Matthew Grote’s alter-ego fits snugly into the theme of “Monster,” a Friday night party-of-the-bizarre at 464 Gallery (464 Amherst Street).  ‘Ogre,’ the ever-morphing character that rears its head in Grote’s artwork, is primed for the chilly air and haunting atmosphere of the fall season. 

From 7 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday, three floors of 464 will be flooded with costumed guests, and the accompanying art—a live collaboration between Grote and Chuck Tingley in addition to creepily-themed exhibit pieces by local artists—will create a “weird, occult-like feel,” Grote says.  The event is free to attend, but a donation of $3 is encouraged.  Snacks and drinks will be available free of charge.

“There’ll be traditional monsters, but also some funny, cute stuff too,” Grote added.  Not just an outdoor street artist, the University of Cincinnati graduate—who developed his alter-ego by scrambling most of the letters in his last name—will allow attendees to see the process and evolution of a piece from start to finish.  DJs Projex and Deliria will provide the music; Projex, in particular, creates his own video backdrops to sync with his spinning. 

Marcus Wise, founder of 464, explains that the live art crafted by Grote and Tingley will also become interwoven with the display on the projection screen, lending a sensory experience relatively new to Buffalo.  Can’t visualize it?  Go see for yourself Friday.  Moreover, Wise expects the art to be projected out of the building’s windows onto the trees outside, enhancing the “creepy” vibe (and possibly terrifying passersby). 

It’s not mandatory to wear a costume, but witches and vampires are welcomed, so don’t hesitate to unleash your alter-ego, too.

Check out Artvoice’s interview with Grote from August 2011.