Long before TOM's Weekend, there was Durk. Durk Dehner is the beating heart behind TOM House and co-founder at the helm of @tomoffinlandfoundation, first brought to life in 1984. The nonprofit was established by Durk and his one-time partner, the erotic artist Tom of Finland, who had, by that point, achieved worldwide recognition as the master of homoerotic art. The foundation’s original purpose was to preserve Tom’s vast catalog of work. It has since expanded to act as an overarching advocate for queer art — educating the public as to the cultural merits of erotic art and promoting healthier, more tolerant attitudes about sexuality. TOM House, a beacon beaming from the hills of Echo Park, serves as homebase for the foundation. On The Reader, Durk walks us through his five favorite art pieces residing there — find the link in our stories today. Come meet Durk and TOM House artists-in-residence @rinaldohopf and @oatmontienstudio tomorrow at 1pm at our @tomoffinlandstore pop-up for a book signing. We can’t wait. Photo by @michelleshiers