It's said that an artist's work often offers a glimpse into their innermost thoughts and feelings, as well as their darkest emotions and personal demons.
And if that's the case, then the artists taking part in this weekend's Lambchop group exhibition on Saturday night at the Monarch Theatre might need a therapy session or two, or maybe even a big hug.
Nightlife promoter Jen Deveroux, who's organizing the showcase, says it includes some "dark and disturbing" works from more than 80 local artists, many of whom let their freak flags fly in their creations.
"There's going to be some very unusual stuff at the show," she says. "Some people got very creepy and kind of grotesque with their art. Other people created stuff that's goofy and fun."
Deveroux, who's previously put on fashion shows at Crescent Ballroom and last year's Ape Shit showcase at the Icehouse, says that she's always wanted to organize a "dark and creepy" exhibition and the beginning of the Halloween season seemed appropriate.
And much like with Ape Shit, which featured more than 75 local creatives, she seems bound and determined to fill the venue to the brim with art. Per its floor plans, the Monarch Theatre measures around 7,000 square feet of space available. And Deveroux plans to take up as much of it as possible with art.
Good thing that Monarch's proprietors will debut the venue's second floor just for Lambchop. According to co-owner Sean Badger, the event will provide a sneak preview of sorts for the Monarch's upstairs lounge, which is still in the process of being renovated and decorated and won't officially be open for another few months.
Pieces from a total of 82 artists will fill both floors during the bizarre bazaar of art, fashion, and music, which is essentially a "who's who" of local creatives and contains such names as Randy Slack, Jason Rudolph Peña, Jules Demetrius, Steve Caballero, JJ Horner, and Sebastien Millon.
Meanwhile, five DJs - including Tricky T, Fact 135, Organic, Al Page, Kris the Fist - will spin in the upstairs lounge while Phoenix bands Vial of Sound, Audio Virus, and The Gentlemen Ether perform downstairs.
Local models will also sport fetish wear while Joey Couture conducts a live fashion photo shoot local models during the event and his snapshots will be projected onto two screens for all to see.
Meanwhile, Banding Hendrix, Ray Rivas, Adam "Dumperfoo" Dumper and other artists will also conduct live painting during Lambchop
Hendrix says that in addition to doing live art, he'll also show off a painting that incorporates a famous movie monster and dripping blood, but is mum on disclosing any other info about his piece.
"It's not very dark, but I think it will go over well," Hendrix says.
Artist Joe Dragt, however, went the opposite direction with his work that will be featured, creating a pair of pieces that Deveroux says are "a bit disturbing."
To wit: Dragt eviscerated a six-foot-tall mannequin and placed two Barbie dolls having sex inside, as well as a number of creepy-looking babies. He also painted a depiction of a busty Little Bo Peep in a revealing outfit toting a freshly severed head of a cuddly lamb in her hand. Fitting
Lambchop takes place at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 22. Admission is $10. Check out the event's Facebook page for more info and a complete list of artists that will be featured.