If you've already binged the first season of Stranger Things, you're probably in need of something to fill the Demogorgon-sized void in your life until season two comes to Netflix sometime in 2017. There are plenty of ways to pass the time: You could start a new Dungeons & Dragons campaign, see the band behind the show's synth-filled soundtrack perform at the Empty Bottle or check out a new art show devoted to the horror/sci-fi series.
Toy de Jour, a nostalgic toy store and art gallery in Logan Square, will open up a portal to the Upside Down with the debut of its latest show, "Something Is Going On Here." Inspired by the characters, ’80s-era setting and eerie themes of Stranger Things, the show collects work by a variety of creative people, including local comic book artist Mike Norton, Shawninals creator Shawn Smith and Chicago street artist Ali 6.
"[My husband] Sam [Wells] and I watched the whole season in one sitting. As soon as it was over Sam turned to me and said, 'We are doing a Stranger Things art show,'" Toy de Jour co-owner Liz McArthur told us. "Luckily we have one million talented friends that were able to help us do that."
"Something Is Going On Here" will be on display at Toy de Jour through the end of October, but the shop is hosting an opening from 6–9pm on Friday, September 16 where you'll be able to take in all of the art while enjoying your favorite episodes of Stranger Things, beer from Revolution Brewing and some of Eleven's favorite treat, Eggo waffles. Most of the original artwork will be available for purchase, in case you need a cartoon rendering of Barb to grace your makeshift shrine to the mistreated character.
Tune up your bike, pack a slingshot and take a look at some of the frighteningly beautiful work that will soon be on display at Toy de Jour.
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Courtesy Tom Kelly
Courtesy Kevin Budnik
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