Once again, it's Prom Season --- that romantic time each year when young people gather, dress up, dance to live music and eat the brains of the living.

(WICHITA, KS) CathARTic Art and Film Events (CAFE) is proud to present "Friday Nightmares", its fourth annual Halloween themed group art show and masquerade ball. The one night exhibition, on Final Friday, October 31, will be held once again this year at the 20th Century Center in downtown Wichita.

According to the event founder, Matt Orsman, Friday Nightmares is more than just an art show this year. It's the kickoff for a whole series of charity benefit events, celebrating different genres of films, that are planned throughout 2009.

This year the event features a masquerade party dubbed "Zombie Prom." It's just like an old high school dance, including a band, lots of dancing, a photographer taking couples pictures, except everyone... is one of the living dead! Everyone is invited to come in their tattered tuxes and taffeta, and break out the greasepaint. Costumes are strongly encouraged and if zombies aren't your style, come on down anyway. You don't have to get dressed up!

Scheduled to perform are Internet sensations "Living Dead Girlz", the zombie dance troupe from San Francisco, Fangoria™ Magazines' 2009 "Spooksmodel" Shannon Lark, and local costume band Shadow13.   There will be a screening of a new cut of DARKNESS, a frightfully good movie by local filmmaker Leif Jonker, plus appearances by independent filmmakers from around the country. 

And art from local artists Brian S. Allen, Sherry Carpenter, Mark Clarkson, Pamela Clarkson, John Goldsmith, Jaki McElroy, Patty Ringgenberg, and Mark Walker will be on display.

The show is a benefit for RAINN, The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, and the Wichita Film Festivals.  Future CathARTic events will also benefit a local charity and national charity.  Orsman says, "We know with the economy in a slump charities have been hit hard so this is our way of giving back. It's going to be a huge party and it all goes to a good cause."

The one night only show opens Friday, October 31, from 8-12 p.m., at The 20th Century Center, 536 N Broadway (just north of Central at Elm Street) in Wichita. Tickets are $20.00 per person, or $35.00 a couple, with net proceeds going to the two charities. The 20th Century Center is on the Final Friday Trolley Route.

Sponsors of the event include radio station 104.5 The Fox, David Mendoza DMD, GoldWing Group, Three Monkey Games, Ideajack Interactive, The Art of Healing and Nickel Sales & Marketing.

For more information on "Friday Nightmares" or any upcoming CathARTic shows, contact Matt Orsman at 316-680-1296 or the 20th Century Center at (316) 263-1665.