10/02/2026
October is a shaping up to be a big month here at Elysian. We have another opening exhibition, several events, and we now have PASTRIES!
OCTOBER EVENTS
Saturday 10/3 "Blood & Glitter" Opening Night from 6-9. Show runs 10/3-11/7
Blood & Glitter brings together the work of Jackie Rabbit and Kimberlyn Renee, whose radically different visual languages explore a shared fascination with horror, fantasy, and the macabre. One body of work emerges from darkness: monochromatic, gothic, mysterious, and rooted in the visual traditions of classic horror and fairy tales. The other erupts in color: fluorescent, contemporary, nostalgic, and drawn from the manufactured imagery of modern childhood and pop culture. Though seemingly opposite, both reveal the same human impulse, our attraction to the things that frighten us.
Together, these works show that our relationship with horror has never really changed. We have simply learned to dress our monsters differently.
Join us for an early Halloween party during the reception.
Costume contest with a prize for the crowd favorite.
Live Music from AHNA.
Specialty Coffee Potions crafted just for this show.
Sweet Treats
Art, Atmosphere, and Halloween magic.
Wednesday 10/14 Elysian Nights Presents: Literature Open Mic Night
Elysian Cafe & Gallery is happy to host another Elysian Night's Literature Open Mic Night.
This open mic night is a welcoming space for writers, poets, storytellers, and anyone who wants to share short, creative work in a warm, quiet, art‑filled setting.
What You Can Share:
Short, spoken literary pieces only, approximately 3–5 minutes each to keep the night flowing.
Poetry (original or public domain)
Flash fiction
Short creative nonfiction (memoir, personal essays, reflections)
Dramatic readings (short monologues or dialogues)
Public domain excerpts
Hybrid/experimental writing
Friday 10/23 Elysian Nights Presents: Acoustic Open Mic Night
Elysian Nights Presents: Acoustic Open Mic Night Unplugged & Intimate
Join us for a cozy, unplugged evening of acoustic performances at Elysian Gallery & Café. This night is all about natural sound, warm atmosphere, and intimate performances that fit perfectly within our small creative space.
What Counts as Acoustic at Elysian
Performed unplugged, using our house microphone and small PA system only.
Acoustic guitar
Ukulele
Classical guitar
A ca****la vocals
Soft hand percussion (cajón, shakers, tambourine, hand drums)
Violin / viola / cello
Harmonica
Gentle keyboard/piano (played softly, no synth pads or beats) You will need to bring, we do NOT have a keyboard or piano.
Singer‑songwriter, folk, indie, Americana, blues‑lite
PASTRIES HAVE ARRIVED!!
We are happy to announce we have partnered with Perfectly Plated in Belleville to provide tasty pastries. Currently we have a variety of cookies, gooey butter cake, New York cheesecake, protein peanut butter rice krispie treats, protein oat and peanut butter balls, and GLUTEN FREE & SUGAR FREE lemon blueberry cheesecake (it is amazing!!).
GIVING CUP CHARITY
For October and November our Giving Cup charity recipient is the Crisis Food Center here in Alton.
Our Giving Cup menu is a list of seasonal drinks where $1.00 from each order will be donated to the Crisis Food Center. We believe in giving back to the community that has welcomed and supported us.
Thank you, truly, for all the love and support you continue to show our little corner of Alton. Spaces like ours only work because people choose to gather, slow down, and connect and we’re grateful every day to be one of those “third places” for this community.
Our doors are open Wednesday–Saturday from 11–9 and Sunday from 11–7. Whether you stop in for coffee, art, conversation, or just a quiet moment, we’re always glad to see you.
