Vendors, Performance Artists and Attendees Shine At Cirque Voltaire

The Mad Tatters:  Brandan Styles and Ellie Rusinova
Local artists and creators of Cirque Voltaire
Photo courtesy of Brandan's FB profile

Last Friday night, two well regarded, local artists known as the Mad Tatters hosted Cirque Voltaire - Denver's first surreal circus art event.  Denver Subculture attended and not only were we impressed by the success of the show, we also had a damn good time!

Salon style display of some of the 30 artists featured
at the event. Photo courtesy of Klint Krenzke.
See more of Klint's event photos on Facebook.

The Mad Tatters, Ellie Rusinova and Brandan Styles, greeted their guests in character as Dr. B. Zurk and Madame Madness.  They delighted everyone with art and entertainment that was whimsical, mysterious, bizarre, even shocking. They also provided something which heretofore did not exist in Denver - an opportunity for unusual artists such as themselves to experience community with each other. Harkening back to the Dada movement in Europe nearly a hundred years ago, The Mad Tatters sought to create a haven where the modern world’s lack of meaning and depth is conquered by artistic collaboration. Cirque Voltaire was so-named as a tribute to Café Voltaire, where many of the Dada artists met to express themselves without risk of oppression.

Local act Tovio and Kalliope.
Photo courtesy of Klint Krenzke.

There were greater than 30 artists showing impressive work, as well as numerous live performances that were highly entertaining.  But we have to admit that we were rather taken with with the vendors and the costumed crowd (some of whom were perfomers as well - but they were working the crowd and we were digging it!). Vendors displayed remarkable talent in crafted items that were both anachronisitic and macabre. We delighted in getting to know their creators.  Without a doubt, they were jovial, charming people who were genuinely pleased about the positive response to their work.

We LOVE this.
Photo courtesy of davewoodphotography.com

To our pleasent surprise, after the event, we also discovered a few striking black and white photos of Cirque Voltaire. While stalking everyone on Facebook (sketchy? maybe. creepers? for sure!), we encountered local photographer Dave Wood who gave us his permission to feature his work here as well.

Below, you will find some of our favorite encounters from the night.  Hopefully you get an opportunity to seek out these people around Denver, and find out for yourself that they are as strange as they look.  Which is why we here at Denver Subculture love all of them!

Keile Ament Altair and Stephinity Salazar
Owners/Artists:  Boutique Alchemystique

Our favorite item of the night.
Stunning top hat embellished with numerous vintage items.
By Boutique Alchemystique.   

Gorgeous vintage style hat.
All headpieces by Boutique Alchmystique are
adorned with authentic antique items such as watches.

Xavia Schmidt
Owner/Designer: Discerpo Necto Decrepitus

Among items such as miniature hats and bloomers, Xavia
also designs the lovely chokers shown above.

Rin Stewart-Thomas and friends support the event
by donning original designs by Xavia and gorgeous
makeup fit for surreal circus.

We don't have the artist's name but this piece
really caught our eye!

Local burlesque performer Tata Tatiana.

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Photo courtesy of davewoodphotography.com

Handmade dolls by Hope Morgan of Haunted Sparrow.

Maximilian Shiffman - Drummer for Narwal Birdskull.

Photo courtesy of davewoodphotography.com.

Professor Phelyx - A fine Mentalist Magician!
Flanked on either side by unknown,
yet equally silly cohorts.

Ammy Whiteunicorn Gione.
Snakecharmer. 

Photo courtesy of davewoodphotography.com

Dylan Johnson of Cerrious Design,
with Katelin Stagliano.
Offering iPhone covers and usb drives
a la Steampunk inspiration.

Event attendee Aimee L. Matheny wowed us with
her gorgeous getup.

Last but not least, the obligatory Kiss costume.
Worn by George Peele
Baritone Tunesmith and Custom Singing Telegream artiste!

We hope you liked our freak show!  To see more of Denver's rebellious-best, subscribe to our feed.  Like our Denver Subculture Facebook page too. Or we'll find you and kill you.

The long link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Denver-Subculture/204833952880524?ref=ts

F#$! the mainstream!