Atrocity Exhibition Date Confirmed.....

Yep....we've made the announcement....check our kickstarter page for the video blog....

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/776358592/morose-and-macabres-atrocity-exhibition-2011/posts/51619

Atrocious Update.....Atrocity 2011

Greetings!
Atrocity Exhibition's rusty gears are in full motion as we gnash and gnaw our way closer to the event. As we all know, we have been funded through kickstarter and have also been offering Atrocious tees in our Etsy store to help fund the event. We will continue to offer exclusive items through out the next few months to help continue to build event funds....so keep your eyes peeled.

I have been in contact with the venue and made some serious head way this afternoon on Atrocity's date. We are currently gunning for 2 dates: Friday, April 29, 2011 and Friday, May 6, 2011. We will have one of these 2 dates nailed with in the next few days, as we are in competition with other promoters for the space. The fantastic, new booking management is working with us to push our offer through.
So, with that being said....Atrocity's final date announcement will be made as soon as I receive the phone call that our date is solid and that we can move forward, and I have been guaranteed that it will be within the next 3 days.

I am going to go ahead and put out the call for artists and entertainers. Although our entertainment line up has been fairly secured, we are sending our feelers out for any one that we may have not seen before that can bring something different to this fantastic line up of malcontents who grace our stage with their atrocious behavior. We are offering 15 vendor/artist tables at this year's event. Some of these spots have already been spoken for and the remaining spots will fill up FAST. Last event, our vendor spots filled within 2 days time, so if you are interested....act now.

READ THE FINE PRINT!!!
These are the guidelines for our artists/entertainers....read carefully....follow the directions ;)

**ATROCITY EXHIBITION IS AN ART OF FETISH EVENT....NOT A FETISH EVENT. WE INCORPORATE FETISH PERFORMANCES INTO A CABARET/SIDESHOW ATMOSPHERE AND THIS IS A THEMED EVENT. THIS YEAR'S THEME IS 1920's ASYLUM MEDICAL AND WILL BE THE VAUDEVILE ASYLUM CABARET...STRAIGHT JACKETS, SHOCK TREATMENT THERAPY, AND ICE BATHS WELCOME**

ARTISTS/VENDORS: We are looking for HAND CRAFTED wares of a darker nature from established crafters/artisans that will fit with the DARKER theme of Atrocity. We are looking for corset makers, leather workers, sculptors, artists who play with dead things....so on and so forth....
If you are interested at vending this year's event, please send a web link to your work with your submission so that it can be reviewed and a small bio telling us a bit about yourself and your work.

ENTERTAINERS: Although our line up is fairly secure, we are welcoming new submissions for this event. All entertainers are required to deliver performances that are within the guide lines of the event's theme so that all of the acts form a cohesive cabaret. We are looking for entertainers who are well-rehearsed and established with their skill.
If you are interested in performing at this year's event, please send a web link to your work, that includes video of previous performances (youtube links are welcome) along with a small bio telling us about yourself and your act.

ALL SUBMISSIONS: All submissions can be sent to atrocityexhibition@moroseandmacabre.com. PLEASE DO NOT SEND SUBMISSIONS VIA FACEBOOK MESSAGE OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE, WE WILL NOT RESPOND. It is easier for us to keep everyone organized if all messages are being passed through one source, and our email is the most solid form of communication.
Once your submission has been sent, we will review promptly and respond regardless of our decision. This may take a few days, as we have a lot of folks on board, so if you do not get a response immediately, please do not badger us...we will get to you, we swear. Further details on the event will be passed along in our response to those we would like to bring on board...we will also gladly answer any questions or concerns through email submission.

Thank you all again for the support, we look forward to seeing you....stay tuned.

Parting is such sweet sorrow,
Macabre

Gather 'round, oh beautiful mutants!

Hey weirdos,

We've got some updates for you. Usually Miss Macabre keeps you posted on new developments, but tonight I'm spitting the poison [fiend at the controls!]

First and foremost, we're terribly excited that we have made our fund-raising goal for the 2011 Atrocity Exhibition, so let me just say THANK YOU to everyone who donated, re-posted our links, talked us up, and encouraged us to keep pushing along. We appreciate each and every effort and dollar put forth for us. An additional thank you to all of you who ordered from us in 2010. You monsters keep us going. Give yourselves a pat on the back, Preferably with a hand that's been severed from someone else.

