Herland Sister Resources : v.2: no.9(1986)
- Title
- Herland Sister Resources : v.2: no.9(1986)
- Description
- The Herland Sister Resources newsletter is the monthly publication of Herland Sister Resources, a womanist organization with a strong lesbian focus based in Oklahoma City.
- Publisher
- en_US Herland Sister Resources
- Date Issued
- 1986-09
- Rights
- All rights reserved by Herland Sister Resources. Contact UCO Archives & Special Collections for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of these materials.
- Is Part Of
- Herland Sisters Resources
- Creator
- Herland Sister Resources
- Date
- 2017-09-02T16:59:52Z
- Date Available
- 2017-09-02T16:59:52Z
- Subject
- Oklahoma
- Type
- application/pdf
- extracted text
-
VOLUME 2, NUMBER 9
SEPTEMBER 1986
THE BIRTH OF A NEW BUSINESS
by Nancy R.
Louise Bass is incurable. These last few lazy ddYS of
summer find her busy working with a commercial designer, a sign painter, an artist here and an artist there.
She is incurable with a passion that consumes most of
us at least once in our lives-Louise is putting the final touches on the new beginnings of her own business.
You might say "Incurable Collector" best describes
Louise. It is also the name of her new store. Touted
as distinctively different fine artistic endeavors, Incurable Collector is the beginning of a dream come trueher masterwork.
Incurable Collector opens September 2, at Iglesia, located at N.W. 49 and Western. The collectibles inside
Louise's store are contemporary and functional artworks of pottery, jewelry and paintings. It's funky and
off-the-wall and it possesses the incurable collector's
eye for good taste. "The art I select for the shop
came from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, New York,
Florida and, of course, Oklahoma," Louise said. "I'm so
determined to give people affordable art they'd die to
own, that if they can't find what they want in my
store, I'll search until I find it for them!"
A native Oklahoman, Louise is a self-described "freckled Anglo," who always seems to have a song in her
heart and who is an artist in her own right. A musician with a degree in organ performance from OCU,
she has earned a living as an organist and choirmaster
for several OKC area churches and continues to serve
as the chapel organist at Casady School.
"To me there is a great parallel between the starving
artist and the starving musician," she said. "I enjoy
creating something that is full of high energy or
peaceful and mellow. Visual art can do the same
thing."
"Incurable Collector is a place that is creative-full of
energy and life. It is also mine," Louise added with a
laugh.
Determined to be a successful businesswomen, Louise
would like to see more women brave the business
world and try owning/operating their own businesses.
(In fact, Iglesia houses four retail stores, all owned
by women.) "Women have so much potential and moxie," she said. "There are many businesswomen within
the community already--we, as women should support
them." Here, Hear.
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
1630 NW 19, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
According to Louise, Incurable Collector is not a
place where the patrons will be intimidated when they
walk in the door. "You don't have to have money to
come visit me. That makes me uncomfortable--that
makes you uncomfortable. This store is my attempt
at finding freedom and relaxation." Louise added that
being creatively and emotionally fulfilled and challenged are high priorities in her life. "Being satisfied
in these areas spells success to me. They money
comes second," she said. "Anyone who's a musician
will know that."
Nevertheless, tough economic times are knocking on
the doors of many Oklahomans' households these days
and a person has to wonder why anyone would want
to open a new retail business.
"Why wait?" Louise retorted. "I'm not exactly in a
high income bracket as it is. The economy will eventually get better and the tough times will make me
strong,er in the long run. Besides, if I did fail, the
failure would be in other peoples' eyes-not mine."
Beginning Tuesday, September 2, Incurable Collector
will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.
until 5:30 p.m.
Current plans for the store include quarterly happenings which will likely feature an artist. The first such
event is slated for September 21 and will spotlight
the recent works of Bernadette Martinez.
DON'T FORGET
The Most Exciting Event
in September
CASSELBERRY/DUPREE
Sunday, Sept. 7, 4:00 p.m.
Civic Center Little Theatre, OKC
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We encourage the exchange of information, personal opinions on issues of concern to the Oklahoma women's community, and your stories and
experiences.
The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters according to space limitations. Letters should be typed, double-spaced and signed
by the author(s). Include your address and phone
number. If you wish to be published anonymously,
indicate so, but include your name, etc., for our
information, in case the editor has questions.
Mail or deliver your letters to HSR, Inc., 1630
N. W. 19, Okla. City, OK 73106. Deadline is the
15th of each month.
To Those of You Who Will Listen and Hear:
It is with a deep sense of regret and a great
loss of the respect that I did have for this small
society called prison that I cry my heart out.
On June 26, 1986, a dear friend, Christian sister,
singer and pianist escaped this environment.
Could her escape have been avoided? Yes. For
quite some time mary Hill suffered from something that made her shake spontaneously and fall
from her bed to the floor.
It being that I am not a physician, I cannot say
what she suffered from. But what I can say is
that had the situation been different, had we not
been incarcerated and restricted to the boundaries, mary would have been taken to the hospital
and given the medical attention she needed from
qualified physicians.
I remember checking on Mary one night especially, after she had already had a bout with this
thing that caused her to stretch her hands out
and throw her head back. Ironically, I was to
witness her as she fell from her bed, knocking
her TV set over, during which time I waited patiently for her door to open so that I could assist her if at all possible.
Mary's death could have been avoided. And it
breaks my heart to know that deep inside these
people were trying to kill her. I'm sorry to say
this, but I can only go by the obvious. May God
be my witness. Had these authorities in this fine
institution not been trying to kill Mary, she
would have received proper medical attention.
There isn't any logic to back up why Mary was
never taken to the hospital, even after falling
out of bed and bleeding from her mouth. Even
after bearing scars on her neck from the fall.
These are things seen with the naked eye; but
not once was she treated as normal people would
treat one who is suffering.
On one occasion I was awakened late at night.
On that night she was lying on the floor. Although I went to help, I was told by the officers that what they were doing was their fob.
My reply was, "Well, get her up off the damn
floor!" But, sadly, when I awoke the next morning she still lay on the floor.
Please hear me, these are events leading up to
her death.
Unfortunately for Mary, on Tuesday, June 24,
1986, I was told by one of the girls that somethine was wrong with Mary. Upon entering her
room, I encountered a bed with soiled linen, with
the smell of urine. Also, blood near the place
where she lays her head and crust-blood on the
side of her mouth.
