The venue was cozy and sensually lit. The atmosphere was lively yet groovy. The fine art was entrancing. But the people! The people were by far the most beautiful aspect of an all-around gorgeous evening on Friday, March 18 at St. Brigid’s Centre for the Arts as GuerillaEroticaLIVE unfolded like a flower awaiting pollination.

The launch of Guerilla #27—the all-erotica issue now online and in print—served as main thrust on the occasion, but, as with most GuerillaLIVE events, the festivities took on an essence of their own as readers, contributors, magazine staff, and the lovely crew from St. Brigid’s collaborated for a memorable evening.

DJ Michael Caffrey dug into his vinyl collection to spin some erotic audio gold. Thyme&Again catering was on hand to offer tantalizing hors d'oeuvres. A range of fine artists featured in the magazine exhibited their eye-pleasing works. And the newly sprung Ottawa Shakespeare Company screened and staged a sneak peek of their Hamlet2011 production opening April 27: two scenes were performed live following the premiere showing of an elegant video created to hype the play (put together by the talented local collective, The Greater Good).

Young lovelies proffering chocolates modelled fetish outfits from Wicked Wanda’s, adding some risqué edge, but surely the most talked-about attraction was Perfect, Pristine, Magnificent, the immense porn-inspired painting by Andrew Morrow that was discreetly on display on the upper level of St. Brigid’s. Featured on the cover of the #27 print edition, the remarkable work had many guests transfixed for long stretches and returning for two or three viewings.

Guerilla warmly thanks St. Brigid’s staff, magazine contributors, volunteers, and guests for helping to stage an event that lived up to its name