Submitted by Susan R. Waide
(September 30, 2026) — Two Wrasslin’ Cats Café at 374 Town Street in East Haddam will celebrate its new community mural created by artists Jac Lahav and Aliyah Lacombe (photos below) on October 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The mural tells the story of East Haddam’s history through a procession of whimsical, anthropomorphic cats.
“This mural was funded by the generosity of more than a hundred people, in addition to a $7,500 Sustainable CT Community Match Fund for local grassroots projects,” said Mark Thiede, owner of Two Wrasslin’ Cats Café. Because Sustainable CT provides a dollar-for-dollar crowdfunding match, the café (which operates its community initiatives under its non-profit arm, the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord) has unlocked grant funding for multiple community-driven initiatives.
This mural is a collaborative effort involving artists, students, and East Haddam residents. Together, they have created a work that transforms an everyday space into an artistic landmark, one that reflects East Haddam’s history while celebrating its present-day community. The public is invited to attend, meet the artists, view the completed work and celebrate this new addition to East Haddam’s public art landscape. “There’s always a place at the table for everyone,” said Thiede.
