While most New Yorkers stare at their phones oblivious to the world, a few of us observe. We see the traces of strange creatures everywhere: curious footprints in the parks, talon scratches on our cars, bite marks on discarded pizza, and oddly formed turds on the sidewalk. They hide in the shadows, lurk in the parks, burrow through our subway, slither through the Gowanus, and slink about our sewers. Some think they are just pigeons or rats. But we know better. And soon, with just a few photographs, we will prove that NYC Cryptids exist, once and for all. So move aside Bigfoot, Chupacabra, Nessy, and Mothman – our Cryptids get much weirder.
This Spring prepare to embark on the Cryptid Safari! Shadow Traffic is forming an expedition to find evidence of elusive NYC Cryptids in their natural habitat: Prospect Park. To participate, you can either become your own Cryptid or take photos as a Cryptozoologist and document the behaviors of these beautiful critters.
HOW TO: NYC CRYPTIDS
1. Go Solo or as a small team
2. Invent your own NYC Cryptid Species considering it’s natural behaviors and habitat
3. Make your costumes and any natural habitat abodes (nests, borrows, dams, etc.)
4. Fill out the Cryptid sign up form and submit a “rough” sketch of what you look like
HOW TO: CRYPTOZOOLOGISTS
1. Go Solo or as a small team
2. Develop your persona and expertise as Cryptid researcher
3. Put together your Cryptid hunting uniform
Fill out the Cryptozoological sign up form
4. Bring a camera - analog, lo-fi digital preferred - but phone is fine and a notebook + pen for your studies
THE SCHEDULE
3:30-4:30pm Cryptids Sign-In at the Cryptid Safari table outside the forest and then proceed to their habitats
4:30-6PM Cryptozoologists and Park Goers sign in and proceed on their hunt for the truth
6-7PM The Convening of the Cryptozoological Society, where Cryptozoologists will reveal their findings alongside their Cryptid discoveries
MERIT BADGE REWARDS
Those who bring back photo evidence of a certain number of Cryptids to the Cryptozoological Society will receive special merit badges of various levels. Cryptids will also receive merit badges for their wild behavior.
CRYPTID MAKING WORKSHOP & MEETUP
7-9PM THURS MAY 7TH | LOCATION TBA
Learn from local fabrication wizard, Cam Finley, on how to make creatures using EVA foam - just like cosplayers do. It will revolutionize how you approach costuming. You can also meet other cryptid-curious collaborators and learn more about the event. Use the sign-up form to let us know if you're interested! https://forms.gle/EeQ3T9i2icVBPaiVA
