WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SCARY MOVIE? Black Kettle Tea Shoppe & Bootique is opening up its own venue space curated toward all things horror.

When Black Kettle Tea Shoppe & Bootique first opened its brick-and-mortar doors in 2022, it was more than just a shop selling horror-themed merchandise; it was about creating a physical space for those who thrive on the macabre. Now, with the launch of a dedicated venue space, that vision is going even further – like, "6 Feet Under," further.

“I opened the shop to create a space where horror lovers could congregate,” owner Brianna Vodvarka said. “So, having a venue space to host horror-related events just made sense. There’s a huge horror community here in Eau Claire, and I don’t think people realize that.”

This expansion offers an additional venue – named 6 Feet Under – with deadly charm to downtown Eau Claire. With curated décor and horror film posters adorning the walls, and seating ready to accommodate event attendees, the space is set to open up for its first public event this May.

THERE'S A HUGE HORROR COMMUNITY HERE IN EAU CLAIRE, AND I DON'T THINK PEOPLE REALIZE THAT.

BRIANNA VODVARKA

BLACK KETTLE TEA SHOPPE & BOOTIQUE OWNER

As Vodvarka explained, the shop and its new venue are about more than jump scares and slasher flicks – it’s about artistic expression and community.

"There's nowhere else in town that's dedicated solely to horror," she said. "Everything here is curated to give you the full horror experience."

The niche venue's upcoming event lineup includes an art show, movie screenings, and open-mic nights – but don’t expect typical stand-up routines. The open-mic events at 6 Feet Under will focus on poetry, music, and storytelling with eerie twists, Vodvarka said. The space is available to rent out for small gatherings as well.

From 4-8pm on Saturday, May 3, the venue will open to the public for its first visual (and free) art showcase, "Horror Through the Arts." The exhibit will explore the evolution of horror films from folkloric roots to modern-day manifestations, featuring area artists.

“I was thinking about how horror has evolved over time," Vodvarka said of the event's inspiration. "It started with stories passed down through generations and transformed into movies and media that we enjoy today. I wanted to capture every moment of horror through history, and who better to do that than our amazing art community here in Eau Claire?”

Visitors can expect to see works ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures. Several pieces are inspired by specific time periods, including historic happenings like the Salem Witch Trials. There will also be a reading from local author Elan McCallum and specialty mocktails by Eau Claire Cocktail Company.

Vodvarka said her hopes are to establish "Horror Through the Arts" as an annual event, contingent upon the success of the upcoming event this month.

Black Kettle Tea Shoppe and Bootique is located at 217 Barstow St., Eau Claire. Keep up with the small business online (@blackkettletea) and reach out with inquiries at blackkettleteashoppe@gmail.com. 6 Feet Under, the shop's venue, will host "Horror Through the Arts" on Saturday, May 3, beginning at 4pm.