Dark Arts Festival 2026

Horror Depot's Dark Arts Festival is back! October 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Rhode Island School of Design. No AI or 3D printed anything! Real art by real artists.

Explore dark art, oddities, jewelry, horror-inspired creations, handmade goods, and unique vendors from across the horror and alternative art community.

The festival will also feature:

• Food trucks
• Brewery
• Costume contest
• Drag show
• Medium readings
• Sideshow performers
• Dancers
• All-abilities art class running throughout the day
• Project Purple Fundraiser

Indoor - Outdoor Rain or Shine
Tickets will be $10 From June 21st - October 10th
October 11thwill be $15 at the door..

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Nonprofit

On Sunday, October 11, Team Zombie Leader will cosplay for a cause at the Horror Depot’s Dark Arts Festival, PVD, RI! Todd Zavorskas, owner of Zombie Leader, believes in Cosplay in the Community and has been a pillar of the New England cosplay scene. Over the past 31 years, Team Zombie Leader has raised over $397,503 for national and local charities, including $10,000 as a New England Patriots 2022 Myra Kraft Community MVP.

At Dark Arts Festival, he will be fundraising for Project Purple in Honor of his Mother, Lorraine, who passed away from Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. After you visit the authors and other talent, please swing by his booth and enjoy a photo op with Zombie Leader & his volunteers who slay all day. Also, check out original artwork, memorabilia, and autographs that can be yours for reasonable donations! You can find out more about Zombie Leader on his linktree: https://linktr.ee/ZombieLeader.

🤘🏻💀🤘🏻

To find out more about Project Purple and/or to donate directly, please visit: https://charity.pledgeit.org/team-zombie or click the QR-Code.

At RAMP, we are committed to an inclusive world where everyone thrives. We break barriers, champion accessibility, and promote equal opportunities through innovation, advocacy, and education, fostering a more equitable future.

THE VAGINA TREE

THE VAGINA TREE: AN ORIGIN STORY

It all started with my parents’ divorce. Mom wasn’t feeling particularly festive during the holidays and had zero interest in decorating her Christmas tree. But Mom is a woman of strong feminine power and celebrates all things femininity, so I had an idea: What if we decorated the tree with vagina ornaments? Mom’s response? “If you find them, we’ll decorate the tree.” Challenge accepted. And so began the journey to find, and create, ornaments celebrating every wonderfully unique version of lady bits imaginable. Talk about Girl Power!

Now, the Vagina Tree is coming back to the Dark Arts Festival for its second season, and is once again supporting Project Purple! Come check it out, snap a photo, pick out a one-of-a-kind ornament, and support an amazing cause. 100% of ornament proceeds benefit Project Purple. Come celebrate femininity, embrace the weird, and help us raise a little money for a great cause. Because nothing says holiday spirit quite like a tree full of vaginas.

Guest Artist

I Think I’ve Created a Monstah is a creative brand built around a lifelong love of monsters, followed closely by a love of horror, pop culture, art, toys, and all things strange and unusual.

Created by Jose A Souza III, what started with making unique, hand-crafted Monstah creations has grown into much more.

With the help of partner Wendy McQuade, that same love of monsters and horror led to the creation of MonstahXpo, New England’s homegrown independent monster and horror convention. Built by monster and horror fans for monster and horror fans, MonstahXpo brings together artists, filmmakers, creators, vendors, collectors, celebrities, and fans for an event that feels a little different from the typical convention.

Joe and Wendy also created MonstahMag, a publication and art showcase featuring horror, gothic, fantasy, macabre, and other artists and creators who make things a little outside the ordinary.

There’s also RetroXpo, celebrating retro gaming, toys, comics, collectibles, artwork, and the pop culture that many of us grew up with.

At its core, I Think I’ve Created a Monstah is about a love of monsters, making cool stuff, giving creative people a place to be seen, and bringing people together around the things they love.

All Ability Art Classes

Downtown Designs presents painting sugar skulls from 1:30-2:30. This class is for everyone at every level and ability.

Downtown Designs is an inclusive, working studio and gallery based in Newport, RI. We feature paintings, ceramics, jewelry and a wide variety of fiber arts created by artists with disabilities.

In the spirit of sharing space and creativity, Downtown Designs collaborates with local artists and organizations for gallery exhibits, commissioned sales, community art projects, artisan fairs and educational classes.

Market Square Line Up

11:30 - Dizzy Ghostpipe

12:00 - Amy the Mime

12:30 -

1:00 -

1:30 - Dave and Lulu

1:45 - Chad Anctil

2:00 - New England Witches Guild

2:30 -

3:00 -

3:30 - Dave and Lulu

3:45 - Chad Anctil

4:00 - AUDACIOUS

Dizzy Ghostpipe - the pantomime of pain, has learned most circus acts and created so many never done before props. He went from a greenhorn to adept having worked with the best in the world. With a combination of escapism, illusion and freakshow magic this show comes with a warning you may get lockjaw from your jaw dropping. Do not be fooled by imitators, this is the real one.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a world where pain, mortality and dreams are an ecstatic nightmare.