Is it not true that if one is suspected of bleeding internally that the best medical care possible
is required? Mary bled internally, her cries were
ignored. On Wednesday, June 25, 1986, I asked
Mary, "How are you doing?" Mary sat on the
edge of her bed, barely able to keep her head
up, whispering these words, "I ne~d some attention, I need some attention." I responded to her
plea for help by going outside the quad door and
telling the control room officer. The officer's
reply to me was, "Oh, she'll be all right."
Now, please, will somebody tell
sponsible, why did she die? The
I can come up with is that
caused by the same group of
house and feed me.
me who is reonly explanation
her death was
individuals who
This must never happen again.
Respectfully,
Laurel V. Mitchell, #93665
Mabel Bassett Correctional Center
(EDITORS' NOTE: If this letter inspires you to
become involved with our forgotten sisters, here
are some ways you can help:
•Educate yourself about the realities of incarceration, the needs of women in prison and how you
can help. Suggested reading, Ann Jones' Women
Who Kill.
•Lodge your concerns with the Warden of MBCC
and/ or Larry Meachum, Director of the Department of Corrections.
•Become a volunteer at MBCC and help women
on a one-to-one basis.
•Ask your legislator to get concerned about incarcerated women and what is happening in our
correctional facilities.
•contact your local halfway house and battered
women's shelter to see what they are doing to
help and how you might become involved.)
FALL MEANS RE-TREAT YOURSELF
As hot as it feels as this is written and read,
we know that Fall will be here and that means
it's time for Harland's semi-annual re-charging,
re-fuvenating Re-treat.
Start making your plans TODAY for the weekend
of October 24-26, at Sequoyah State Park, on Ft.
Gibson Reservoir. Located near Tahlequah and
160 miles from Oklahoma City, this park offers
almost any recreation one could wish for--horseback riding, boat rentals at the marina, a swim
beach (it may be too cold, though), an 18-hole
golf course, hiking trails, a nature center and a
tennis court.
There are a few scholarships available for those
wishing to attend who cannot afford the $15 fe.
Also, anyone wishing to sponsor an attendee on
scholarship, please contact HSR. You may indicate either of these items on the pre-registration
form.
You won't want to miss out on all the fun, so
send in your form early and secure your place.
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FALL FESTIVAL/RETREAT FOR WOMEN
REGISTRATION
Name(s),_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Address,~--------------City
ST_ Zip_ __
Telephone.~-------------~
Send me scholarship information.
=Send me information about sponsorship.
Deadline for pre-registration: Oct.15, 1986
Mail this form and your check for $15 per
person to:
Harland Sister Resources, Inc.
c/o Kris Marek
1137 N.W. 31
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
t _____________________
J
The nearby area teems with history, from the Ft.
Gibson Stockade, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum at Muskogee, to Tsa-la-gi, the Murrell Home
and the Cherokee Cultural Arts Center at Tahlequah. You might even work in a float trip on the
nearby Illinois River.
The group camp offers cabins with cots and a
fully equipped kitchen facility and dining hall.
Herland will again provide coffee, but you should
bring your own food for the weekend through
Sunday breakfast (checkout time is Sunday
noon), plus our tradition night of sharing food
for Saturday night.
Also, bring a bedroll or
sleeping bag, pillow, towels, toilet articles, flashlights, musical instruments, toys, cameras, fishing
equipment, comfortable shoes. Bring arts and
crafts for exhibit or sale, plus networking information.
For those who do not wish to semi-rough it in
the group camp, Western Hills Lodge is close.
The Saturday night concert has not been finalized, but you can count on its being spectacular.
Also, anyone wishing to conduct a workshop,
please contact Herland as soon as possible. We
would like to have some idea about workshops
before arriving at the park. If there is a workshop topic you would like to see addressed, also
contact someone at Herland.
You may check in any time after 4:00 p.m. on
Friday. The park is located just east of Wagoner
(50 miles east of Tulsa) on SH-51. When you
send in your complete registration, you will be
sent a map on how to get to the group camp.
HSR must have an approximate count on attendees, so send the pre-registration form below and
your check for $15 per person by October 15 to
Herland Sister Resources, Inc., c/o Kris Marek,
1137 N.W. 31, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. On site
registration will be $20. If you have special
needs, such as non-smoking or non-alcoholic
sleeping space, please indicate so on your form.
HERBALIST TO HOLD OKC WORKSHOP
Herland received the ad concerning healing with
herbs, along with a letter, saying that Jane
Case, herbalist, will be in Oklahoma City, Sept.
27, to do a training workshop. She has spent the
past six years, educating people how to use
herbs and vitamins for healing, and writes of
having recently met a woman who works with
California AIDS victims one week each month,
with astounding results so far.
If you are interested, write to her at the address listed in the ad.
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Oeverly K. Evans, M.5.W.
1010 NW 45
Oklahoma City
521-8241
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HERLAND HAS A PLAN!
Herland did it! We have written a three-year
plan. Mter being germinated at the Spring Retreat's brainstorming session, the plan has taken
form and is in effect to direct our efforts and
emphasis. The actual plan is 10 pages long, but
here are some of the highlights.
Five priorities are: 1) Monthly events to broaden
base of support; 2) Coordination of activities and
events; 3) Outreach to identifiable groups; 4)
Expanding newsletter resources; 5) Coordinators
for specific tasks and events.
There are also short, medium and long-term
goals. You may pick up a copy of the entire
plan at Herland or by calling Laura at 672-4141,
review it and see where you can help. Herland is
made of all of us, and the committee welcomes
your comments and additions.
Get involved. The next three years are going to
be those of growth and expansion, but only you
can make that happen.
The space Herland is seeking will be large
enough to house the present store space, the library, plus have a number of offices which can
be rented to feminist organizations. Also, we are
seeking a climate-controlled space which has a
room that can be used for coffeehouses/small
concerts and events. Bathroom facilities are a
high priority.
Think about the services Herland has provided
the community during the last year and a half-a
monthly newsletter that informs you of what's
new and what's going on, two successful (and
fun) retreats, three big-name concerts, monthly
coffeehouses, two nationally-known authors who
spoke and shared at Herland, a lending library,
referral services, workshops that addressed needs
of many in the comm.unity, plus fun and fellowship. What other organizations do you belong to
that are giving as much to you? And asking as
little in return?
