LOVE & SMUT:Love Unhidden. Intimate Histories

Now, we want you to think about Long Beach before the internet, TV's, and even movie theaters!

Before Hollywood, Long Beach was the hub of the motion picture industry. The first film plant west of Chicago was established in 1910 in Long Beach by the California Motion Picture Manufacturing Company where it began making comedies and promotional films the following year. The company also followed with the opening of a movie theatre in Long Beach in which to show its films. 1911 also saw the brief appearance of the International Moving Picture Company in Long Beach, a joint American-Japanese filmmaking venture that was reported to have ended tragically after the murder of its American partner. In 1913, the Edison Company took over the California Motion Picture Manufacturing Company studio to make its own films. Later that year, Herbert M. Horkheimer, in turn, purchased the studio to found Balboa Studios.

Rare and intimate vintage collection steps out of the shadows and into the light. We invite you to explore the hidden histories of desire.
LOVE & SMUT: Love Unhidden. Unveiling LGBTQ+ Intimate Histories. A Private Collection Unveiled

Free showings:
FEB 7: Saturday 12-3 pm

NOTE: Adults only event. Must be over 18 to attend

Supported in part by Arts Council for Long Beach, City of Long Beach, Ancient Vine Studio, and LB Shibari Dojo

For the first time, a rare and intimate collection steps out of the shadows and into the light. Love & Smut invites you to explore the hidden histories of desire through a curated selection of very personal vintage erotic art from the late 1800’s - 1960’s. Photographs, postcards, drawings, and underground imagery. Love once kept secret, shared only in whispers and hidden drawers. Some are tiny and dogeared. Photos of lovers hidden once in a wallet and carried every day. Hear their journey as technology allows viewers to hear the personal story of select photos, by scanning QR codes.

This is not just an exhibition. It’s a revelation. A chance to witness the art of seduction, rebellion, and vulnerability that has quietly shaped our visual history of intimacy. This show honors the long fight to bring queer love out of the shadows: where photos were once hidden and relationships kept secret, and into the light of visibility and celebration. This collection stands as a reminder of the courage and creativity that helped build public acceptance. In court, the right for gay people to marry is being challenged again! This viewing becomes even more vital as a testament to our history, our humanity, and our refusal to be erased.

Location: 1219 Cherry Ave. Long Beach, Ca.... Ancient Vine Studio is a working art studio so it will provide a unique setting for the event. We are located down the alley between the buildings. So if you can see the Bank of America turn around and look at the alley that runs along the blue building. Walk down the alley until you find the door with the Ancient Vine Studio sign.

PARKING: Do NOT park in any of the parking lots. They will TOW even if you have a handicap sign! Park on the streets. There is no 2 hour time limit that late at night. Do not leave anything visible in your car. Unfortunately, CA has changed.