On October 19, 2019, the smell of sweet grass and sage lingering in the cool air, folks arrived at the Clientele studio to check out Coven, a celebration of all things witchcraft and occult.

Upon entering, guests were encouraged to look up and see Clientele’s very first installation by local artisan Oland Boles–several witches brooms dynamically suspended from the ceiling. Salon-style walls featured collages of darkly intriguing creations by local staples like Kaytlyn Snyder, Katie Holt, and more, with some new artists on the scene, too, like Donnie Milliken and Barbara Oshenska. Larger pieces on the opposite wall were thoughtfully flanked by bouquets of delicate dried flowers.

Natalie Kovacs, Alex Wright, Mindi Yarbrough Langford, and Cynthia Jimenez Boles were keenly aware of every detail to create the perfect atmosphere for Coven. Lines never died down to receive a custom tarot reading by Jules, everyone eagerly set intentions and released negative habits in the cast iron cauldron during the burning ritual, and the audience was rapt during a magical set by Ananga Martin and her band.

The response afterward was particularly humbling. It was not just an art show, but more like a gathering of friends. Some came out that haven’t been out in public for years. People with anxiety repeatedly commented afterward how safe and comfortable they felt in the space. In a word, Coven was magical.

-The Coven