The time has come to make a commitment to the
ideals and purposes set forth in Herland's bylaws, for, without your financial support, we
cannot grow. You can make a monthly pledge, or
a lump sum contribution. And remember, every
dollar you can give will be matched. You will
receive a receipt, plus a tax letter for contributions over $100. Thank you from all the Herland
Collective.
HERLAND BUILDING FUND
HERLAND LAUNCHES BLDG. FUND DRIVE
Herland Sister Resources, Inc., has been exploring all the possibilities of expanding its space,
from the proposed stock investment venture, to
asking for contributions to move into a larger
leased space. But, to date, none has brought
forth enough money and interest to make the big
move.
Now, we have an opportunity to focus all of
these efforts into one plan--namely, it is a
matching-fund plan, whereby an anonymous benefactor will match the funds raised in the
following ratio: first $10,000, Herland, $5000,
Angel, $5000; second $10,000, Herland $3333,
Angel, $6667; third $10,000, Herland, $2500,
Angel, $7500. What this means is that, for the
first time, we have a more serious incentive to
launch an organized drive to raise funds for the
much-needed space. These funds are to be used
for purchase only.
The donation prospects are still sweetened by
Herland's non-profit status, which makes every
dollar you donate to HSR tax-deductible. The
final word is not in on the new tax bill, but few
people we know don't need more charitable contributions.
Name
--------------~--~
Address ~--~----~-----~-~
City
ST
Zip _ __
Amt.=$_ _ _ _ __
I pledge $
per month toward the
building fund
Mail to: HSR Building Fund, 1630 N.W. 19,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
CLASSIFIED
ADS
HOME FOR RENT, N.W., 2 bed, heat,
furnished or unfurnished. Call 672-4141.
air,
HERLAND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR LAWN
MAINTENANCE. Check with person working
weekends or call 672-6459.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS:
Rates:
1-20 words, $2.50, 1 time
21-30 words, $3.50, 1 time
- -
-
- -- -- - -- --
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Tclephoae 40' 232·'4H or 272-715'
Pr•ctice limited
to Psychfatry
LARRY M. PRATER, M. D.
FALL CLEANING GARAGE SALE
to benefit
318 Cl•sscn Profcssionol Bldg.
1110 N. Cbssen Blvd.
Ok.hhom~ City, Ok. 73106-6808
Office Hours
By Appointment
Building Fund for
Herland Sister Resources, Inc.
Saturday, September 13
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
LOVE MAY BB BLIND... BUT
HANDWRITING'S NOT
Sunday, September 14
7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
"When we write, we patent an X-ray
photograph of our inner self."
It's time for Herland's annual garage
sale. This is an opportunity for you to
help yourself and Herland.
Professional analysis of compatibility
There are two ways you can participate:
1) bring your items to Herland, 1630 N.W.
19, and donate 25% of your sales to Herland. (You save licensing costs and h 'iSsle, while helping launch the building fund
for HSR); or 2) donate your items to
Herland--it's tax deductible.
Confidential report on cassette
for information call
SHELLY ZAIKIS, C.M.G.
405-946-6928
Come and browse the days of the sale.
THISSPACE FOR RENT
For more information, contact Laura at
672-4141, if there are special items you
are looking to buy, if you'd like to make
a donation, or volunteer.
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Loral C. Reeves
C.P.A.
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i 1014 Cedar dale Drive
_City,
_OK
_73127
_ _405/495-1094
_ _ ,_._.
I'le _
Okla.
Tired of Feeling Tired?
HELP YOUR BODY HEAL ITSELF
WITH NATURE'S HERBS
For more information, write
HERBS
P.O. BOX 95
Jasper, MO 64755
$10
write:
BERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
1630 N.W. 19th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
HSR NEWSLETTER GETS NEW EDITORS
Since before Herland became a Collective, its
newsletter has been capably edited every month
by Elaine Barton, who has now decided to put
her time and energies into new projects.
The Collective has decided to form an editorial
board, made up of Board members and others
who wish to work on the newsletter. So far, the
editorial board is comprised of Laura C., Ketta
M., Ginger McG. and Marian H. If you can read
and/ or write, you can be a part of the only
news disseminating project of its type in the
state.
Herland needs your ideas and your time, but with
enough people helping, the time will not be a
major commitment.
For more information, call Laura, 672-4141, or
Marian, 521-8434.
MCC TO HOST FALL FESTIVAL
Save Sunday, October 12, for Fall Festival '861
Mary Reynolds, lead singer of the Sisters of
Swing, head the list of entertainers, along with
Mary Black and Donna DeSalvo. There will also
be entertainment of all kinds from the gay and
lesbian community.
The Festival will be held at Spencer, in a beautiful outdoor setting, from 2-9 p.m. Bring lawn
chairs and picnic lunches and plan to spend the
day. Tickets are only $3 each and will be on
sale at Christ the King MCC, 1900 N.W. 12, at
Herland, 1630 N.W. 19, and at Oasis Community
Center, as well as other locations around the
City. You won't want to miss this great way to
end a busy summer.
Christ the King MCC is still looking for entertainers and people who would like to set up arts
and crafts booths. If you are interested in participating, please call MCC at 521-8352, leave a
message and someone will return your call as
soon as possible.
announces
the next meeting of the Collective
Sunday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.
Open to the Public
1630 N.W. 19, OKC
Group for Lesbians
WHO ARE CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
or love someone who is
For lnforma tion, Call
Bette Kelley, M.Ed., CADC
(Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor)
405-949-2301
SIGNS OF PROGRESS
MASTER GARDNER
755-2160
Complete Lawn Care • Free Estimates
ROSY'S BAR & GRILL TO PLAY IN KC
Rosy's Bar & Grill, the Kansas City string band
which has been entertaining women for ten
years, is playing September 24 at Jamie's
Lounge, in the River Quay, corner of 6th and
Walnut, Kansas City, Mo.
Willow Productions is presenting the local artist
series the last Wednesday of every month, at
8:00 p.m., with tickets $3 at the door.
Their album, "Rosy's Bar & Grill," can be ordered from Herland.
Publisher:
Editor:
Typesetter:
Advertising:
Circulation:
Harland Sister Resources, Inc.
Laura, Ketta, Ginger
Marian Hulsey
Marian Hulsey, 521-8434
or Loral Reeves, 495-1094
600
••As an addict of National Public Radio who also
sends them a small donation, I receive the
monthly program guide. But the one for August
1986 was different.
Monday night, the program "Horizons," August
18--"Meg Christian: Face the Music." Unfortunately I did not have this in time to put a notice in
the August newsletter.
