Hey everyone! I’m Brooke, CAL’s intern. In our current show, Myths and Monsters, you might be surprised by the diverse range of creatures we showcase (from Bigfoot to Baba Yaga!) With so many myths, it’s natural that not everyone will recognize them all, and that’s where I come in. I’d like to share brief explanations of some of the unique beings we have on display.

First, I want to highlight the Night Hag, featured in Cassandra Stokes’ piece, Modern Nightmare: Night Hag. The Night Hag is a name for a common hallucination experienced during sleep paralysis. When someone has sleep paralysis, they feel immobilized and often sense an evil presence sitting on their chest or nearby. Often thought of as demons, the Night Hag is one term for these experiences. In Stokes' digital artwork, we see a looming figure over the paralyzed subject, who is immobilized not by a demon but by a phone, adding a modern twist to the fear of paralysis.

*Cassandra Stokes, Modern Nightmare: Night Hag*

The second marvelous creature I want to highlight is the Japanese myth of the Oni, depicted in Amanda Bradley's piece, Broken Oni. According to Japanese folklore, powerful demons known as Onis inhabit deep caves and oceans. They are characterized by superstrength, the ability to wield lightning and thunder, and a penchant for murder and cannibalism. In Bradley's piece, we see a beautiful girl beneath the crumbling mask of an Oni, accompanied by a sign that reads, “I am not dangerous.” This raises the question of whether the Oni is truly harmless or if the girl's appearance is merely a deceptive facade. We must consider whether this demon is as evil as we might assume.

Next is the local myth of the Miniwashitu, or the Missouri River Monster. In Colette Brumbaugh's serene painting, Watching for Miniwashitu/Missouri River Monster, we wait patiently on the shore for this elusive creature. The Miniwashitu has one eye and a large horn like a rhino. Supposedly 8 feet tall and furry like Bigfoot, this bison-elk-human hybrid can bring spring by breaking up the remaining ice in the river as temperatures rise. Originating from North Dakota’s Indigenous Mandan tribe, the Miniwashitu has recently gained a following among those captivated by this lovable cyclops-unicorn creature.

*Colette Brumbaugh, Watching for Miniwashitu/Missouri River Monster*

By far the most awe-inspiring creature in this field guide is the Shuryō Tatsu, marvelously depicted in Adrian Paladi’s triptych. In Japanese, Shuryō Tatsu translates to “Guardian Dragon,” symbolizing strength and benevolence. These dragons are believed to ward off evil and ensure good fortune, often displayed outside religious spaces and playing a significant role in Japanese mythology. In Paladi’s painting, the viewer can appreciate the reverence and grandeur of this powerful being. The piece is truly mesmerizing.

I believe that a culture's monsters reflect its societal fears and worries. A powerful example is the myth of Fear Gorta from Irish folklore. Bill Carney’s drawing hauntingly depicts “the Hungry Man,” or Fear Gorta, embodying Ireland’s fear and reality of famine. This solitary, gaunt monster is said to roam the streets as the spirit of a man who starved to death. When sacred places were desecrated or immoral acts committed, Fear Gorta would rise from the earth and wander the land, haunting the village.

Lastly, to end on a cheerful note, our final myth is the quirky Mrs. Whatsit from A Wrinkle in Time. This character holds a special place in my heart—Ruthie Moccia’s depiction of her in Mrs. Whatsit with Louise the Larger closely matches how I imagine her. Mrs. Whatsit is a fictional character from Madeleine L'Engle's novel. Bubbly and whimsical, she guides the child protagonists on their journey through time. Her companion, Louise the Larger, is a telepathic snake found in the children’s garden. Together they embody delightful whimsy.

*Ruthie Moccia, Mrs. Whatsit with Louise the Larger*

Stay Spooky!

-Brooke