On the evening of November 5th at Small World Coffee in Princeton, NJ, The Icarus Project’s Mad Gifts Art Show debuted. It proved an environment akin to the community from which it was borne: namely, an open, diverse, and creatively warm group of people. Many came specifically to support Icarus and see Mad Gifts – traveling from New York, Massachusetts, Philadelphia and other surrounding Northeastern areas – but the event also garnered locals who stumbled into the evening – sidetracked by the warm energy after acquiring their usual caffeine fix. The evening included spoken word, live music, and of course the perusing of the many inspired pieces adorning the café’s walls.

Check out a gallery of photos capturing the night's festivities and the exhibit: Mad Gifts Art Show - Opening Reception

The performances were kicked of by Lola Rodriguez, a striking spoken word poet whose resonating pieces stayed with the audience longer than she was on the stage. Her visceral poems set a personal tone to the event that matched the crowd and art seamlessly. Quickly following was Pandora Scooter’s performance, with her quirky and outspoken poetic antics touching on her own encounters with mental health and her journey to self-acceptance and wellness. Pandora made sure to leave an impression, involving the audience tangibly in her bubbling and endearingly human recitations using both sheer stage presence and props ("Pandora's Boxes!").

Rounding off the night’s live acts was The Thieving Hours, an upbeat rock band that not only entertained with their energizing renditions, but also set the perfect ambiance as the audience transitioned to check out the artwork, sample Small World’s menu, and get acquainted with the community that had gathered. Johnny Cash covers and other mellow favorites were crowd-pleasers as The Thieving Hours kept up a lively backbeat.

Event attendees were not only entertained by the live performances but also by milling through the café: the range of artwork - moving photography pieces, spray paint etchings, paintings and various takes on the human figure - sparked curiosity and captured the attention of all. The pieces were not only an aesthetic contribution, but often held much political and emotional poignancy, which captures the essence of the The Icarus Project whose creative and sensitive constituents showed up en masse to support the show. Many newcomers also turned up, and got a feel for the ideas that fuel the group: self-empowerment, alternative and holistic means of attaining wellness, and a re-envisioning of the culture surrounding mental health. The benefit went off in characteristic Icarus style: personal, wildly creative, and slightly irreverent – all in all, a good time and great showcase for the community.

Those who missed the opening can still catch the show, which will be on display at Small World until December 3rd. All proceeds are split between the artists and The Icarus Project.

(Thanks to Sam for the write-up, and to Casey and Danny for the photos!)

questions/comments? annie@theicarusproject.net