BUILDING A MUSEUM FOR SEX EDUCATION THROUGH ART
My academic journey culminated in the development of a groundbreaking project that blended curatorial vision, community engagement, and strategic partnerships to establish a museum dedicated to sex education through art. This museum, designed as part of my Ph.D. dissertation in Erotology and Doctorate in Human Sexuality, became the cornerstone of my broader academic work. The project was phenomenological in nature, meaning it focused on documenting lived experiences and the essence of the process – from curatorial and facility design to programming and outreach—as well as the relationships I built with educational and creative leaders across industries and continents.
The focus of my dissertation, Building a Museum: Sex Education Through Art, brought together artist engagements, community collaborations, and global partnerships. This process led to the creation of the Erotic Heritage Museum (EHM), which opened its doors in 2008. My work designing the museum’s 24,000-square-foot space, along with curating permanent and rotating exhibitions (including 7,000 square feet of temporary exhibits), resulted in a dynamic institution that continues to explore complex themes related to sexuality, gender, and human rights.
A GLOBAL EXPLORATION TO BUILD CONNECTIONS
To bring this project to life, I traveled the globe during my dissertation research, forming strategic partnerships with collectors, museums, and educational institutions. These collaborations were essential in building the foundation for the museum’s collection and educational programming. Through these global interactions, I gained insights into multifaceted cultural contexts that greatly influenced the design of exhibitions and workshops at EHM. These experiences deepened my understanding of how sexuality is perceived across different societies, shaping both the academic and community-focused aspects of the museum. My travels allowed me to engage with curators, artists, educators, and policymakers, forming a rich network of collaborators that further enhanced the museum’s mission to provide comprehensive sex education through the lens of art.
Once the museum opened, it garnered significant media coverage and accolades for its innovative exhibitions, educational programming, and community outreach. Under my leadership, EHM became a pioneering institution, continually evolving as new cultural narratives and discoveries emerged. The foundation I built enabled the venue to remain flexible and adaptable, ensuring its continued growth and its ability to inspire future generations. My exhibitions were designed to be fluid, responding to emerging trends, societal shifts, and the ongoing need for inclusivity—making the museum a beacon for forward-thinking discourse and creative exploration.
A LEGACY OF PRESERVATION AND CONTINUED WORK
My exhibitions were designed to be fluid, responding to emerging trends, societal shifts, and the ongoing need for inclusivity—making the museum a beacon for forward-thinking discourse and creative exploration. The adaptability of the museum’s design ensured its continued growth and ability to inspire future generations.
Despite the museum’s success, much of my personal documentation—including architectural renderings, correspondence, and paperwork related to my dissertation—was tragically destroyed in a flood. Deeply engrossed in curating the museum and conducting outreach at the time, I had little opportunity to document my own journey. Furthermore, the closure of the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), where I earned my Doctorate and Ph.D., has made access to institutional records and archives impossible. These losses have left a significant gap in my academic documentation, but through this website, I aim to share my reflections and ensure that this pivotal chapter of my life is remembered and continues to inspire others.
For those interested, an early design of the website prior to the museum’s opening can be viewed here: Link. The website once opened in association with IASHS/Exodus Trust: Link)
EROTIC ART APPRAISALS: CONTINUING TO HONOR MY DEGREES
Today, I continue to honor my academic credentials and expertise through Erotic Art Appraisals, a specialized platform for evaluating rare and valuable collections of erotic and LGBTQ+ art, ephemera, and cultural artifacts. This ongoing work builds on the research I developed during my dissertation and serves as a bridge between art, education, and cultural preservation. Through my meticulous appraisal services, I ensure that each item is carefully documented, its provenance firmly established, and its cultural and historical significance preserved. My work through Erotic Art Appraisals allows me to apply the knowledge and insights gained from my Doctorate in Human Sexuality and Ph.D. in Erotology, preserving these invaluable collections for future generations.
The mission of my ongoing work aligns with the museum’s original focus: promoting an understanding and appreciation of erotic art and ephemera, fostering educational resources related to emotional, mental, physical, and sexual health, and cultivating equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Through Erotic Art Appraisals, I continue to support the preservation of specialized collections, expanding their reach to new audiences and ensuring their proper valuation and care.
BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE GROWTH
The foundation I established for EHM continues to serve as a springboard for its growth. Even after stepping back from day-to-day operations, I have watched with pride as the museum has evolved and adapted to changing times. Its flexible design and progressive curatorial framework have allowed it to become a platform for new discoveries, emerging cultural narratives, and societal shifts. The institution continues to attract scholars, students, artists, and the general public who seek to explore human sexuality in a safe, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment.
This website will continue to evolve as I document my adventures and the lasting impressions they’ve left on me. For many years, I placed this chapter of my life in the rearview mirror, but now I choose to embrace the opportunity to revisit and share the journey, ensuring that these experiences continue to inspire and inform future projects.
Image Above Features: Petals exhibition by Nick Karras / Sculptures by Evgeni Vodenitcharov || Video Below by Las Vegas Weekly