There was no new music, but , that was not what
was important. The dialogue with Meg was along
the lines of her workshop at the NWMF two
years ago at Bloomington, with her speaking with
such calm determination about spirituality and
her addressing her problem with alcohol.
But, even as a person who has met Meg and
cooked health food for her, I learned something
new from this program. She was almost ready to
graduate from college with a degree in English,
when she switched to music, and became one of
the few music graduates with major concentration in guitar. (I said in a 1980 poem, after her
concert here, that she played chords my
musically-trained ear had never heard before.)
My objection to her recordings the past few
years have been that, by adding more instruments and voices, the unequalled guitar of Meg
Christian is not as discernible. But, the voice,
the range of subjects and treatment thereof,
have grown so. She attributes it to her discovery
of herself through meditation. (Continued on page 7)
A remarkable fact about this interview, conduct-
ed by a man, was that she said, "I love women,"
and this was not the focal point of the show. It
was one of the things discussed, but not THE
thing.
What a refreshing attitude.
Copies of the 30-minute tape may be obtained by
writing to Horizons, NPR, c/o KOSU, Stillwater,
OK 74078.
..Herland received political literature, addressed
to us, on purpose, from candidates who must
have gotten our name and address out of the
~Encouraging, but surprising.
••can you believe it? "Desert Hearts" is actually .
playing Oklahoma City. Catch it at the Bi.iou, if
you haven't already seen it.
••casselberry/DuPre~'s new album, "City Down,'
rated this July review in the Los Angeles Times:
"Any album that moves from Dory Previn 's 'Did
Jesus Have a Baby Sister' to the Eagles' 'Take
It to the Limit' deserves a listen--and you'll be
amply rewarded for your time. This female duo
deals in a rich, inviting blend of gospel, country,
reggae and African chants on topics that range
from apartheid to feminism." Don't miss your
chance to catch them live, September 7, at the
Civic Center Little Theatre. Both their albums
will be on sale in the lobby.
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KEMCO
PRINTING INC.
WOMEN'S NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
Friday & Saturday
September 12 & 13, 8:00 p.m.
Lazy E Arena, Guthrie
General Admission, $5
(a portion of each ticket sold
goes to benefit YWCA Crisis Hotline)
For more information, call
YWCA, 232-7681
Open 7 p.m. to closing
Closed Monday
3009 N. Classen
528-2317
5TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN ARTS CELEBRATION
Women musicians, creative writers, performers
and artists are invited to enter the 5th Annual
Women in the Arts Festival, to be held Saturday,
September 27, 1986, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., on the
campus of OSU, Stillwater.
·
Sound equipment will be provided for musicians,
if needed. Poets and writers of shorts works are
invited to give readings of their works during
the exhibition and sale. Dancers, mimes, humorists are also invited to perform during the day's
events. Artists are invited to exhibit their works
for free, or to exhibit and sell for a $15 fee.
All media are welcomed, but organizers ask that
there be no pre-molded ceramics.
Sponsored by the local NOW chapter, the OSU
Women's Council and Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council, the festival is being held in con.function with "Aggie Fest," a promotion of Oklahoma arts and entertainment.
This year's celebration will be held at a new
location, on the beautiful grounds between Old
Central and the Seretean Center.
Fill out and send the application below by Sept.
17, to Mendi Spencer, 030 Student Union, OSU,
Stillwater, OK 74078-0675. For more information,
phone 405-624-5314 .
Application, OSU Women in the Arts
Deadline, September 17, 1986
Kelley Mattocks
340-4301
160 I S. Broadway, Unit D • Edmond. Okla. 73013
Name~----------------~
Address
~---------------~
Telephone
Media- - - - - Exhibit Only (free)_ _ _ __
Exhibit and Sales ($15 fee)- - - - - (Make checks payable to Women in the Arts)
"DESERT HEARTS" PURE DESSERT
by A. Vann
A movie reviewer for one of our local newspa-
pers indicated that the movie "Desert Hearts"
would have been revolutionary in the 1950s, but
was old hat in the 1980s. He called attention to
the technical flaws--poor sound quality and choppiness. I, too, saw the technical difficulties the
first time I saw the film, and I was troubled by
unresolved questions I had about two of the
characters and their relationship to the main
characters, Vivian and Kay. Was the relationship
between Silver and Kay simply one of an older
woman serving as confidante to a younger one or
was it something more? The movie didn't answer
the question. The relationship between Vivian
and Walter left similar questions, with their
having casual contact in some of the early
scenes, but then suddenly he is behaving like a
betrayed lover.
For the life of me, I can't figure out what was
old hat about this film. I can't remember countless films about lesbians. I can't remember countless "coming out" films that catch the struggle
and poignancy of discovering a side of yourself
you never knew existed. I can't remember countless films where sex between women was a natural part of the story. When I think back over
love scenes between women, I remember a disembodied hand carressing the body of Susannah
York in "The Killing of Sister George." I remember the slow motion and nearly passionless sex in
"Lianna," and so the realistic, natural sexual
activity of "Desert Hearts" was both unusual and
highly effective. Since none of Mariette Hartley's ("Two Kinds of Love") stiffness existed between the two women in this film, I found myself wondering if the actresses were, in fact,
lesbians.
A second phenomenon that suggested to me that
the movie was not as old hat as the reviewer
led us to believe was that both ti.mes I saw the
film, heterosexual couples got up and left when
it became apparent that a relationship was developing between the two women. Usually the kiss
in the rain did it.
This has the flavor of a small film about an ordinary happening (divorce) in an ordinary life.
But it is the smallness and ordinariness of the
film that provides part of the satisfaction. For
anyone who has been revolted by the caricatures
of lesbians in porno films (I know somone who
swears we are always shown wearing bright red
lipstick and licking our lips with a suggestive
drooping of the eyelids when we aren't portrayed
as diesel dykes), this film is pleasing because we
know who the characters are before we ever get
into the sexual aspects of the relationship. I had
the sense that these were real women, living
through a situation--one that caused confusion,
panic and pain. Both faced real risks--leaving
behind what was comfortable in order to grow.
This is
ti.mes,
women
greater
a film I would willingly see several more
especially if it would encourage other
film makers to explore this genre in
depth.
