Strange Summer:

The Cryptid Show

In August 2024, we set out to craft some local lore.

There were rumors of a creature within our midst. Whisperings of seven-legged cats, sea creatures with beaks, and other mysterious beings lingering in the dusky valley.

So we set out to expose the truth about these sightings.

We invited your favorite local artists to illustrate what they saw or imagined lurking around corners and down alleyways, roaming through moonlit fields, swimming in murky waters.

In August 2024, The Gallery revealed to the public a collection of never-before-seen depictions of the unidentified creatures that roam these parts.

We called on the community to help us decide: which of these creatures is the true Genesee Valley cryptid? Which one belongs among the ranks of the Loch Ness monster, of Bigfoot, of the Mothman. Which one can compare to the Kraken, the Chupacabra?!


24 creatures vied for your votes.
Only one emerged victorious.

Meet all 24 cryptid contestants.

  • The Ashen Queen

    by Joshua Coon

    Sometimes mistaken for a person, this invasive cryptid has moved through the Genesee Valley Region, stripping Ash trees of their leaves through large swarms. The Ashen Queen controls swarms of her kingdom over vast expanses and confuses individuals who get caught in the hum.

  • Mirrour

    by Chelsea Kowalik

    Mirrour’s hauntingly reflective eyes are used as a tool for freeing her kindred spirit, Emmaline, who has been trapped in the bear statue since its creation by French sculptor- Antoine Barye. Mirrour stealthily lurks around the fountain and attempts to blind oncoming drivers to help her free Emmaline’s spirit, so they can be together once again. Once the enchantment is broken, they can pursue a life of freedom and companionship.

  • The Wild Batchee

    by Piper Wadsworth

    Half bat, half cat- The Wild Batchee is a spirit sent to watch over and comfort broken-hearted people to protect them from suffering. The Batchee was born out of love and sacrifice between the deep bonds of a girl and her cat. This compassionate creature is drawn to lost souls and provides a gentle presence for those in need.

  • Tuffet

    by JJ Hughes

    In a never ending state of immortal vibing, the Tuffet takes on many shapes and sizes with each new species they come across. The Tuffet takes in the sunsets while hanging out in the SUNY Geneseo gazebo. You can find them in the background of many local influencer’s instagram posts.

  • The Ursopherd

    by Zachary Mogavero

    The Ursopherd was created through an agreement between a bear, horse, and a fox- all of whom were dissatisfied with their roles in the town of Geneseo. In merging forms, the Ursopherd attempts to protect all three of its founding animals by redirecting distracted drivers away from the statue and leading hounds away from the foxes during the fox hunt.

  • The Longneck Turtle-Cat

    by Jacob Tschiderer and Reid Roberts

    Little is known about the origins of the Longneck Turtle-Cat, but some scientists theorize that the species was born from an underground spring. Sightings have reported that the creature can float and often lingers in waterways and alleyways and is naturally drawn to cats and turtles. He never truly feels like he fits-in anywhere.

  • The Frogman of High Falls

    by Ryan Horan

    The Frogman Lurks through swampy areas of the Genesee River and the Finger Lakes. They absorb much of the toxic waste and secrete it through their skin and spit. It is said that the Frogman was formed by radioactive material from cold war experiments. He now lives an elusive existence.

  • The Bah-Goos

    by Julia J. Wolfe

    The Bah-goos come in many shapes and sizes, and engage in inter-dimensional travel. The Bah-goos have had recorded sightings dating back to 1345 along the silk roads. They originate from another dimension known to humans as the “Bah-goo forest”. Some believe that they are a prophetic warning, others see it as a sign of good fortune.

  • The Quilted Quilla

    by Edan Lambright

    $80

    The Quilted Quilla is a spirit of the woods who dons a quilted cloak which gives her the ability to shapeshift. She longs to experience life as many different animals, and watches humans in hopes of finding the one that will unlock a new form for her to take. When she transforms, her quilt is condensed into a single quilt block pattern that marks the skin of her new shape.

  • The Perry Winkle

    by Nickolas Viele

    PerryWinkles are known to be drawn to places with color, light, and art. They were most recently found cleaning out an art studio on SUNY Geneseo’s Campus. They enjoy hanging out in leftover paint water cups and enjoy chalking in their free time. PerryWinkles are harmless and just want to decorate the world with beautiful things.

  • Oakley the Wood Sprite

    by Amy Balling

    Oakley is one of many guardians of the forest. These wood sprites hope to spark imagination and deeper connections with the natural world. Oakley’s joyous nature adds a touch of magic and laughter to the forest- the laughter, however, may be caused by his mischievous nature. Oakley is known to prank campsites in the Genesee Valley Region.

  • Kodachromus

    by Morgan Everly

    Kodachromus was the product of a mishap in the Kodak lab. When an assistant dropped his coffee into the photo developing chemicals, a reaction occurred and Kodachromus was born. The little awkward creature emerged and ran away in a fit of angst. The creature collects historical and sentimental photographs hoping for some sort of human engagement.

