Tom of Finland Foundation is back with the biggest TOM’s Bar in history
Tom of Finland Foundation produced the biggest TOM’s Bar in history on Sunday, June 19 at the Avalon & Bardot in the dead center of Hollywood, CA - at Hollywood and Vine - across the street from Capital Records and James Dean's star on the Walk of Fame only a few feet from the entrance.
TOM’s Bar was the Foundation’s 29th Annual commemoration of the artist Tom of Finland, his life and legacy.
“Tom asked me not to have a funeral but to have a party – like a scene from his artwork – people coming together and having a hell of a good time. We created a celebration – the first ‘TOM’s Bar’ in 1992 – which has become a Tom of Finland Foundation annual event honoring Tom.” -Durk Dehner, president and cofounder, ToFF.
The theme for the year was Tom Unites, a celebration of the community coming together after a strenuous two years with a global pandemic.
Joining the Foundation in their biggest annual fundraising event were DILF, Lights Down Low, Lethal Amounts, Mike Ruiz, Vaseline Alley, Tom of Finland Store and End Overdose.
Country music singer Orville Peck was the honored guest, who performed one of his hits to the delight of close to 1,000 cheering Tom of Finland fans.
The all-day party at the Avalon featured TOM’s Men dancing and sweating to a special performance by Mareux, all while enjoying the works of Mr. She Leather, Rick Castro and Suzanne Shifflett.
Scroll down for TOM's Bar Gallery
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The Leather Journal, July - August, 2022
In bars and stores now
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To kick off the Daddy’s Day weekend celebrations, Tom of Finland Foundation presented an exciting photography exhibition by world famous photographer Mike Ruiz at Tom House on Saturday.
TOM’s Foundation and Mike Ruiz' Eye: Teams Up and Gears Up featured selected images from his on-going portrait series of the Leather community. Adding to the experience, Mike set up shop at TOM’s Bar on Sunday for VIP photo sessions for Leather enthusiasts to be included in his upcoming book.
Durk Dehner presented the Tom of Finland Foundation 2022 Cultural Icon Award to Orville Peck for artistic achievement and immeasurable contributions to the art and culture of our community. The award was handed to Peck by Terry Miller, Ambassador for Tom of Finland Store. “It’s a very special acknowledgment for me because I think, especially these days, it’s really important for art to be subversive,” Peck said. He joins Rob Halford, Henry Rollins, Clive Barker and John Waters as Tom of Finland Foundation Icons.
Mr. LA Leather 2022 Angel Rincon was presented a Tom of Finland fine art print by Marc Bellenger, Tom of Finland Foundation Curator and ONYX (LA Chapter) President Suede. Los Angeles Leather Pride Producer Gabriel Green gave the opening remarks.
"Orville Peck deserves to shine for many reasons, his music videos are celebrations of LGBTQ pride. Standing out loud and proud has become more important to him than ever, he has an open heart and open mind. We know his work will help change the cycle of racism and homophobia." Durk Dehner said.
"Success comes with our supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and each and every ticket holder. There are not enough thank-yous in the world for all the talent up on that stage. Blown away." says S.R. Sharp, Chief Experience Officer, Tom of Finland Foundation.
Mike Ruiz set up special VIP photo sessions for Leather enthusiasts to be included in his upcoming book.
Dita Von Teese was part of the enthusiastic audience.
Silver Sponsors for the 29th annual TOM's Bar were Ben Orson Leather and Bad Dragon.
Information on TOM’s Bar and the exhibition can be found at
https://www.tomoffinland.org/tomsbar
Gallery of 50 photos by Miguel Reyes, Gabriel Green and Dave Rhodes
More of Miguel Reyes' photos and galleries at https://www.facebook.com/miguel.reyesillustrator
Scroll down for TOM's Bar Gallery
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Gallery of 50 TOM's Bar photos by Miguel Reyes, Gabriel Green and Dave Rhodes
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The Leather Journal was founded in May, 1987. The Leather community was hungry for news magazine that covered clubs, organizations and events. TLJ has successfully met that need for 34 years. We have adapted to change more than once and when the Internet came about we were there by adding www.TheLeatherJournal.com