Amy The Mime is an interactive traditional & non conventional mime with some pantomime dance and Improv skits.... She also makes paper flower creations too.

We are two clowns that will be walking around making horror or Halloween balloons and a performance of Juggling clubs and knives.

Flow Artist, nationally certified fire performer, local performance artist with more than 20 years experience.

Sure, some of us are practicing witches and some of us are not. The New England Witches Guild is open to ALL regardless of gender, religion, political beliefs, age, or ethnicity. We are not a coven, we do not organize religious rituals or activities. We dance. We laugh. We spread joy.

The name says it all! With over 20 years of
experience as a professionally trained dancer, she been captivates Burlesque audiences since 2017 as a traveling showgirl known for her magnetic presence and undeniable talent. When she enters a room, she lights it up. Bringing infectious energy, sultry charm, and legs for days. Her performances are a blend of seductive storytelling, alluring movement, and bold confidence that leave audiences spellbound. Beyond burlesque, she's also a puppeteer, actress, dance instructor, go-go dancer, choreographer, and multi published runway model-all adding depth to her diverse artistry.

RI Krampus - currently the only head to toe outfitted Krampus here in the Ocean State!

Author Alley

JP Behrens is the author of the Travis Daniels Investigations series and A Trinity of Chosen. When he isn’t reading or writing, you can find him spending time with his family playing video games, building Legos, or practicing Kung Fu.

We sell antique, vintage, and gently used books as well as hand crafted journals.

Tom Deady is a Bram Stoker Award winner (2016) for Superior Achievement in a First Novel, and has since published several novels and novellas inspired by his love of horror.

Tom was born and raised in Massachusetts, not far from the historic town of Salem.

He resides in Arizona, where he's working on his next novel.

Nathan Guardian received his MA in English at SNHU and was published in newspapers in Salem and Beverly, MA. He lived in Salem for many years and has always been captivated by the mysteries of witchcraft and the paranormal. He speaks openly about his experiences, which began in his early childhood. Nathan also believes in the incredible power of the mind and all the amazing things it can achieve.

“We can do anything as long as we believe, but we must leave no room for doubt, and that, my friend, is nearly impossible.”

“But where there is light, the dark also lingers … with hateful envy.”

Chad Anctil grew up in the fascinating little state of Rhode Island, birthplace of H.P. Lovecraft and his peculiar branch of fiction, where he found his love for reading and horror at a young age - probably too young, but that’s just how Generation X did it. He has always been creative, taking up both writing and DJing in his teenage years before joining the Navy as an electronics engineer on fast attack submarines through the 90s.

Chad is the author of the urban fantasy horror series Providence Supernatural Crimes Unit and the best-selling supernatural mystery novel The Midnight Tree. He is the guest editor of the horror anthology Circus of the Dead. He has been a contributor to many anthologies from publishers including Wicked Shadow Press, Signus Magnolia Collective, Altitude Press, Culture Cult, and the New England Horror Writers, among others. He is a member of the Horror Writers Association, New England Horror Writers, and the Association of Rhode Island Authors.

Lorinda Kalajian writes speculative fiction. She weaves magic and romance into alternative histories. She loves creating new twists for known myths, fairy tales, and histories. Her favorite type of stories to read and work with are royal romances. Most of her novels have a royal character trying to navigate the world that they are from.

She enjoys crocheting blankets in her downtime, using her creativity to make works of art, and bringing warmth one blanket at a time. The movement of working a hook through a project also helps with the words for the novels she is writing. Her favorite type of project is making blankets that inspire or are based on the novels that she reads or writes.

She has a bachelor's in History and English, with a concentration in Creative Writing, from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She wanted to be able to write accurate historical fiction. A degree in history helps with research in finding the facts that get intertwined into a creative fictional novel. She also has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. One day, she would like to pursue a master's in history.

Daisy McNamara started life as a marine biologist and still isn’t quite sure how things turned out this way. She has been working in storytelling since 2020 through her passion for audio fiction. Daisy is most known for the audio dramas The Gospel of Haven, Eeler’s Choice, and Nightmare Soup. This is her first novel. When not writing, she can be found embroidering, reading, or wandering the beaches of her native Rhode Island.

Artists - Sellers

Established in 2015 Sagittarius Lost Art specializes in one of a kind dark art mixed media sculptures and pieces using a mixture of resins and natural materials as well as hand crafted jewelry that also reflects the same dark, artistic vision.

