Most came to free their sexual inhibitions and dabble in the taboo. For some, this freedom meant a stop at the bondage display on the exhibition floor of the event. Dressed in only a metal studded leather bra and g-string, Valerie, a young brunette, was on hand at the booth to answer patron's questions regarding specific collars, whips, or any of the other items on display. For any client who might have a question regarding the products, Valerie said she and her co-workers would be happy to demonstrate the various uses of the commodities. A professional sadist and founder of the Maplewood Academy, a disciplinary school, Hardgrove provides instructional material and lessons for individuals seeking a higher education in the art of spanking.
Punishment can be sensuous.
It takes skill to give a good spanking. Linda, one of Hardgrove's recent graduates seated next to a chalkboard in the booth, described her idea of a perfect spanking as one that dealt a solid blow right in the center of her behind. Linda said she tries to assure would-be students of Hardgrove's that the art can be learned in a short amount of time depending on the degree of one's natural talent. For those patrons in need of a softer touch, a balloon artist was stationed across the room creating sexually explicit sculptures out of latex. Opting not for traditional dress, the artist wore many of his creations.