Jim Ward
Managing Editor of Design & Layout
The annual APP Conference is always a mind-expanding experience, but this year—it’s 20th anniversary—was a definite milestone. More people than ever turned out, attending a record number of classes and events presented by a roster of industry all-stars.
The one thing I appreciated most this year was the APP’s commitment to history, not only of the organization, but also of the industry itself. Long standing icons like Paul King, Dave Vidra, Fakir, and myself presented snapshots of the APP’s birth and evolution. The APP Timeline session brought together many of the early founders including some I have not seen in over 20 years. It was a touching reunion.
I was especially impressed with Paul King, Matte Erickson, and Becky Dill, as well as the host of volunteers who brought together the Body Piercing Archive, which opened its doors for the first time on June 10th. Walking through the exhibit was a heartwarming and often bittersweet experience. Seeing reminders of industry champions like Al D., Raelyn Gallina, and Sailor Sid Diller brought a tear to my eye.
Paul has been working tirelessly to preserve the history of our industry. In this process he has started forging an alliance between the APP and the Leather Archive & Museum (LA&M) in Chicago*. The LA&M “is dedicated to the compilation, preservation, and maintenance of leather, kink, and fetish lifestyles,” which often includes body modification. Since the body piercing industry has its roots in the gay and BDSM community, this is an important alliance. The LA&M has financial resources, its own building, and a staff that includes a professional archivist. This is a win/win relationship for everyone involved.
This year in particular, as part of his efforts, Paul organized a special appeal to help finance the preservation of the Sailor Sid collection which had been willed to me and which I had donated to the LA&M many years ago. Some of the materials are particularly fragile and in need of special attention before they deteriorate beyond saving. For the story of this highly successful campaign, see the Sailor Sid Update in this issue.
We can all be justly proud of our organization. So much has been accomplished in the last 20 years. I cannot praise enough those members, past and present, who have struggled and nurtured the APP to make it such a success, to set such high standards for the industry, and to continue its educational efforts. It does my heart good.
*As a footnote, the LA&M is already the repository of the Fakir Musafar collection, still in the process of being cataloged. I am currently in negotiations to donate my own collection to them as well.
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