Preview: Tim Biskup for TxT Project #2 (7.10) in Taipei

The TxT Project #2 featuring Tim Biskup and T9G on July 10th @ Paradise Toys during TTF is a must-see if you’re lucky enough to be in Tapei at the time.  In addition to the new edition of the T9G Helper and the Biskup Helper, there’s also the big yellow pollard, and plenty of customs from both artists.

Here’s our first of two previews of just a portion of Tim Biskup’s customs and Jackson 500 paintings for the show.   Today we’re featuring his customs of the Biskup Rangeas and his first T9G Helper customs.  These are work-in-progress shots with finishing touches still to be added – eye detail and such.   There are also 2 new Jackson 500 mini-paintings in this preview.  Enjoy!

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Rivet Gallery Presents: Amanda Louise Spayd, Jake Waldron, J.Shea in Curiosities (07.04)

What better way to spend the 4th July than at an amazing art exhibit at Rivet Gallery. They bring to you a group show featuring new works by Amanda Louise Spayd, Jake Waldron & J.Shea. “Curiosities” features paintings and sculptures by these amazing artists. A preview of the show is now available here for your viewing pleasures. Amanda will also be making an appearance on the opening night on Saturday, July 4th from 7-10PM.

Rivet Gallery
1200 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43201

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Drilone x Mimoco Presents: Vimobot Custom Show @ SDCC Booth #4938

Drilone has been very busy currating a bunch of shows as of late. Working alongside Mimoco, they will be putting on a custom show during this years SDCC. The custom show will feature work from a bunch of artists you may recognize. Raffles for customs will also be given away each day of the convention. Be sure to get to the Mimoco booth (#4938) quickly, because these customs are first come first serve.

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Jason Jacenko for Mickey Brand Halo Show (06.29)

Australian graffiti and tattoo artist Jason Jacenko recently released a photo of his submission for the Mickey Brand Halo Show. His attention to detail is on point as ever. The attention to the eyes is what makes this custom. Notice the recognizable skull on the chest, which is why he dubbed this custom Punisher. This custom is now on exhibit at the Mickey Brand Halo show at Time Square in Hong Kong. Thanks to 3-Mix and Disney Asia for putting together such an awesome line up.

Kidrobot NY Presents: Atrak & Dust La Rock Signing & Toy Release (07.01)

This Wednesday, July 1st at KRNY DJ A-Trak and the designer behind the Grateful Bear, Dust la Rock will be making an appearance. Here is your chance to get a hold of one of these limited figures (500 pieces) before anyone else. Each figure will be $50 a piece and are 8” tall. The event takes place from 6-8PM.

KRNY
118 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012

An Afternoon with Greg ‘Craola' Simkins (6.27)

Gallery 1988 LA is hosting a special afternoon event with Greg 'Craola' Simkins, tomorrow Saturday June 27th from 12 - 4 PM.  Simkins will be painting live to benefit cancer research -- proceeds from the sale of the finish piece will go to the American Cancer society.  The gallery will also release two limited-edition items -- a giclee print of 'Here Stands Matt Riddle'  (36" x 30", ed. of 50, $275) and an intricate laser-engraved Lonely Knight skate deck (ed. 0f 25, $325). 

Gallery 1988
7020 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.937.7088

Monkeyhouse Toys Presents: Freaks, Geeks, & Sword Swallowers Show & Toy Release (06.27)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Saturday, June 27th, Monkeyhouse Toys brings to everyone a show for all ages. A themed group show that you would only see at a traveling circus. The artists take on the task of best displaying oddities and curiosities as apart of their art. Participating artists include: Anna chambers, Jared Deal, Sam Fout, Dan Goodsell, Jason Jacenko, kaNO, Matt Linares, Squink, and tons more.

Monkeyhouse is also proud to announce the release of their very own exclusive Blue Pierce and Nathan set by Jared Deal. Limited to only 50 pieces, each set comes with a signed mini print. Pierce will be sporting a Monkeyhouse Toys logo on the chest of his t-shirt and Nathan will be rocking the same logo on his back.

Monkeyhouse Toys
1618 1/2 Silver Lake Bl.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

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NeMo's Black Warrior Haremungous for Mind to Matter (7.18)

In addition to several new original sculptures , NeMo will show several customs for his upcoming 'From Mind to Matter' show with Brent Nolasco.  Here's a look at one of them, Black Warrior, a custom of his  Haremungous figure with new sculpted elements.  From Mind to Matter opens on Saturday, July 18th 2009 (7 -10 PM) @ ToyQube.

Brent Nolasco - Dos Compadres for Mind to Matter (7.18)

Last week we brought you one of Brent Nolasco’s paintings for his  joint show with NEMO, From Mind to Matter, opening on July 18th, 2009 @ ToyQube in Queens.  To ensure a balanced diet, we bring you one of his customs. It goes without saying that Brent is a top-flight toy customizer.  Even so, we’re always impressed when he drops a new creation into the ‘ol inbox

Dos Compadres, proving that friendship knows no bounds, big or small, Craola Rottnclaw or Kaniza, it’s the ties that bind us and odd creatures together.  We’re looking forward to what comes next.