Femme Fury is a Plus size focused LeatherDyke owned leather restoration business. I source and restore wearable leather art to return it to full shine and beauty .
Sustainable leather practice is something I value very strongly . Leather restoration work I offer includes cleaning, reconditioning. Removing stains/dye, staining/dyeing, replacing hardware, stitching, altering, embellishing , nicotine and other smell removal and mold removal . I am especially proud of the pieces that I am able to alter to make them more size inclusive

Three Cats Crochet makes handmade origami and home décor.

Hand decorated shortbread cookies

Online horror courses focused on the social, political, cultural and psychological aspects of horror.

Selling original art prints, hand made, no AI.

Handmade divination tools, crystal jewelry, spell jars, original digital art on grimoires and bags, taxidermy keychains.

Artist based out of Hamden, Connecticut. Focusing on horror, fantasy and sci-fi. Inspiration from cinema, comics and from depths of the other worldly realms. Paintings, prints.

Hand made oddity jewelry, belts, and Halloween themed home décor.

I am a Mystical Artisan. I handcraft all my Art with the passion of everything spooky, mystical, and magical!!

A visual eulogy to the cycle of life, death, decay, and rebirth - represented by traditionally drawn illustrations, and responsibly sourced natural bone assemblages with elements of decoupage and preserved flora and fungi.

Trimming & Trinkets brings the spooky sparkling glittery goodness with their handmade resin home decor, jewelry, dice, rune stones, keychains, pins, ribbon hair bows, and much more!

I do a ritual where I sacrifice people to a giant tentacle god called the Nameless One.

Tarot and Rune Reading

We are a humor podcast with one specific focus: we interview folks about their funny poop stories
While it's meant to be primarily fun and entertaining, we also find ourselves breaking social taboos down as we encourage our guests to share their fecal misfortunes and foibles.

Ryze is a seasoned tarot reader and intuitive guide with over 15 years of experience in tarot and astrology. Using the Rider-Waite tarot deck, Ryze offers deep insights into personal journeys and specializes in mediumship to connect with loved ones who have passed. Additionally, Ryze helps clients with shadow work, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Dedicated to providing transformative experiences, Ryze supports individuals seeking clarity, guidance, and comfort.

I am Sarah Petrucci, an independent artist and designer based in Albany, New York. My business, Sarah Petrucci Art, offers original artwork and high-quality artist goods—including paintings, prints, stickers, and greeting cards—that blend fine art with dark whimsy, gothic glamour, nature, and storytelling.
Having exhibited throughout New York’s Capital Region and beyond - I focus on craftsmanship, authenticity, and community connection through art markets, festivals, and gallery events I look forward to exploring opportunities to share my artwork and the stories behind its creation with you!

Holy Crow is Art, Design, and Evidence of Magic. They are best known for their massive collection of handmade original jewelry that is based on Holy Crow's decades long witchcraft practice, and queer and non-binary identity and style. It is made for all genders and all bodies, and many pieces are made with a message or intention for the person wearing it. In addition to jewelry design, Holy Crow also does visual art, curates vintage and antiques, and writes oracular poetry. We dabble in oddities and curiosities, and we are building a collection for the season of ethically sourced bone art, creepy dolls, and weird little things under glass.

Ceramic artist making handmade alternative style pottery.

Self taught freelance negative space ink illustrator, comic book artist.

Womp Stomp Films is a genre drive independent film company based out of Southern Massachusetts. Makers of Never Hike Alone, Dylan's New Nightmare, and Jason Rising. Their debut graphic novel Ghost Chicken releases this summer 2026.

Art by bumblebeest can be best described as a combination of creepy and cute, as the artist behind it loves both! Both aesthetics are shown off in a variety of prints, shirts, stickers, keychains, and more! All made by Liv.

I make upcycled shirts and patches with hand carved stamps. I also make original painted art on road signs.

Pop Surrealist original paintings and limited-edition giclee prints from own paintings.

Krista's Curiosities creates handmade crafts that blend eerie horror with whimsical charm.

The creepy-cutesie creatures and floral arrangements are born from the lighter side of darkness using various materials, including glass & crystal beads and resin. Just a girl and her beads bringing her passion to life. Support a local business at Krista's Curiosities.

At Mind Asylum Designs, we craft handmade, one-of-a-kind horror props, masks, eerie home decor, and macabre jewelry. Each unique piece is entirely hand-sculpted, hand-casted, and hand-painted with dark precision. We bring your deepest nightmares to life through custom, high-detail artisan craftsmanship designed for horror fans, haunts, and collectors. Get your horror fix and support local small businesses with MIND ASYLUM DESIGNS!

High quality hand made nail art , all unique design , very creative, and eco friendly, young people love them and they have high demand for great nail art products.

