By JULES SHINKLE
BG Independent News
Halloween season was ushered in this past Sunday at the Transcendence Artist Coalition’s “Creature Feature.” The art show at Howard’s Club H was themed around all things macabre, inviting performers and audience alike to don their spooky personas.
Transcendence Artist Coalition (TAC), a nonprofit organization for queer artists, has put on shows with increasing regularity since 2024. The foundation sprung from the Transcendence Art Show, an effort to build a network among the local LGBTQ artist community. “Creature Feature” marks another step toward fulfilling that goal – only this time, make it haunted.
“We were kind of wracking our brains trying to figure out other events to go through the season,” said Lordex Axe, TAC Vice President and lead for “Creature Feature.”
“I’m a spooky lil’ horror guy – love haunted houses, Halloween, all that – I work at a haunted house. I went, ‘You know what we should do? A Halloween party, but we’re gonna make it our kind of Halloween party.’”
In addition to a gallery of more than 20 artists’ works, the event featured two drag performances, a musical act, and a tarot reader. “It’s been really exciting to plan.”
“I also have some live monsters roaming around from Distracted Haunted House,” Axe added. Among the more innocuous costumes (a black cat, a mothman onesie) were a handful of actors in truly horrific makeup and garb. “It’s very hard to break them out of character.”
While other live performers have shown up for TAC events, “Creature Feature” is the first with an actual stage. First up was the devilish Nolan Voyd, a performer in sparkling, sanguine red. They strutted to a swingy pop number by Will Wood and the Tapeworms, unveiling increasingly dapper fits.
Next was the master of ceremonies himself, Lordex Axe. Despite Nolan being a tough act to follow, he led the crowd in an unholy communion with unfailing energy. His muddy fingers anointed many an adoring devotee all while lip-syncing to screamo metal. Afterwards, he joked/warned those he touched of an impending curse they may want to prepare for.
And what better way to prepare for the future than a bit of divination? Tarot practitioner and recent BGSU graduate Stephanie D. Grenier gave readings for those interested in magical guidance.
Jane Carver took to the stage after an intermission with her haunted accordion in tow. After a beautifully eerie set, the evening closed with a Halloween costume contest.
Upcoming TAC plans include a winter workshop for artist professional development. The goal, according to Axe, is to help individuals with “applying for grants, preparing pieces for galleries, applying to shows, that kind of stuff.”
“We want to be able to help lead artists do things like this show here, facilitate events and get out into the world.”