JOIN US
YOUR ANNUAL DONATION HELPS SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES OF HSR,
A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SERVING THE OKLAHOMA WOMEN'S COMMUNITY
Your donation, regardless of classification, entitles you to a 10% discount on store stock,
concert tickets , workshops and advertising; a monthly newsletter; use of the lending library
and resources, and MORE.
Donations may be made via cash_
or check_. Please indicate if this
is a monthly pledge_.
Upon receipt of your annual donation, you will
receive your Friends of Herland card, to be pre·
sented for store and concert discounts, and a
receipt for your tax purposes.
Benefactor
Sl,000.00+
Sponsoring
500 .00+
Contributin.g
200.00+
Sustaining
75.00+
Household
40.00+
STATE_ZIP_ _ PHONE _ _ __
Associate
25.00+
Special
10.00+
MAIL TO: Herland Sister Resources, Inc.
(Student, Senior Citizen 60 years & older, Other)
1630 N.W. 19
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
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VOLUME 2, NUMBER 9
SEPTEMBER 1986
THE BIRTH OF A NEW BUSINESS
by Nancy R.
Louise Bass is incurable. These last few lazy ddYS of
summer find her busy working with a commercial designer, a sign painter, an artist here and an artist there.
She is incurable with a passion that consumes most of
us at least once in our lives-Louise is putting the final touches on the new beginnings of her own business.
You might say "Incurable Collector" best describes
Louise. It is also the name of her new store. Touted
as distinctively different fine artistic endeavors, Incurable Collector is the beginning of a dream come trueher masterwork.
Incurable Collector opens September 2, at Iglesia, located at N.W. 49 and Western. The collectibles inside
Louise's store are contemporary and functional artworks of pottery, jewelry and paintings. It's funky and
off-the-wall and it possesses the incurable collector's
eye for good taste. "The art I select for the shop
came from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, New York,
Florida and, of course, Oklahoma," Louise said. "I'm so
determined to give people affordable art they'd die to
own, that if they can't find what they want in my
store, I'll search until I find it for them!"
A native Oklahoman, Louise is a self-described "freckled Anglo," who always seems to have a song in her
heart and who is an artist in her own right. A musician with a degree in organ performance from OCU,
she has earned a living as an organist and choirmaster
for several OKC area churches and continues to serve
as the chapel organist at Casady School.
"To me there is a great parallel between the starving
artist and the starving musician," she said. "I enjoy
creating something that is full of high energy or
peaceful and mellow. Visual art can do the same
thing."
"Incurable Collector is a place that is creative-full of
energy and life. It is also mine," Louise added with a
laugh.
Determined to be a successful businesswomen, Louise
would like to see more women brave the business
world and try owning/operating their own businesses.
(In fact, Iglesia houses four retail stores, all owned
by women.) "Women have so much potential and moxie," she said. "There are many businesswomen within
the community already--we, as women should support
them." Here, Hear.
HERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
1630 NW 19, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
According to Louise, Incurable Collector is not a
place where the patrons will be intimidated when they
walk in the door. "You don't have to have money to
come visit me. That makes me uncomfortable--that
makes you uncomfortable. This store is my attempt
at finding freedom and relaxation." Louise added that
being creatively and emotionally fulfilled and challenged are high priorities in her life. "Being satisfied
in these areas spells success to me. They money
comes second," she said. "Anyone who's a musician
will know that."
Nevertheless, tough economic times are knocking on
the doors of many Oklahomans' households these days
and a person has to wonder why anyone would want
to open a new retail business.
"Why wait?" Louise retorted. "I'm not exactly in a
high income bracket as it is. The economy will eventually get better and the tough times will make me
strong,er in the long run. Besides, if I did fail, the
failure would be in other peoples' eyes-not mine."
Beginning Tuesday, September 2, Incurable Collector
will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.
until 5:30 p.m.
Current plans for the store include quarterly happenings which will likely feature an artist. The first such
event is slated for September 21 and will spotlight
the recent works of Bernadette Martinez.
DON'T FORGET
The Most Exciting Event
in September
CASSELBERRY/DUPREE
Sunday, Sept. 7, 4:00 p.m.
Civic Center Little Theatre, OKC
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We encourage the exchange of information, personal opinions on issues of concern to the Oklahoma women's community, and your stories and
experiences.
The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters according to space limitations. Letters should be typed, double-spaced and signed
by the author(s). Include your address and phone
number. If you wish to be published anonymously,
indicate so, but include your name, etc., for our
information, in case the editor has questions.
Mail or deliver your letters to HSR, Inc., 1630
N. W. 19, Okla. City, OK 73106. Deadline is the
15th of each month.
To Those of You Who Will Listen and Hear:
It is with a deep sense of regret and a great
loss of the respect that I did have for this small
society called prison that I cry my heart out.
On June 26, 1986, a dear friend, Christian sister,
singer and pianist escaped this environment.
Could her escape have been avoided? Yes. For
quite some time mary Hill suffered from something that made her shake spontaneously and fall
from her bed to the floor.
It being that I am not a physician, I cannot say
what she suffered from. But what I can say is
that had the situation been different, had we not
been incarcerated and restricted to the boundaries, mary would have been taken to the hospital
and given the medical attention she needed from
qualified physicians.
I remember checking on Mary one night especially, after she had already had a bout with this
thing that caused her to stretch her hands out
and throw her head back. Ironically, I was to
witness her as she fell from her bed, knocking
her TV set over, during which time I waited patiently for her door to open so that I could assist her if at all possible.
Mary's death could have been avoided. And it
breaks my heart to know that deep inside these
people were trying to kill her. I'm sorry to say
this, but I can only go by the obvious. May God
be my witness. Had these authorities in this fine
institution not been trying to kill Mary, she
would have received proper medical attention.
There isn't any logic to back up why Mary was
never taken to the hospital, even after falling
out of bed and bleeding from her mouth. Even
after bearing scars on her neck from the fall.
These are things seen with the naked eye; but
not once was she treated as normal people would
treat one who is suffering.
On one occasion I was awakened late at night.
On that night she was lying on the floor. Although I went to help, I was told by the officers that what they were doing was their fob.
My reply was, "Well, get her up off the damn
floor!" But, sadly, when I awoke the next morning she still lay on the floor.
Please hear me, these are events leading up to
her death.
Unfortunately for Mary, on Tuesday, June 24,
1986, I was told by one of the girls that somethine was wrong with Mary. Upon entering her
room, I encountered a bed with soiled linen, with
the smell of urine. Also, blood near the place
where she lays her head and crust-blood on the
side of her mouth.