On the same note, we're gathering up the rewards offerings we promised to people who donated over $40. We'll be sending things out after Jan 1st, when the kickstarter program comes to it's end. Tonight we've been working on the limited run of tee shirts we designed specifically for Atrocity [see below this post]. The goal tonight was womens' tees, which are all in the process of being lovingly mauled and beaten up by our own Miss Macabre. The tees [and a few tanks] all feature the new logo we designed, screened in different places on each shirt, and are all bleached, ripped, and otherwise maimed. They're all similar, but one of a kind. It's kind of what we do... These absolutely atrocious shirts will be available for purchase and all proceeds will go to the event. Mens' tees to come soon, and more on this note later...

Dates for the event itself are still being discussed, but we have it narrowed down to two dates in April within two weeks of each other. We are going to begin the call for ARTISTS shortly. We have some great entertainment lined up HOWEVER we are still keeping our eyes open for possible additional performers to join the horror-show - so if you think what you do could mesh well with the rest of the nightmare cast of characters, give us a shout at atrocityexhibition@moroseandmacabre.com.

Lastly, we have decided on the theme for this year's event: Vaude-VILE Asylum Cabaret. Think of what it would be like if a band of circus performers came crashing into a mental hospital circa the 1800s. Cruel and unusual "treatments", sadistic orderlies, doctors crazier than the patients, shock treatments, straight jackets, ice-pick lobotomies... and spirited performances! All wrapped up in some gauze for you... you know... to help the infection spread faster.

Well, I'm off to prescribe myself a lot of whiskey...

'til we MEAT again --

Dr. M.

Wicked Holidays upon us.....

Greetings,
The holidays are upon us...this means stress, long lines, crazy traffic, arising family issues....etc, etc, etc. This also means that you are scratching your cranium while searching for the "perfect gift" for your favorite malcontent.
When asked what I would like for gifts in the upcoming year, my response is almost always "a visa gift card". There are so many artists and creators online that tempt my wallet everyday and rarely have the extra funds to purchase the things that I truly want. On the rare occassion that I do get to induldge, it is relatively like xmas morning when that long awaited package arrives at the door and the idea that someone put thought and work into the creation makes it so much special than anything bought in a flourescent lit store mass created in a factory. Not only have I supported an artform, but I've also supported the artist and the hard work.
Below, I've including a link to a treasury that we've created on Etsy for some of our current favorite items....since you can only make a treasury so big, and there are some artists who live off of independent websites, I've also included a list of links to artists who we adore, inspire us, and have supported us. We highly recommend you check out these wicked creators before running off to the department store this year. Even if "dark" isn't your nature, there is an entire world of Etsy and other art sites that you can find nearly everything that you'd buy in the store....EXCEPT it is all handmade and one of a kind. Support art.

On that note, the shoppe's 25% off Strangulations sale will come to a head on black friday at midnight (EST)....but never fear, we have something ELSE up our sleeves. A contest? Yes. Our first. This weekend and this weekend ONLY, we are offering a deal to our Etsy/Facebook customers. How does it work....
-Purchase any handmade, ooak creation from our shoppe
-Go to the Morose & Macabre Facebook wall User: Morose Macabre
-Post "I'VE PURCHASED AN ODDITY!" on our wall.

You will then be entered into a drawing after the contest ends on Sunday 11/28 at midnight (EST). The winner will be chosen at random and they will then get to purchase $30 worth of goods from Morose & Macabre's Wicked Little Shoppe that will be sent with their purchase. Not a bad deal? Get something for yourself and knock some holiday shopping out all at one time!

Lastly, Morose & Macabre will be making an appearance in Cleveland's Waterloo 7 Gallery for the "Holiday Art Massacre on Waterloo" exhibit on 12/11/10. We have all NEW holiday inspired dark art. This is not your Norman Rockwell Christmas creations....all artists displayed will be exhibiting the very finest in dark humor and twisted holiday art. We will also be vending a table at the event with all of our Strangulation, handmade screenprints, and art prints. The artwork that we have created for the event is EXCLUSIVE to the holiday event, but what does not sell will be available in the shoppe at a sale price! Who said we weren't giving?

