I arrived at the Universal Skating Center (866 South Goldenrod Road) straight from the Holi Festival. My neck, forehead and ears were covered with bright pink and green powdered pigments. I immediately walked to the back of the rink to the sinks that were outside the bathrooms. There was only one mirror, so I would soak a paper towel in water and then go to the mirror to see how much pigment I could wipe off. I actually think I just rubbed the pigments deeper into my skin and spread them around. Several Derby Girls rolled out of the women’s room and did a double take when they saw me. I was hogging two sinks so I moved my art supplies out of the way for one of the Derby Girls.
In the concessions area new recruits were filling out paperwork. This event was a way to introduce the league to these new recruits. All of the members of the league rolled out onto the rink. The two women who had let me know about the league, were Berlin Wall and Felix Bash it. They both saw me sketching and came over to introduce themselves. They accepted my colorful garb since I was an artist. Every woman in the league has a nickname, some of my favorites were Anita Priest, Snatch face-riot, Kung–Fu Kitty and Sister Mary Mayhem.
New recruits were encouraged to join the league veterans out on the rink. Everyone formed a large circle. After the basic introductions, a fast-paced game of tag was initiated. A recruit would get up and start skating around the rink. Then on the opposite side, another girl would get up and start skating behind her. If the recruit was tagged, she lost. Several times girls without skates would get up and run around the rink and of course they were easily tagged.
Laura Kohler (Berlin Wall) invited me to come back any time. I saw dozens of sketch opportunities, and I can’t wait for the main event!