Is it not true that if one is suspected of bleeding internally that the best medical care possible
is required? Mary bled internally, her cries were
ignored. On Wednesday, June 25, 1986, I asked
Mary, "How are you doing?" Mary sat on the
edge of her bed, barely able to keep her head
up, whispering these words, "I ne~d some attention, I need some attention." I responded to her
plea for help by going outside the quad door and
telling the control room officer. The officer's
reply to me was, "Oh, she'll be all right."
Now, please, will somebody tell
sponsible, why did she die? The
I can come up with is that
caused by the same group of
house and feed me.
me who is reonly explanation
her death was
individuals who
This must never happen again.
Respectfully,
Laurel V. Mitchell, #93665
Mabel Bassett Correctional Center
(EDITORS' NOTE: If this letter inspires you to
become involved with our forgotten sisters, here
are some ways you can help:
•Educate yourself about the realities of incarceration, the needs of women in prison and how you
can help. Suggested reading, Ann Jones' Women
Who Kill.
•Lodge your concerns with the Warden of MBCC
and/ or Larry Meachum, Director of the Department of Corrections.
•Become a volunteer at MBCC and help women
on a one-to-one basis.
•Ask your legislator to get concerned about incarcerated women and what is happening in our
correctional facilities.
•contact your local halfway house and battered
women's shelter to see what they are doing to
help and how you might become involved.)
FALL MEANS RE-TREAT YOURSELF
As hot as it feels as this is written and read,
we know that Fall will be here and that means
it's time for Harland's semi-annual re-charging,
re-fuvenating Re-treat.
Start making your plans TODAY for the weekend
of October 24-26, at Sequoyah State Park, on Ft.
Gibson Reservoir. Located near Tahlequah and
160 miles from Oklahoma City, this park offers
almost any recreation one could wish for--horseback riding, boat rentals at the marina, a swim
beach (it may be too cold, though), an 18-hole
golf course, hiking trails, a nature center and a
tennis court.
There are a few scholarships available for those
wishing to attend who cannot afford the $15 fe.
Also, anyone wishing to sponsor an attendee on
scholarship, please contact HSR. You may indicate either of these items on the pre-registration
form.
You won't want to miss out on all the fun, so
send in your form early and secure your place.
r---------------------,
FALL FESTIVAL/RETREAT FOR WOMEN
REGISTRATION
Name(s),_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Address,~--------------City
ST_ Zip_ __
Telephone.~-------------~
Send me scholarship information.
=Send me information about sponsorship.
Deadline for pre-registration: Oct.15, 1986
Mail this form and your check for $15 per
person to:
Harland Sister Resources, Inc.
c/o Kris Marek
1137 N.W. 31
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
t _____________________
J
The nearby area teems with history, from the Ft.
Gibson Stockade, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum at Muskogee, to Tsa-la-gi, the Murrell Home
and the Cherokee Cultural Arts Center at Tahlequah. You might even work in a float trip on the
nearby Illinois River.
The group camp offers cabins with cots and a
fully equipped kitchen facility and dining hall.
Herland will again provide coffee, but you should
bring your own food for the weekend through
Sunday breakfast (checkout time is Sunday
noon), plus our tradition night of sharing food
for Saturday night.
Also, bring a bedroll or
sleeping bag, pillow, towels, toilet articles, flashlights, musical instruments, toys, cameras, fishing
equipment, comfortable shoes. Bring arts and
crafts for exhibit or sale, plus networking information.
For those who do not wish to semi-rough it in
the group camp, Western Hills Lodge is close.
The Saturday night concert has not been finalized, but you can count on its being spectacular.
Also, anyone wishing to conduct a workshop,
please contact Herland as soon as possible. We
would like to have some idea about workshops
before arriving at the park. If there is a workshop topic you would like to see addressed, also
contact someone at Herland.
You may check in any time after 4:00 p.m. on
Friday. The park is located just east of Wagoner
(50 miles east of Tulsa) on SH-51. When you
send in your complete registration, you will be
sent a map on how to get to the group camp.
HSR must have an approximate count on attendees, so send the pre-registration form below and
your check for $15 per person by October 15 to
Herland Sister Resources, Inc., c/o Kris Marek,
1137 N.W. 31, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. On site
registration will be $20. If you have special
needs, such as non-smoking or non-alcoholic
sleeping space, please indicate so on your form.
HERBALIST TO HOLD OKC WORKSHOP
Herland received the ad concerning healing with
herbs, along with a letter, saying that Jane
Case, herbalist, will be in Oklahoma City, Sept.
27, to do a training workshop. She has spent the
past six years, educating people how to use
herbs and vitamins for healing, and writes of
having recently met a woman who works with
California AIDS victims one week each month,
with astounding results so far.
If you are interested, write to her at the address listed in the ad.
,.-
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Oeverly K. Evans, M.5.W.
1010 NW 45
Oklahoma City
521-8241
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HERLAND HAS A PLAN!
Herland did it! We have written a three-year
plan. Mter being germinated at the Spring Retreat's brainstorming session, the plan has taken
form and is in effect to direct our efforts and
emphasis. The actual plan is 10 pages long, but
here are some of the highlights.
Five priorities are: 1) Monthly events to broaden
base of support; 2) Coordination of activities and
events; 3) Outreach to identifiable groups; 4)
Expanding newsletter resources; 5) Coordinators
for specific tasks and events.
There are also short, medium and long-term
goals. You may pick up a copy of the entire
plan at Herland or by calling Laura at 672-4141,
review it and see where you can help. Herland is
made of all of us, and the committee welcomes
your comments and additions.
Get involved. The next three years are going to
be those of growth and expansion, but only you
can make that happen.
The space Herland is seeking will be large
enough to house the present store space, the library, plus have a number of offices which can
be rented to feminist organizations. Also, we are
seeking a climate-controlled space which has a
room that can be used for coffeehouses/small
concerts and events. Bathroom facilities are a
high priority.
Think about the services Herland has provided
the community during the last year and a half-a
monthly newsletter that informs you of what's
new and what's going on, two successful (and
fun) retreats, three big-name concerts, monthly
coffeehouses, two nationally-known authors who
spoke and shared at Herland, a lending library,
referral services, workshops that addressed needs
of many in the comm.unity, plus fun and fellowship. What other organizations do you belong to
that are giving as much to you? And asking as
little in return?