Parting is such sweet sorrow,
Macabre

Morose & Macabre "Gifts for the Black Sheep" Treasury
www.etsy.com/treasury/4ceef5955aec6d9170d6aec4/gifts-for-the-black-sheep

Etsy Shoppes and Creators sites that you need NOT miss out on...
Creepy Dolls www.bastet2329.com
Evil Lily Originals www.evillilys.com
Ugly Shlya Art Dolls www.uglyart.net
Kerry Kate's October Effiges www.octobereffigies.com
Toxic Vision Clothing www.toxicvision.etsy.com
MCXiii Art Projects www.mcxiii.etsy.com
Madame Talbot www.madametalbot.com
Dreadful Things By Raven www.ravenofskys.etsy.com
Dollflesh by Louise Black www.dollflesh.etsy.com
Black Baccara Perfume Co. www.blackbaccara.etsy.com

The Atrocity in 2011

Greetings,
Those of you who follow us on various social networking sites and at The House, have by now figured out that we are starting to brew on the next Atrocity Exhibition in 2011.
As you all know, we had cancelled the event that we had previously planned to host in November due to multiple negative happenings that just seemed to be bogging down the planning and sucking the life out of everything. Signs that could not be ignored seemed to feel like they were saying it was the wrong time.
Emotions tend to get the best of us, and heading into an event as large as Atrocity with uneasy feelings and a clouded head would've had an effect on the living work of art that we were trying to create.
We've had time to stew, and time to plan. We've had suggestions, directions, and support from many of the folks that make Atrocity what it is, both fans and entertainers alike. Everyone involved in last year's event reached out and expressed both concern and encouragement. We thank you all, because of you.......and a little patience....Atrocity 2011's rusty, gnashing, gears have begun to turn.
We have begun the fundraising process, and within 3 days, we were able to reach well over 50% of our goal. As i write this, we have 77 days left on kickstarter.com to raise the other 44% to goal. With the already given and continuing support, we can meet and exceed this mark by midnight 1/1/11. I have included the link to our kickstarter fundraiser at the bottom of this entry, you can read more about the event and how you can help out. Even if you can not donate money, your help with posting the link and spreading the word is just as appreciated.
We will soon be making an appearance on kickstarter via video and discussing Atrocity, our work, and other random nonsense such as puppetshows and witty sarcasm. We will also reach out to our fans, followers, and friends. Send any questions or comments to atrocityexhibition@moroseandmacabre.com and maybe, just maybe, we'll answer live.
A new, limited shirt design is in the works as well. All proceeds will be dumped into the Atrocity vault and go towards the event's making. We will reveal the shirt design a few weeks before the shirt is available.....and as always....it will be wicked.
Lastly, we have tossed around 2 previous ideas for 2011's theme, but can't seem to settle on anything solid. Perhaps there is dark thought that has yet to cross our twisted, little minds? This is where you come in.....we both know that you're creeps.....you wouldn't like us if you weren't. We're just not that like-able to "normal folk". Toss us your ideas.....the thoughts from the shadow of "outside the box". Last year's event was set in the post apocalyptic 1930's......if the bomb had dropped. It was a black and white/gas mask event and was truly something to be a part of. You may crash your ideas off of us by emailing to atrocityexhibition@moroseandmacabre.com . Perhaps, if we really like what you've dreamt up, and decide to turn your tilted thought into a reality....you will be rewarded?
We will make announcement at the House and other random places you find us on the web regarding the date of our first, live video.....our tee shirts.....and our kickstarter.
Until then,
Parting is such sweet sorrow,
Macabre

