Joseph Zembrowski, Jr., promises that those attending the first-ever New England Antiques and Oddities Exhibition on Sunday, Oct. 3 will be treated to a “one of a kind” event at the Beeracks, 250 Bradley Street, East Haven from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition will 20 vendors with antiques, oddities, general curiosities, and art.

“This is the first event of its kind in East Haven—this town has never seen anything like it and we wanted to shake it up a bit and do something different,” said Zembrowski. “The vendors are all local artists doing weird little things, trying to stick out in the world. There’s everything from vintage clothing to antiques to weird taxidermy to modern art. It’s about promoting the local artists that are so abundant here in this area.”

Zembrowski grew up in East Haven and attended Cooperative Arts and Humanities Interdistrict Magnet High School in New Haven. He still lives in East Haven and has continued to pursue his passion for the arts.

Through his experiences, Zembrowski has found a community of like-minded artists and creators and wanted to give them the opportunity to showcase their work. Working at the Beeracks for the last several months, he mentioned the idea.

“When I initially brought up the idea, they were super happy to have something completely different,” said Zembrowski. “The brewery is an absolute community staple and has been so helpful in organizing this.”

Months ago, Zembrowski began recruiting vendors for the event. As the event grew, he teamed up with Bee Rand of Mothic Goth, who has been “helping me immensely.” With Rand and other vendors being part of the gender-queer community, they decided to also host a raffle sponsored by Mothic Goth that will benefit Safe Homes, an organization that supports LGBTQ youth organization.

“This will be an all-inclusive space and absolutely open to everybody from all walks of life in a place of non-judgment,” said Zembrowski. “I saw a need to help bring fringe artists and people in this very niche community together. After quarantine with everything dull and stagnant, what better way to start kicking off life again than with art and creativity.”

In addition to the local artists and creators, there will be food trucks, craft beer, and live music. The opening act is the Human Fund followed by Froze 40, which is headed up by an East Haven resident who “makes beautifully complicated melodies and is such a talented singer,” according to Zembrowski. Though the event is free, there is a $5 suggested donation to offset costs.

As he has promoted his event, Zembrowski has found a great deal of support throughout the community, receiving a number of positive messages and comments about the upcoming exhibition. Another goal Zembrowski has is to create a safe and welcoming community for others.

“It’s about trying to find where you belong and discovering other like-minded creative individuals, which is something I’ve been fortunate to find in this little state where we have a very vibrant art community,” said Zembrowski. “It’s definitely not as established as I like yet, but it’s a scene that’s growing.”

Zembrowski encourages those interested to attend the first-ever New England Antiques and Oddities Exhibition in October where they can not only view or purchase pieces of art, but see them being created or even be able to create their own art.

“Creativity and having a creative outlet and a place to go and be yourself is immensely helpful, especially in times like these,” said Zembrowski. “It’s a homegrown, small exhibition and there will be something for everybody from strange, modern art to food trucks. Since I had the idea, it has grown and though it may be daunting, it’s beyond exciting. At end of the day, if I can get these artists exposure, they can sell a piece, and have their art hung in local homes, it would solidify this event as absolutely ideal.”

For information, follow the New England Antiques & Oddities Exhibition event page on Facebook.