The Shop Blog
Drag & Draw with Giganta Smalls @ Strange Ways! October 27 2023
Join us at Strange Ways for an unforgettable figure drawing class! Once again we will be bringing a LIVE DRAG QUEEN into Strange Ways Studio as our figure drawing model!
This will be a guided class, taught by our very own Val Ruby-Omen, professional illustrator and amateur drag queen tamer. She'll teach you step-by-step how to draw the human form, as our model, Giganta Smalls, strikes a pose or two.
This class is suitable for all skill levels and is meant to be fun, casual, and incredibly entertaining. There will be jokes, laughs, and emotional support available if your drawing ends up looking more like a donkey than our beautiful Giganta. **We do recommend ages 13+ for this class--expect the same level of shenanigans you'd see in a PG13 movie.**
We will provide all of the materials you need to draw your very own drag queen, but please feel free to bring your own if you'd like to get even more creative!
Giganta will also be treating guests to a performance at the end of the class, so stick around and see why the CT drag scene is among the best in the world.
SPACES ARE VERY LIMITED- buy your tickets ASAP because this class will fill up fast.
TICKETS ARE $15 PRESALE, OR $20 AT THE DOOR (if any are even available by then!):
TICKET PREORDER
Halloween Boo-tique- A Monthly Mini Market @ Strange Ways! September 20 2023
-Joe Wilson
-The Leaf Keepers
-Stace Lee Creations
-Strange Charm Glassworks
-Verdi Lune Shop
Ilana Glazer Visits Strange Ways! September 20 2023
Comedian (COMEDIENNE) Ilana Glazer (Broad City, Rough Night, The Afterparty, False Positive) was in New Haven for their show at College Street Music Hall—AND THEY STOPPED INTO STRANGE WAYS! It was surreal to see her walking around the store, and shopping! She even made a little montage of her short time in New Haven, including a clip from her in our little shop.
Ive rewatched Broad City way too many times, so this was a special treat. Ilana is a unique force, and I also appreciate what she stands for. Her opening act Joyelle Nicole Johnson was also super nice (AND FUNNY). Thank you for Ilana and her crew for stopping in, for the tickets to the show, and also actually buying something and supporting small. #FAN4LYFE
-Alex, Owner and megafan
Cryptid Costume Party / Connecticut Cryptids Book Release @ Strange Ways! September 20 2023
Become the cryptid you wish to see in the world by joining us at our cryptid costume party at Strange Ways! Dress as your fave cryptid--maybe Bigfoot, Mothman, Fresno Night Crawler--or make one up just for the night! THE BEST COSTUME WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE!
We will be celebrating the release of the local field guide, Connecticut Cryptids, an independently published collection of Connecticut's weirdest and most wonderful cryptids and creatures. Author Pat Scalisi and illustrator Val Ruby-Omen will be joining us for a live reading and book signing, as well as acting as judges for our costume contest.
Enjoy light refreshments and take advantage of the free photo booth, generously provided by Downtown New Haven. PLUS, we are so thrilled to welcome our favorite local cryptid and drag performer, Tiki Malone, for an unforgettable performance that will close out the night!
As always, entry is free and the vibes are immaculate. COSTUMES ARE NOT REQUIRED, but strongly encouraged! Come just as you are, or as you wish to be!
A NIGHTMARE ON ORANGE STREET: Art Reception, Crafters of Color Market, and Movie Screening September 14 2023
DOWNTOWN NEW HAVEN: PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR....A NIGHTMARE ON ORANGE STREET!
Join us on Friday the 13th for a spooktacular lineup of events celebrating our favorite time of the year. The teams at Strange Ways, Crafters of Color, and Downtown New Haven are teaming up for a truly legendary night of events!
DON'T MISS THIS....OR IT WILL HAUNT YOUR DREAMS FOREVER.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5-PM-10PM: New Haven Crafters of Color Spooky Market at 360 State Street - Browse ghoulish handmade wares from some of the best crafters in the state! This grassroots organization is founded by people of color and celebrates their essential contributions to the local arts scene. Come out and show your support--to scare is to care!
6-8PM- Friday the 13th Art Show Opening Reception at Strange Ways, 151 Orange Street - The walls at Strange Ways will be covered with over 20 vibrantly painted/sculpted/decorated hockey masks designed by local artists from all across Connecticut. Light refreshments will be available!
6-8PM - Local DJ legend, Mo Niklz, will be taking over Pitkin Plaza with a chilling video DJ set that you won't want to miss. Enjoy yard games out in the plaza while you vibe to his creepy beats!
8-10PM - "Get Out" Movie Screening in Pitkin Plaza- "Get Out" was chosen by Crafters of Color and Strange Ways as a combination of our love for artists of color and the spookiest time of the year. Our friends at Downtown New Haven are graciously providing the movie and the exceptionally cozy atmosphere for a downtown movie screening!
QUEER MIXER: Goth Night Edition @ Strange Ways September 14 2023
Strange Ways returns with another QUEER MIXER.....except this time, it's GOTH!
That's right, put on your darkest blacks and pull out the old eyeliner, cuz we're getting spooky.
Join us in store for a free and friendly social gathering from 7pm-9pm. Meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and come see for yourself why the Connecticut queer community is so special.
* Enjoy free refreshments along with catering from our friends and queer neighbors at Blue Orchid!
*Queer folks will receive 10% off their entire purchase during the mixer, so feel free to browse and shop while we party!
*Local goth icon A/8 will be providing electronic dance music as the backdrop to a deliciously goth evening.
* * SEE YOU AT THE AFTERPARTY! * *
The fun doesn't end at 9pm! We'll be closing down shop and walking down the street to continue the afterparty at Blue Orchid, who is kindly extending their hours to accommodate ours guests! Grab one of their signature mixed drink or a little bite to eat and support another incredible queer-owned business right here in the 9th Square.
LGBTQ+DIY Monthly Mini Market @ Strange Ways! September 02 2023
You can expect an assortment of rad, local, queer, makers popping up in the studio while we celebrate the triumphant return of New Haven Pride (happening right down the street from us!). Come browse everything from zines and self publications, art, upcycled clothing, and more!
ARTIST LIST (more coming soon!)
@decaying_poetry
@m.g.bayonaart
@sarah.michelle.lane
As always our monthly mini markets are free to attend. We hope you'll come celebrate local queer art with us!
Refresh Your Threads: After School Special @ Strange Ways! August 29 2023
STRANGE WAYS STUDIO TAKEOVER: Pop-Up Art Gallery, Shop, and Live Painting with Majesty Reyes! August 24 2023
https://www.thecuriouscreative.net/
https://www.thecuriouscreative.net/
Mural Mixer: Celebrating Public Art in Pitkin Plaza! August 11 2023
Come celebrate the completion of Pitkin Plaza's latest mural, painted by local artist Lindaluz Carillo!
Downtown New Haven, Straight Up Art, and Strange Ways are teaming up to bring Pitkin Plaza to life on the evening of August 26th. We'll have a live DJ in the plaza, along with vendors inside of Strange Ways, bites and sips from local restaurants, and more!
FEATURED VENDORS:
-Lindaluz Carrillo
https://www.instagram.com/airisuniverse/
Don't miss it!
More info about mural artist Lindaluz Carillo:
https://www.lindaluzcarrillo.com/
More info about our hosts:
Downtown New Haven
https://www.downtownnewhaven.com/
Straight Up Art:
https://www.downtownnewhaven.com/straightupart
Strange Ways:
www.strange-ways.com