 to June 2 marked the arrival of the Third Annua Utah an event that opened the minds of many to the existence of an alternative cowboy. The Utah Gay Rodeo, Cay Rodeo Association (UGRA), was incorporated as part of the larger International Gay Eodeo Association in 1989, although it was not awarded the right to hold any officially sanctioned events until 1999. IGRA originated as an outlet for gay individuals to access and express their passion for a country western lifestyle. In a city known for its considerable conservative leanings, such a unique event would assumedly encounter some opposition. However, the rodeo officials cited Utah's various animal rights groups as more of a pain in the proverbial ass. "We had to stop letting any of them in after Friday night due to their attempts to free the animals," said Steve Whitaker, UGRA's 2002 director of public relations. "It's unfortunate because these groups don't take the time to see just how well compassionate our members are toward these creatures, when in fact the gay community is probably more sensitive to their needs than any other rodeo out there." UGRA is also concerned with promoting the well being of its own brethren. Proceeds from this year's event went to benefit the Utah AIDS foundation as well as the City of research Hope, a California-baseinstitute that addresses diseases such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. "Many people consider the term 'Gay Rodeo' to be somewhat of an oxymoron," said Steve Hillman, a UGRA member who works on the g arm of the organization. "But it's a concept that really works." Certainly several incongruities were exhibited at this year's rodeo. However, they only served as a welcome departure from predetermined stereotypes as to what constitutes this western sporting event On the surface, there was not anything terribly unusual about the rodeo. There was still the requisite stench of sweaty animals, cheap d fund-raisin- r V popcorn and cotton candy that seems to accompany fairs, circuses or any other event in need of random vendors. And all 68 participants still competed in routine events such as barrel racing, roping and hurdling. Certainly it was more odd to see a child hugging a small sheep as it raced around an arena than it was to witness men walking hand in hand or women referring to their wives' collections of horses. "We're just trying to harvest an i if open community," one UGRA volunteer saidLThe rodeo is really starting to attract people who are interested in experiencing this culture without having to worry about who they are or how they are expected A to be." nature UGRA's supports a doctrine of tolerance and diversity which its members attempt to spread throughout the greater community. It is a goal that they share with the Utah Pride Organization, which is holding Pride Day 2002 on Jan 9 at the Salt Lake City and County Building. "Its about creating your own identity, celebrating that and then sharing it with the rest of the community," said Chad Kellar, parade coordinator. "It's really just about acceptance and coming together." Sunday will include appearances by E! Television personality Steve v Some gay cowboys wrangle this goat into underwear submission. Cami Nelson sand in one room, big Colored men in the other, next door to abstract sculpture. My experiences at Art Earn and Finch Lane Gallery have been filled with paradox and wonder. Housing two rooms in the gallery, Finch Lane is always professional, but the shows are always dissident in content quality. The current shew, for example, hosts Joe Carter and the photography duo Rod Millar and Diane Orr. Carter's chosen title, paintings, contrasts with Millar's and Orr's chosen "visionscapes" panoramic photography installation. This won't be a compare and contrast of the two exhibits; in fact. Finch Lane probably chooses such contrasting shows in order to avoid direct comparison, but being the spatially rooted person that I am, any time one gallery has two rooms next door, I'm going to compare. The difference in titles well-know- n -- says it all Carter's work, oil paintings of still-lifobjects, are straightforward, readable and sometimes, though not consistently, dazzling. Subject matter for Carter ranges from the McDonald's burger and action figure ensemble to a self portrait which includes a few bookshelves of items clearly left over from a childhood had a few decades ago. The "Self Portrait" ha s a few things going for it. First, the overemphasized perspective draws the viewer's eye into the painting. Then the washed-ou- t paint quality and pastel color reflects the vintage content cf the painting. On the other hand, a more simple composition, "Hamburger Girl," draws the viewer's attention to the painted marks and shadows themselves and Carter's humor comes out through the girl sitting on a McDonalds hamburger. But Carter's humor can get him into ugly places. Take, for example, "Choose Me," a painting of barbie dolls, a piggy bank and a stuffed animal. The composition is sloppy, the paint is lazy, and the subject matter I'm so sick of toy paintings. Carter typically does better things with simple compositions and straightforward subject matter. "Marbles," one of the best in the show, flaunts Carter's talent for rendering glass by using a glass jar full of glass marbles. Next door, Millar and Orr show their "visionscapes." Like their title compared to Carter's, their work is a lot more and very intent on being "art" Orr uses great binary technique, emphasizing extreme light and dark, nearness and largeness and smallness. Lest this sound like a recap of Sesame Street, I should clarify that there is real theoretical and self-conscio- far-nes- s, professional significance in Orr's contextual emphasis. "Dinwoody 'Ghost' Figure 1" features the close-u- p rock with hieroglyphics and smaller rocks farther away. Millar's work, done in chromira metallic print, were so glossy that the natural landscape seemed overwhelmed by its medium representation. Basically, the rugged Rochester landscape looked like an oversized postcard. The piece, join other Utahns in answering the call to love and liberation. amiered- - mag.com tings at Finch Lane and Finch Lane, 1325 E. 100 South, until June 14. Art Barn's hours are and Orr show with some mystical appreciation for relics, but I did not. Joe Carter, Rod Millar and 'Diane Orr will show at Art Barn Monday through Friday, g a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 14 p.m. camired mag com I , , "Antelope Canyon, Arizona," i however, works in Millar's chosen medium. The bright and dull oranges formed by natural light look great all shiny. Part of the excitement of Millar's work includes the round photograph, into which you have to go to view the lighted circular landscape photograph. With some spectacular moments, Orr's and Millar's work was overall too and too intent on making their subject matter overt, almost com- f . t I t t ,N ' " - - ' - - I f . ', self-conscio- : 1 I I I ...,:.,, ' I -- ' ., " J """" ' " old-scho- Joe Carter's "Hambuger Girl" draws attention to paint marks and shadows. are a women 48 years of age or older 1. experiencing changes caused by menopause, either naturally or surgically 2. have decreased arousal or desire 3. and are not on hormone replacement therapy You may qualify for participation in a clinical research study of an investigational clinic, layton, UT and or Dan Chichester, MD, SLC, UT pre-evaluati- on medication at Tanner Interview to see if you may qualify, call: Vasatch Clinical Research (601)283-060- 7 JBETlI.Iatfajilael June COPY) --I X As For more Information or a confidential a X Menopause...has it changed your sexual life? If you j '"" e al i t mercial a viewer, I'm obviously supposed to come away from the a.m. with the opening ceremonies located at the Pride Stage. For those who missed out on the opportunity to jump in the saddle last weekend, here is a chance to Kmetko, this year's National Grand Marshall as well as performances by such local acts as the Cyber Sluts, Betty, Fruit and others. Several restaurants will be on hand to accompany the booths and activities arranged for the day's celebration. The event kicks off at 11:30 vesyday Dazzle and Mystical Mea By ' s 5, 2002 IRg |