Atrocity Exhibition

Greetings,
I have decided to address the masses, myself, on the current status of this year's Atrocity Exhibition. We have been wrestling for several weeks now with the announcement I'm about to make and we are finally sound in our decision.
As you all know, Atrocity was a screaming success last year. We were able to host a dark cabaret focused on the ART of fetish performance, bringing artistic and visually stunning performances to the stage by people who are skilled at their crafts as well as housing fellow dark artists and it was brilliant.
We have been struggling for the past several months on venue location for this event. I have been lied to, put off, ignored, and told "no" at every turn. Last year's venue was more than willing to accomodate, up until night of show. We were hassled, treated disrespectfully, and refuse to ever work with anyone who operates on that level of unprofessionalism.
This year, I found a new location to host the event. At first, the response was extremely positive and all seemed to be settling into place.....at first. For the past 3 months, I have been chasing down the booking agent, begging for return emails, and begging for contracts. WE ARE PROFESSIONALS. I have been doing events in this city for over 10 years and I've never had to BEG for someone to hand me a contract, so that I can give them my money. I refuse to do so any longer. I feel that I should not have to pay top dollar for a phenomenal location, only to have restrictions put on our performers and keep on top of people to DO THEIR JOBS. The venues in this city have been shutting down left and right and it's no wonder. My stress levels are higher than they ever have been and I can't go into this with a clear head at the moment.
The problem has mainly been accomodating our suspension team. They are part of our sideshow family and we refuse to do the event without them. We stand firmly behind our own, as that is the way it should be. The team has always been very good to us and we have the highest level of respect for The Hook Is Family. Not only do they offer a true PERFORMANCE, but not everyone has the extreme mental and physical capabilities of Rev and Alice and can do what they do. We will not lay down on the matter and will not go forward with out them.
We were offered an alternative to accomodate them, but this late in the game....it is an incredible crunch on promotion and preparation and we run the risk of low attendance when an event is improperly promoted. We pride ourselves on hosting fantastic, well thought events and to sloppily and frantically prepare, would only injure the quality. I can't ask our friends and comrades to travel far distances for something that I feel would be "half assed".
It has also recently come to light, that we have several copycat events running a little too close to our originally planned date. It seems that dark cabarets incorporating fetish and art displays are popping up everywhere. Miraculously, almost mirror images of Atrocity, but with poor and juvenile taste. Atrocity is about artform. Atrocity is stepping inside what the dark imagination can paint from sexual desire and morbid curiosity. We hand pick our entertainers and displaying artists because they have an understanding and an appreciation for ART. They put time and dedication into everything that they do, as do we, and that is why we all work together as such a fantastic family of misfits and oddballs.
What does this all boil down to? We are cancelling our date of November 12th for Atrocity Exhibition and there will be no 2010 show. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE ABANDONING THIS EVENT OR ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT US. This event is our wicked, little child and we will not orphan it. But sometimes, you have to listen to the beat of life and it has clearly said that it is not the time.
So now what? We regroup. We plan. We attack this with a different strategy. We pick a new season and a new location.
As everyone knows, the good Doctor and myself take the winter off to concentrate on our work without the stress of travelling and producing for events as well as the shoppe. We get back to doing what we love with no stress of deadline. We are also using this time to prepare for the next Atrocity Exhibition......and it will be bigger, badder, and more wicked than ever. When we are told that we "can't" we work harder to prove that we can.
This time around, we will not disclose any information until it is time for promotion on the event. We are tired of people who lack originality and thoughts of their own riding on our coat tails and taking credit for sloppy reproductions of our hard work, it is infuriating.
We hope that you will all respect us for this decision, stand behind us, and continue to support us and our event. See you at the next Atrocity....

Thank you.....parting is such sweet sorrow,
Macabre

Notes from a Mid-Summer's night....

Greetings,

It has been a busy and successful summer....we've spent most of it hiding from the sun....as we all know, the wicked play in the darkness....

We'd like to take a moment of your time to thank the malcontents that are Prometheus Burning for a brutal evening at Displaced & Disorderly. This was one of our most successful events and we can't thank them enough for including us in the release of their new album "Displacement Disorder" and letting Macabre stab herself multiple times and dance around like a large, angry bird on your stage (it's what she does best). Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the underground that evening.

On to new debauchery.... We are pleased to announce that we will be joining all of the creeps at Horrorfind Weekend Convention in Gettysburg, September 3-5. We will be peddling our limbs and oddities in the dealer room all weekend. http://www.horrorfindweekend.com/ There are still weekend passes available, but hotel accomodations are filling fast. We hope you will come out and join us for the weekend.

(Note: If we're not at our booth, we will be found kneeling at the feet of Nivek Ogre and Clive Barker.)

In preparation for convention, we will be pumping out new oddities regularly for both fundraising for the event in our shoppe and to supply our table through out the weekend. Expect to be seeing our patches, shirts, and new artworks hitting the shoppe throughout the upcoming weeks. Since the success of the Morose & Macabre Conjoined Twin Coffin patch, we will be adding this to our shoppe for purchase, as it has previously been limited to shows.

We will be joining the Steel City Steam Society on August 21st from 5pm to 11pm at Revolutionaries Cafe and will be displaying a few wares for their Leo Birthday Bash. It'll be a steampunk birthday bash for Leos. You can also find our own Macabre burlesquing her way to their next big to-do in September with her wicked sisters of the Bridge City Bombshells.

In the meantime, we will also be taking the first weekend in August away at the hub of all that is spooky in PA, The Grand Midway Haunted Hotel www.iliveinahauntedhotel.com in Winbur for their exclusive Kerouac Fest. Our wicked, little shoppe will be closed for that weekend we are away.

Until we meet again....as always....

Parting is such sweet sorrow,

Morose & Macabre