Mad City Story Slam - Best Gift Ever

Art in the cafe...

Tamara Lea Kaufman


"pretty ~ ugly"


February 2026



Artist Statement Tamara Lea Kaufman’s personal artwork ranges from serious to quirky, dark, adult-themed humor. She creates multimedia assemblage, collage, and dioramas made from HO-scale railroad hobby miniatures, preserved insects, paint, embroidery, found objects, and typically discarded materials such as candy wrappers and the overlooked debris of everyday life. Her work explores topics of consumption, waste, desire, relationships, psychology, politics, societal pressures and the levity of humor needed to survive it all. It gives her joy to repurpose materials into something new, useful, or...
[ more ]
Friday, December 5, 2025
7 - 9 pm

This month's theme is brought to you by an attendee at last month's slam! Come share a story about your best gift ever. The bicycle with the big bow on top. The handmade scarf that kept you warm all winter. The surprise visit from a friend. The weird casserole from a neighbor that wasn't that good, honestly, but renewed your trust in community.

Share a 5-minute story at the mic, or just come to listen. Show starts at 7PM. As always, this event is free.

Open Mic