CHICAGO – LRA, Chicago’s oldest pansexual BDSM club, in furtherance of its mission of providing educational and social opportunities to the Chicago Alternative Community proudly announces “Bootblacking 101” with Riley on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 6pm.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to shine boots or care for leather like the bootblacks you may have seen at events or during LRA’s infamous Bootblack Night? Join us for this rare opportunity to learn a time-tested skill that has become somewhat of a dying art. Riley, LRA bootblack-in-residence and board member, will share the techniques of basic to intermediate bootblacking. Attendees will have an opportunity to become acquainted with the tools of the trade and will walk away with tangible knowledge they can use to care for their own leathers or those of a loved one, daddy, mistress, etc. Those who enjoy receiving bootblacking services are equally welcome to attend and get their boots or leathers done, as demo volunteers will be selected from those present. Attendees need not have a kit with them to enjoy this workshop but all participants will receive a comprehensive resource list about how to assemble and care for their first kit. If you are interested in pursuing a traditional Leather path, look no further! Bootblacking has its roots in the traditions of our leather forebearers and can serve as a good foundation for other skill development. Hope to see you there!
Riley began his bootblack journey in 2005 as an apprentice to Leslie Anderson and Suka Malone, International Ms. Bootblack 1999 and 2005 respectively. Riley held the title of Great Lakes Bootblack 2007 prior to taking on his current position as Great Lakes Bootblack contest coordinator in 2008. Riley also serves as Director of LRA Chicago, where he leads the club’s Corps of Engineers. While at the LRA, Riley can be found welcoming newcomers, roughing up the willing, and instigating no-holds-barred melees. Professionally, Riley is an educator and consultant, focusing on ways to make health and social service environments more accessible to members of queer and trans communities. When not busy in other endeavors, Riley enjoys the finer things – smoking new and unique cigars, leatherworking, and acquiring rare publications relative to the leather subculture.
DATE: Saturday, July 28, 2012
COST: There is NEVER a fee to attend LRA’s seminars, it is part of our mission to encourage and assist education and exploration in the area of human sexuality. However, donations are appreciated.
TIME: 6:00-8:00 PM
LOCATION: The L.R.A. 6525 N. Clark Street Chicago, Illinois
GO DOWN THE STAIRCASE BY THE CELLULAR TOWER OR FOLLOW THE GRAVEL DRIVEWAY DOWN TO THE BACK ENTRANCE
RSVP is not necessary but appreciated to guest-registry@lra-chicago.org.
Throughout the seminar and at its conclusion you will have the opportunity to ask questions and get actual hands on practice. The fun and learning does not end there though, for all first time seminar attendees you will receive an invitation to return to the LRA that evening you to practice all of what you have learned in our play space. This will give you a chance to try out what you have just learned as well as meet other members of the club.
All we ask is that you sign our standard guest waiver, have government issued photo identification, to prove that you are over 19 years of age, and that you respect the fact that the LRA is an alcohol and drug free space and that no alcohol or drugs may be brought into the space or ingested at the LRA.
