Erotic Art Exhibition, The Dirty Show, Back in Detroit for Feb. 21-22

The Dirty Show, North America's largest erotic art exhibition, continues its 25th anniversary celebration on Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. This year's exhibition features more than 300 juried artworks that cover a range of media, such as films, immersive installations, paintings, photographs, sculptures, and live performances.

What began as an event originally held in an office above a Royal Oak bump shop has now moved to Detroit's 50,000-square-foot Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay St. 

In honor of its Silver Jubilee, the event will showcase works from previous headlining artists, including John Waters, H.R. Giger, Niagara, Clive Barker, and Bunny Yeager.

This year's attractions will include the Pink Pony Club, which will transform into a disco-leather "Daddyhole," a Cinerotic Film Festival, a Japanese shibari binding and burlesque performance, and several sex-centric and striptease performers.

Dirty Show founder and organizer Jerry Vile described the experience to the Detroit Free Press: “It's awesome, a room full of happy people. Part of that is that your brain releases dopamine when your eyes connect with anything erotic; when you have over 300 pieces of erotic art, a lot of those are going to release dopamine," he said. “And then, we have skimpy-dressed stage performers, go-go dancers in cages, and above all, the patrons themselves – lucky for us.” 

The Dirty Show runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Feb. 21 and 22. Tickets are $50 in advance and can be purchased at dirtydetroit.com. Only guests ages 21 and older are permitted.