February Program: The Innocent Art of Bootblacking

When

Saturday February 24, 2024    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where

Folsom Street Community Center
1286 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA

Event Type

About the program:

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of leather care, where we’ll unlock the secrets to keeping your gear supple and brilliant! Get ready for a playful workshop that dives into the essentials of leather TLC – from the basics of conditioning with oil or polish to mastering the art of buffing with an array of dazzling tools.

BUT WAIT, there’s more! We will also venture into the wild side of leather care, delving into advanced techniques like suede care and unraveling the mysteries between leather paint and dye applications. We’ll showcase these techniques using suede boots. AND exotic leathers like snake, ostrich, and alligator are on the agenda! Discover the unique care routines for these materials that elevate your leather game. PLUS, we’ll even discuss adding a touch of personal flair with customizations like beading.

Don’t forget to bring your leathers to this hands-on class!
It’s not just a workshop; it’s an interactive leather care discussion where your gear becomes our focus!
(Innocent will help with supplies) Get ready for an exciting ride through the leather care with the ’23 Northwest Bootblack, Innocent.

The Innocent Art of Bootblacking

About our presenter:

Innocent (she/her) is an Indigenous bootblack from the Apache and Déni Nations. She proudly represents the House Of Iron and holds the title of Northwest Bootblack 2023. Innocent also serves as the Emotional Support Animal to Nunca, Ms. SF Eagle Leather 2023, and holds memberships/affiliations with Leather girls of Color, The Foundation, F.I.S.T.,  Service Pups of San Francisco, Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Sacramento-Honorary Founding Chapter Member, The Exiles, and being Mama’s Innocent One in Mama’s Family.

Introduced to bootblacking by her first Sir, Linda, a Marine, in the late 1990s, she has spent over 20 years honing this craft, finding joy in every shine, repair, and embellishment. Her journey has inspired a passion for uplifting voices often overlooked, particularly among Indigenous peoples in kink and Leather communities. Innocent’s mission is to advocate for ethical representation, especially for trans and other BIPOC bootblacks, fostering inclusivity at all levels.