The time has come to make a commitment to the
ideals and purposes set forth in Herland's bylaws, for, without your financial support, we
cannot grow. You can make a monthly pledge, or
a lump sum contribution. And remember, every
dollar you can give will be matched. You will
receive a receipt, plus a tax letter for contributions over $100. Thank you from all the Herland
Collective.
HERLAND BUILDING FUND
HERLAND LAUNCHES BLDG. FUND DRIVE
Herland Sister Resources, Inc., has been exploring all the possibilities of expanding its space,
from the proposed stock investment venture, to
asking for contributions to move into a larger
leased space. But, to date, none has brought
forth enough money and interest to make the big
move.
Now, we have an opportunity to focus all of
these efforts into one plan--namely, it is a
matching-fund plan, whereby an anonymous benefactor will match the funds raised in the
following ratio: first $10,000, Herland, $5000,
Angel, $5000; second $10,000, Herland $3333,
Angel, $6667; third $10,000, Herland, $2500,
Angel, $7500. What this means is that, for the
first time, we have a more serious incentive to
launch an organized drive to raise funds for the
much-needed space. These funds are to be used
for purchase only.
The donation prospects are still sweetened by
Herland's non-profit status, which makes every
dollar you donate to HSR tax-deductible. The
final word is not in on the new tax bill, but few
people we know don't need more charitable contributions.
Name
--------------~--~
Address ~--~----~-----~-~
City
ST
Zip _ __
Amt.=$_ _ _ _ __
I pledge $
per month toward the
building fund
Mail to: HSR Building Fund, 1630 N.W. 19,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106.
CLASSIFIED
ADS
HOME FOR RENT, N.W., 2 bed, heat,
furnished or unfurnished. Call 672-4141.
air,
HERLAND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR LAWN
MAINTENANCE. Check with person working
weekends or call 672-6459.
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS:
Rates:
1-20 words, $2.50, 1 time
21-30 words, $3.50, 1 time
- -
-
- -- -- - -- --
-
Tclephoae 40' 232·'4H or 272-715'
Pr•ctice limited
to Psychfatry
LARRY M. PRATER, M. D.
FALL CLEANING GARAGE SALE
to benefit
318 Cl•sscn Profcssionol Bldg.
1110 N. Cbssen Blvd.
Ok.hhom~ City, Ok. 73106-6808
Office Hours
By Appointment
Building Fund for
Herland Sister Resources, Inc.
Saturday, September 13
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
LOVE MAY BB BLIND... BUT
HANDWRITING'S NOT
Sunday, September 14
7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
"When we write, we patent an X-ray
photograph of our inner self."
It's time for Herland's annual garage
sale. This is an opportunity for you to
help yourself and Herland.
Professional analysis of compatibility
There are two ways you can participate:
1) bring your items to Herland, 1630 N.W.
19, and donate 25% of your sales to Herland. (You save licensing costs and h 'iSsle, while helping launch the building fund
for HSR); or 2) donate your items to
Herland--it's tax deductible.
Confidential report on cassette
for information call
SHELLY ZAIKIS, C.M.G.
405-946-6928
Come and browse the days of the sale.
THISSPACE FOR RENT
For more information, contact Laura at
672-4141, if there are special items you
are looking to buy, if you'd like to make
a donation, or volunteer.
r---------1
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Loral C. Reeves
C.P.A.
I
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i 1014 Cedar dale Drive
_City,
_OK
_73127
_ _405/495-1094
_ _ ,_._.
I'le _
Okla.
Tired of Feeling Tired?
HELP YOUR BODY HEAL ITSELF
WITH NATURE'S HERBS
For more information, write
HERBS
P.O. BOX 95
Jasper, MO 64755
$10
write:
BERLAND SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
1630 N.W. 19th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
HSR NEWSLETTER GETS NEW EDITORS
Since before Herland became a Collective, its
newsletter has been capably edited every month
by Elaine Barton, who has now decided to put
her time and energies into new projects.
The Collective has decided to form an editorial
board, made up of Board members and others
who wish to work on the newsletter. So far, the
editorial board is comprised of Laura C., Ketta
M., Ginger McG. and Marian H. If you can read
and/ or write, you can be a part of the only
news disseminating project of its type in the
state.
Herland needs your ideas and your time, but with
enough people helping, the time will not be a
major commitment.
For more information, call Laura, 672-4141, or
Marian, 521-8434.
MCC TO HOST FALL FESTIVAL
Save Sunday, October 12, for Fall Festival '861
Mary Reynolds, lead singer of the Sisters of
Swing, head the list of entertainers, along with
Mary Black and Donna DeSalvo. There will also
be entertainment of all kinds from the gay and
lesbian community.
The Festival will be held at Spencer, in a beautiful outdoor setting, from 2-9 p.m. Bring lawn
chairs and picnic lunches and plan to spend the
day. Tickets are only $3 each and will be on
sale at Christ the King MCC, 1900 N.W. 12, at
Herland, 1630 N.W. 19, and at Oasis Community
Center, as well as other locations around the
City. You won't want to miss this great way to
end a busy summer.
Christ the King MCC is still looking for entertainers and people who would like to set up arts
and crafts booths. If you are interested in participating, please call MCC at 521-8352, leave a
message and someone will return your call as
soon as possible.
announces
the next meeting of the Collective
Sunday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.
Open to the Public
1630 N.W. 19, OKC
Group for Lesbians
WHO ARE CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
or love someone who is
For lnforma tion, Call
Bette Kelley, M.Ed., CADC
(Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor)
405-949-2301
SIGNS OF PROGRESS
MASTER GARDNER
755-2160
Complete Lawn Care • Free Estimates
ROSY'S BAR & GRILL TO PLAY IN KC
Rosy's Bar & Grill, the Kansas City string band
which has been entertaining women for ten
years, is playing September 24 at Jamie's
Lounge, in the River Quay, corner of 6th and
Walnut, Kansas City, Mo.
Willow Productions is presenting the local artist
series the last Wednesday of every month, at
8:00 p.m., with tickets $3 at the door.
Their album, "Rosy's Bar & Grill," can be ordered from Herland.
Publisher:
Editor:
Typesetter:
Advertising:
Circulation:
Harland Sister Resources, Inc.
Laura, Ketta, Ginger
Marian Hulsey
Marian Hulsey, 521-8434
or Loral Reeves, 495-1094
600
••As an addict of National Public Radio who also
sends them a small donation, I receive the
monthly program guide. But the one for August
1986 was different.