  • Kelly O'Bear

    by Frankie Biondo III

    Kelly O’Bear is a shape-shifting leprechaun who is usually disguised as Emmaline- the bear statue in the fountain in Geneseo. While he grants wishes for those who cast coins in the fountain, his tumultuous moods lead him to magnetize passing cars to crash into the granite base. His volatility leads him to break parking meters some days while other days he’ll grant good luck to passers by. Toss a coin in the fountain if you want to get into his good graces.

  • Ichthyolupis

    by Michael Wedge

    With the body of a fish and the head and legs of a dog, sightings of the Ichthyolupis date back to 1925 when farmer- Emmet Chapman discovered the creature breaking into a case of moonshine. The creature moves ungracefully on land and in water. It’s difficult to say whether this is due to its awkward body shape or its affinity for drinking alcohol.

  • Heptacat

    by Ray Chiulli

    The Heptacat was said to be abandoned by a witch. While seemingly cute and harmless, the Heptacat causes other cats distress. Multiple sightings in the Geneseo village have been reported, and seemingly related strings of good luck have been recorded amongst those who have encountered it.

  • Genesee Valley Vulplep

    by Jules Demartes

    Known for being playful and curious, the Genesee Valley Vulplep bares resemblance to a fox with the legs of a rabbit- giving it the power to launch into flight. The Vulplep prefers autumn and explores the trails of the greenway and Letchworth state park.

  • Genesee Dusk

    by Gerald Swanson

    The Genesee Dusk is rumored to have originated in the 19th Century when mining in the area began to pollute the air and waterways. It has been known to cause disappearances in the region. The Dusk is shapeless, formless, and takes victims in silence.

  • Genesean Faun

    by Frankie Biondo IV

    Rumored to be thousands of years old, the Genesean Faun takes the form of a satyr and is said to be armored in chainmail and shields. It was first sighted jumping off the back of a delivery wagon going to the Wadsworth Homestead in 1804. Sightings are rare as the Faun seems to be nocturnal and only travels alone.

  • Eft

    by Sage Gentry

    Standing 4-5 feet tall, the Eft was born from the mishandling of a hellbender salamander by a fisherman who exposed them to “the bloom” algae in Conesus lake. Since exposure, the Eft (as well as its appetite) has grown exponentially. Often seen by fisherman and seasonal campers- the Eft loves lurking around Shoreless Acres General Store and stealing Mama Mia’s Pizza.

  • The Dubious Ick

    by Rachel Coutant

    The Dubius Ick is a lone extraterrestrial that got separated from their clan. They wander around Geneseo with their curious spirit and have a fascination with balloons- enough to attempt to snatch balloons when children lose them.

  • Connie, the Giant Living "Stone"

    by Kim Binaghi Lee

    Connie is an ecosystem in and of herself. She provides a space for algae and plant life to grow, and graces Conesus Lake with her colossal yet delicate beauty. She is sometimes responsible for the changing of currents and movements within Conesus Lake, and comes from a long line of behemoth turtles that were trapped in the great lakes during the Ice Age.

  • Boxcar Jack

    by Peter Weeg

    Boxcar jack has been spotted along the iron arteries of the United states since around 1900. He carries a spirit of exploration and discovery as he hitches rides around the country on trains- in search of something new. Sightings of Boxcar Jack stopped around 87 years ago, and it wasn’t until recently that he was spotted again. What could this mean?

  • Genesee River Mermaid

    by Devon Rose

    The Genesee River Mermaid is rumored to be a product of the chemicals released into the Genesee in Kodak’s infancy. With a horn on the crown of the creature’s head, many believe the Mermaid has the face of a seal or dog. The Mermaid prefers to be surrounded by music and is most commonly seen during Rochester’s Lilac Festival and Jazz Festival.

  • The Orchard Street Litterbug

    by Sarah DeVito and Maddie Rice

    $100

    The Orchard Street Litterbug is a creature that was born out of forgotten trash left by partiers at SUNY Geneseo. A mishap during a Fraternity’s crossing ceremony accidentally created an unbreakable bond amongst the litter instead of the Frat boys, and thus the Litterbug was born. There’s a certain somberness to his existence as he roams Orchard street and witnesses fellow forgotten pieces of trash.

The winner:

The Eft

by Sage Gentry

Standing 4-5 feet tall, the Eft was born from the mishandling of a hellbender salamander by a fisherman who exposed them to “the bloom” algae in Conesus lake. Since exposure, the Eft (as well as its appetite) has grown exponentially. Often seen by fisherman and seasonal campers- the Eft loves lurking around Shoreless Acres General Store and stealing Mama Mia’s Pizza.

Lettering by Zachary Mogavero, illustration by Maddie Rice