Rhode Island based Odd.Burger finds new uses for the dead and broken. Specializing in upcycled lamps made with skulls and bones. Handmade wooden weapons and reliquary round out the selection. 401⚓357📐

I make little freaks, aka taxidermy art dolls, by putting taxidermy heads on porcelain doll bodies.

Artist selling art prints, keychains, pins, stickers, notepads, notebooks, and bookmarks.

Abby Normal (Emily Leslie Moran Hund) is a fine artist and silversmith residing in North Providence, RI. Her work focuses on intersectional feminism in horror, creepy cute animals, punk/ goth couture without erasing their histories in DIY, and bodily autonomy. Abby Normal received her BFA in Painting from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2019, and her MAT from RISD’s TLAD program in 2021. Currently she exhibits work with the Providence Club House, Home of the Providence Drum Troop.

Specializing in handcrafted, one-of-a-kind wire-wrapped and botanical jewelry, as well as preserved terrariums and home décor. Using vintage and antique vessels, preserved botanicals, personalized photography, self-mined minerals, animal remains, and insects to create timeless works of art.

I became obsessed with colonial cemeteries a few years ago and have made it my mission to document and showcase their beauty. It was gravestone rubbings that first piqued my interest because it offered a way for me to collect a form of mourning art (my other great love), but I quickly realized that the only stones I wanted to make rubbings of were more than 300 years old and incredibly fragile. Therefore, in lieu of rubbings, I started making linoleum block prints of gravestone art to protect the stones from further damage. As an added bonus, it’s super easy to share the prints with fellow cemetery enthusiasts and teach newcomers about the different forms of gravestone art!

When I’m not frolicking between tombstones, I also make gothic-inspired illustrations and paint scenes around New England. Sometimes these elements blend together and I end up with paintings of things like churches or of a burned Virgin Mary statue from Dorchester.

Natasha often refers to herself as "sweet, bubbly, loving and funny on the inside but spooky and terrifying on the outside". That is because she loves all things Halloween - movies, music and the history of all that is haunted and creepy. Natasha spends a lot of time researching, writing and mapping out her art before painting it. She has shown her work all over Rhode Island, including Jamestown Art Center, Newport Art Museum, The World's Smallest Art Gallery, Spring Bull Gallery, DeBlois Gallery, Portsmouth Art Guild, Out Of The Box Studio & Gallery, Dark Arts Festival and Atrium Gallery in Providence.

Hand drawn artwork and reproductions thereof as prints, t-shirts, skateboards etc.

Original art, fanart, coloring books. Horror, Fantasy, and Landscapes!

Bryce Choquette is an Autistic Filmmaker, Bryce is best known for some of his work, The Puppet Bunch show, Robotic Circus , Charleston,Behind the Facepaint, and the upcoming movie Family from Hell. Bryce is not just a filmmaker and puppeteer he’s also a Haunted House owner of Spencer Street Home haunts. Bryce will be bringing his newest monster, Horrifying Hopps. Come meet Bryce, get an autograph or a photo with Bryce and Horrifying Hopps at the Dark Arts Festival.

I like weird! Goddess Oddities could compare to a "witchy flea market" . My prices are extremely fair and everything I use is sourced ethically by me...
It's important to me environmentally and financially to reuse, upcycle or repurpose materials in all of my creations. I take the old motto "One person's trash is another person's treasure" TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL!
I make one of a kind pieces from nature or I reinvent used items in hopes of directing them away from the landfills.
I love the idea of giving a whole new life to unwanted items!
I create a large variety unique and sometimes extreme, wearable treasures, decor and more:
Jewelry, wall decor, macrame, sculptures, clothing, decoupage, magic wands and staffs, furniture and more.

Stacy G Teee makesT-shirts, mugs, bookmarks, coasters, etc

Pixel Palmer makes block prints, screen prints, stickers, tees, horror themed designs.

A mother/daughter vintage business that sells décor and Knick knacks ranging from brass, to oddities, kitschy 50s, and antique religious, along with upcycled clothing.

Gothique embraces a darkly elegant aesthetic, providing Alternatives of every kind a source for Home Décor and Office accoutrements that honor Gothic, Victorian, and Dark Academia sensibilities.

The Red Spade is a local artist offering original fine art paintings and traditional high-quality prints, and magnetic-framed designs. The Red Spade also offers hand-painted tote bags. jewelry, and sculpted ceramic and polymer clay pieces such as magnets, figurines, ornaments, and other gifts. Each piece is thoughtfully made with a focus on creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality with a whimsical macabre twist.

Nature inspired creations including unique bone art, mushroom art, bone and shell flowers, driftwood and ocean pieces as well. All gathered materials over 15+ years hiking and exploring New England.