Monday night, the program "Horizons," August
18--"Meg Christian: Face the Music." Unfortunately I did not have this in time to put a notice in
the August newsletter.
There was no new music, but , that was not what
was important. The dialogue with Meg was along
the lines of her workshop at the NWMF two
years ago at Bloomington, with her speaking with
such calm determination about spirituality and
her addressing her problem with alcohol.
But, even as a person who has met Meg and
cooked health food for her, I learned something
new from this program. She was almost ready to
graduate from college with a degree in English,
when she switched to music, and became one of
the few music graduates with major concentration in guitar. (I said in a 1980 poem, after her
concert here, that she played chords my
musically-trained ear had never heard before.)
My objection to her recordings the past few
years have been that, by adding more instruments and voices, the unequalled guitar of Meg
Christian is not as discernible. But, the voice,
the range of subjects and treatment thereof,
have grown so. She attributes it to her discovery
of herself through meditation. (Continued on page 7)
A remarkable fact about this interview, conduct-
ed by a man, was that she said, "I love women,"
and this was not the focal point of the show. It
was one of the things discussed, but not THE
thing.
What a refreshing attitude.
Copies of the 30-minute tape may be obtained by
writing to Horizons, NPR, c/o KOSU, Stillwater,
OK 74078.
..Herland received political literature, addressed
to us, on purpose, from candidates who must
have gotten our name and address out of the
~Encouraging, but surprising.
••can you believe it? "Desert Hearts" is actually .
playing Oklahoma City. Catch it at the Bi.iou, if
you haven't already seen it.
••casselberry/DuPre~'s new album, "City Down,'
rated this July review in the Los Angeles Times:
"Any album that moves from Dory Previn 's 'Did
Jesus Have a Baby Sister' to the Eagles' 'Take
It to the Limit' deserves a listen--and you'll be
amply rewarded for your time. This female duo
deals in a rich, inviting blend of gospel, country,
reggae and African chants on topics that range
from apartheid to feminism." Don't miss your
chance to catch them live, September 7, at the
Civic Center Little Theatre. Both their albums
will be on sale in the lobby.
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KEMCO
PRINTING INC.
WOMEN'S NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
Friday & Saturday
September 12 & 13, 8:00 p.m.
Lazy E Arena, Guthrie
General Admission, $5
(a portion of each ticket sold
goes to benefit YWCA Crisis Hotline)
For more information, call
YWCA, 232-7681
Open 7 p.m. to closing
Closed Monday
3009 N. Classen
528-2317
5TH ANNUAL WOMEN IN ARTS CELEBRATION
Women musicians, creative writers, performers
and artists are invited to enter the 5th Annual
Women in the Arts Festival, to be held Saturday,
September 27, 1986, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., on the
campus of OSU, Stillwater.
·
Sound equipment will be provided for musicians,
if needed. Poets and writers of shorts works are
invited to give readings of their works during
the exhibition and sale. Dancers, mimes, humorists are also invited to perform during the day's
events. Artists are invited to exhibit their works
for free, or to exhibit and sell for a $15 fee.
All media are welcomed, but organizers ask that
there be no pre-molded ceramics.
Sponsored by the local NOW chapter, the OSU
Women's Council and Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council, the festival is being held in con.function with "Aggie Fest," a promotion of Oklahoma arts and entertainment.
This year's celebration will be held at a new
location, on the beautiful grounds between Old
Central and the Seretean Center.
Fill out and send the application below by Sept.
17, to Mendi Spencer, 030 Student Union, OSU,
Stillwater, OK 74078-0675. For more information,
phone 405-624-5314 .
Application, OSU Women in the Arts
Deadline, September 17, 1986
Kelley Mattocks
340-4301
160 I S. Broadway, Unit D • Edmond. Okla. 73013
Name~----------------~
Address
~---------------~
Telephone
Media- - - - - Exhibit Only (free)_ _ _ __
Exhibit and Sales ($15 fee)- - - - - (Make checks payable to Women in the Arts)
"DESERT HEARTS" PURE DESSERT
by A. Vann
A movie reviewer for one of our local newspa-
pers indicated that the movie "Desert Hearts"
would have been revolutionary in the 1950s, but
was old hat in the 1980s. He called attention to
the technical flaws--poor sound quality and choppiness. I, too, saw the technical difficulties the
first time I saw the film, and I was troubled by
unresolved questions I had about two of the
characters and their relationship to the main
characters, Vivian and Kay. Was the relationship
between Silver and Kay simply one of an older
woman serving as confidante to a younger one or
was it something more? The movie didn't answer
the question. The relationship between Vivian
and Walter left similar questions, with their
having casual contact in some of the early
scenes, but then suddenly he is behaving like a
betrayed lover.
For the life of me, I can't figure out what was
old hat about this film. I can't remember countless films about lesbians. I can't remember countless "coming out" films that catch the struggle
and poignancy of discovering a side of yourself
you never knew existed. I can't remember countless films where sex between women was a natural part of the story. When I think back over
love scenes between women, I remember a disembodied hand carressing the body of Susannah
York in "The Killing of Sister George." I remember the slow motion and nearly passionless sex in
"Lianna," and so the realistic, natural sexual
activity of "Desert Hearts" was both unusual and
highly effective. Since none of Mariette Hartley's ("Two Kinds of Love") stiffness existed between the two women in this film, I found myself wondering if the actresses were, in fact,
lesbians.
A second phenomenon that suggested to me that
the movie was not as old hat as the reviewer
led us to believe was that both ti.mes I saw the
film, heterosexual couples got up and left when
it became apparent that a relationship was developing between the two women. Usually the kiss
in the rain did it.
This has the flavor of a small film about an ordinary happening (divorce) in an ordinary life.
But it is the smallness and ordinariness of the
film that provides part of the satisfaction. For
anyone who has been revolted by the caricatures
of lesbians in porno films (I know somone who
swears we are always shown wearing bright red
lipstick and licking our lips with a suggestive
drooping of the eyelids when we aren't portrayed
as diesel dykes), this film is pleasing because we
know who the characters are before we ever get
into the sexual aspects of the relationship. I had
the sense that these were real women, living
through a situation--one that caused confusion,
panic and pain. Both faced real risks--leaving
behind what was comfortable in order to grow.
This is
ti.mes,
women
greater
a film I would willingly see several more
especially if it would encourage other
film makers to explore this genre in
depth.
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