It is Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary and they will be throwing a HUGE celebration in two parts. One being Small Gift Los Angeles and the other being Small Gift Miami, which will be taking place during Miami’s Art Basel (12.2-12.5). As for Small Gift LA, the opening will take place on Friday, November 12th at Barker Hanger and will feature a pop-up shop, carnival games, food trucks, mini golf, and so much more. Jamie Rivadeneira of Japan LA invited 50 artists to take apart of this event. She asked them to create their interpretations of the many Sanrio characters, where they will be showcased at the event. There will also be 11 unique installation rooms designed by 64 Colors, Anna Chambers, Buff Monster, Crowded Teeth, Dan Goodsell, Joe Ledbetter, Neivz, Peekaboo Monster, Plasticgod, Sharktoof, and Tim Diet. The artists participating in the show include:
64 Colors, Adam Ansell, Amy Sol, Anna Chambers, Apak, Audrey Kawasaki, Bei Badgirl. Brandi Milne, Buff Monster, Camilla d'Errico, Crowded Teeth, Dan Goodsell, Deph, Eric Joyner, Gary Baseman, Gary Taxali, Jason Mecier, Jeremiah Ketner, Jesse LeDoux, Joe Ledbetter, Joel "Krook" Raul, Junko Mizuno, kaNO, kozyndan, Kukula, Lola, Luke Chueh, MAD, Mari Inukai, Mark Bodnar, Martin Hsu, Misha, Miss Kika, Natalia Fabia, Naoshi, Neivz, Noferin, Norma Christmas, Nouar, Paul Frank, Peekaboo Monster, Pete Wentz, Plasticgod, Samuel Lowder, Scott Campbell, Sharktoof, Simone Legno, Terry Hoff, Tim Diet, Travis Louie,and Twinkie Chan.
This event will definitely be an experience to remember. Take a look at the rest of what the event has to offer after the jump, as well as some of the submissions created by the various artists.
Barker Hangar
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Small Gift Los Angeles will include:
Midway Carnival — a game booth area featuring classic characters will include Hello Kitty’s Spilled Milk Bottle Toss, Little Twin Stars Shooting Stars, Tuxedosam Bowtie Bounce, Chocopanda Dough Toss, Hangyodon Ring Fling, Landry Lucky Duckies, and Sanrio Friends Spin ‘n’ Win Wheel, a Japanese activity corner, a retro videogame arcade, photo booths and a ferris wheel with multiple characters represented on the cars. Two 9-hole miniature golf courses celebrating Sanrio’s legacy of characters will round out the midway fun!
Art Exhibition — curated by Jamie Rivadeneira, owner of JapanLA, Small Gift Los Angeles will showcase artist works as well as eleven unique installation rooms that transform favorite Sanrio characters into original works. Fifty top artists will participate including Buff Monster, Gary Baseman, Paul Frank, Crowded Teeth, Natalia Fabia, Simone Legno, and many others. Artwork will be for sale; with a portion of the proceeds going to Los Angeles based L.A. Works. L.A. Works is a non-profit, volunteer action center that creates and implements hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Contact us for a more detailed listing of artists on display, works and artist bios.
Food Extravaganza — the “mobile food court” of food trucks will be a centerpiece of Small Gift Los Angeles, with many different trucks visiting over the 10 days, including The Grilled Cheese Truck. In addition, cream puff gurus Beard Papa’s will have a booth for the duration of Small Gift Los Angeles and have developed a special Hello Kitty flavor – a yummy strawberry flavored cream puff with sprinkles. Also on sale, an eco-friendly, co-branded Beard Papa’s/Hello Kitty tote created by Beard Papa’s to commemorate the event. Yogurtland will also staff a booth throughout Small Gift Los Angeles, offering a variety of special yogurt flavors and toppings tied back to Hello Kitty®, My Melody®, Keroppi®, and Chococat®.
Pop Up Shop — in addition to playing, participating and previewing, guests of Sanrio will also have the opportunity to purchase specially created and selected commemorative product in the Small Gift Los Angeles pop-up shop. Sanrio’s 50th Anniversary marks the first time that so many of the characters have appeared together and there are a variety of must-have, collectible pieces including iPhone cases and laptop cases, t-shirts, tin lunch boxes, tote bags, bobbleheads, plush, a commemorative 50th Anniversary book and much, much more.
Events Within the Main Event — special parties and events will abound over the 10 days of Small Gift Los Angeles. The themed “I Heart Nerds” party hosted by Sanrio and Loungefly and “Kitty in Pink – Retro 80s Prom Party” offer fans a chance to dress up, have fun and compete for ‘best-dressed’ prizes. Workshops will include Sushi Bento Box making, Sunae (Japanese sand art), cupcake decorating, jewelry and craft making with participating artists, and an intro to Hello Kitty Beauty by Sephora. Tickets will be available for purchase prior to events and workshops on brownpapertickets.com. Sanrio will also host groups of children with L.A. Works throughout Small Gift Los Angeles.
Special Partnerships — many special partners will be on hand throughout Small Gift Los Angeles to participate in this massive celebration. Various models of the newly launched Hello Kitty Smart Cars will be on display, inviting fans to hop inside, explore, and snap pictures. New partner Sephora will give fans a sneak peek of their soon-to-launch “Hello Kitty Beauty” collection featuring a luxurious line of cosmetics and collectible accessories.
Jamie is a She. LOL
nice 🙂