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 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine). 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 over 100 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 Mark Thiede, owner of Two Wrasslin’ Cats Café.
Overflow parking is available the East Haddam Lion’s Club Skating Pond parking lot which is within a short walking distance of the Café.
Jac Lahav is a multidisciplinary artist, curator, arts writer, children’s book author, and community organizer whose work explores history, identity, community, belonging, and cultural narratives. Born in Jerusalem, Israel, Lahav was raised in the United States and now lives in Lyme, Connecticut.
Lahav earned a B.A. in Psychology from Wesleyan University and an M.F.A. from Brooklyn College. His work includes painting, sculpture, drawing, and installation. His work has been exhibited at museums and galleries throughout the United States.
Lahav is also a board member of Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE), which develops community-based art and educational projects that explore underrepresented histories and promote greater understanding through public art.
Aliyah Lacombe is a New London, Connecticut artist whose work includes public murals and collaborative community art projects. She has participated in mural projects in the Norwich area, including commissions facilitated by the Norwich Collective. Her work for the Two Wrasslin’ Cats Café mural is part of a collaborative project bringing together artists, students, and residents to celebrate East Haddam’s history and community.
About the Mural
The mural uses anthropomorphic cats to create a colorful procession through East Haddam’s history. By combining historical themes with imaginative characters, the artwork offers residents and visitors a creative way to connect with the town’s past while celebrating its present-day community. This project demonstrates how public art can bring people together, encourage conversation, and transform a familiar community space into a place for storytelling and reflection.