ToyQube
37-06 Prince Street
Flushing, NY 11354
718.939.8605

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Preview: Dust -- Surreal Minds @ myplasticheartnyc (6.26)

German artist Dust will soon be in NYC for this Friday's opening (6.26, 6-9 PM) of his Surreal Minds show.  Here's a quick preview of the show featuring a few of his atmospheric mixed media pieces as well as his new Shergen NR1 (above) and NR2 figure sets (each comes with a Shergen + subworker) in the exclusive MPH 'concrete' editions ( bo are ed. of 5).  While NR1 and NR2 are similar, you'll note considerable differences especially on the figure's right arm. Really enjoying his new figures. Dust will also have some cool one-off pieces for sale -- so get there early.    For more on Dust + Shergen's check out his interview over at TRE.

myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866

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Amanda Visell & Michelle Valigura @ Rotofugi (7.10)

Woo-Hoo!  Amanda Visell and Michelle Valigura have been holed up in their workshop toiling away on their upcoming shows which both open on July 10th @ Rotofugi in Chicago.  Volcanoes for Beginners will feature original 2.5D metal sculptures created and hand-cast by Amanda Visell.  Showing her versatility,  Michelle Valigura will offer a large number of original ceramic sculptures for her Slaphappy show.   Keep watching VP for more pics + news.  Also be sure to check out Amanda’s guest blog over at Dailydujour if you don't already do so.

Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery
1953 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.491.9501

The Rising Tide @ DDR Projects (7.11)

Saturday, July 11th 2009  is shaping up to be a busy night for art in the SoCal area.  Here’s another suggestion -- Rising Tide group show opening @ DDR Projects in Long Beach.  Organized by Hiro Hayashi (LiLJAPAN), the show offers a broad and varied look at Japanese art by show casing 10 Japanese and Japanese American artists working in a number of mediums including vinyl toys --  Asako Inada, Ayako Sakanishi, CHANMEN, Katope, Kazuhiko Ito, Kiyoshi Nakazawa, LiLJAPAN, Mike Oshite, Naoki Koiwa and Yoshimi Sugiyama (below).  After the jump you’ll find samples of each artist’s work/style.

DDR  Projects
3403 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803

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Okedoki for Mickey Brand Halo Show (06.29)

Okedoki does not know how to disappoint when it comes to custom toys. Her Mickey Brand Halo custom, dubbed Mr. Ripley brings out a lot of her true talent. This partially dissected custom features one side that enjoys counting money and stealing candy from kids and the other side features a very famous skinless mouse with gloves, shorts, and shoes still intact. This custom will be exhibited at the Mickey Brand Halo Show in Hong Kong, which was put together by 3-Mix and Disney Asia. The show takes place on June 29th at Time Square in Hong Kong. More pictures after the jump.

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Elizabeth McGrath Appearance & Signing @ Rivet Gallery (06.23)

On Tuesday, June 23rd Elizabeth McGrath will be making an appearance at Rivet Gallery. Elizabeth creates some very unique and grotesque mixed media art sculptures and paintings and will be at Rivet there from 7 – 8PM signing and meeting with the fans.

Rivet Gallery
1200 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43201

Hello, Brute for Mickey Brand Halo Show (06.29)

Hello, Brute has been up to his chin in busy work. One, having sold out of the new Danny figure in a day and now his latest custom submission. Jon recently shipped off his custom Mickey Brand Halo figure to Hong Kong for an art exhibit put together by 3-Mix and Disney Asia. The show takes place on June 29th – August 2nd at Time Square, Hong Kong. Jon took the blank figure and re-sculpted the face and added hair to get a Hello, Brute feel to it.

Sneak Peek -- Brent Nolasco and Nemo @ ToyQube (7.18)

ToyQube will host a joint show  on July 18th, 2009 featuring the work of NYC sculptor Nemo and PA-based Brent Nolasco. Nemo will present original sculpts, while Brent will showcase both original paintings and custom toys.

Not one to rest on past accomplishments, Brent continues to evolve and refine his painting  As this sneak peek of 'To Love and Admire' shows, his new work  features a watercolor effect which seems to add subtlety to his wild characters. 

ToyQube
37-06 Prince Street
Flushing, NY 11354
718.939.8605

Dust – Surreal Minds @ Myplasticheartnyc (6.26)

German artist/designer Dust will make the trip to NYC for his Surreal Minds solo @ myplasticheartnyc on Friday, June 26th 2009 (6-9 PM). Best known in toy circles for his hand-done figures, Dust will present several mixed-media canvases which judging by these promo images are pretty awesome.  He will also offer his new original hand-painted limited-edition  Schergen figures as well including a special MPH/show exclusive edition.  Should be a very cool show.

myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866

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Kidrobot Presents: Will Not Fit In A Suitcase by Wheelbarrow (06.18)

The Kidrobot Miami Art Gallery presents a solo art exhibit featuring artist, Wheelbarrow. Will Not Fit In A Suitcase will feature a collection of drawings, paintings, screen prints, and toys. An exclusive signed screen-printed postcard will be available to all of those who attend. Wheelbarrow will also be there to party during the opening reception. This show takes place on Thursday, June 18th from 6-8PM.

Kidrobot Miami Art Gallery
638 Collins Avenue
Miami, FL 33139

Swoon @ Black Maria (6.13)

Curated by Ally Takeuchi-Cipriani, Swoon opens tonight, Saturday June 13th 2009 @ Black Maria in Atwater.  The group show features the work for a talented and diverse mix of artists including 64 Colors, Andrew Bell, Brent Nolasco (above), Jen Lobo, Jenna Colby, Jeremiah Ketner, Julie West and more.   For more info, check out the show page complete with preview.

Black Maria Gallery
3137 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
323.660.9393

Fear No Art 3 (6.21)

Opening on  Sunday, June 21st (6-11 PM), Fear No Art 3 @ The Achilles Project in Boston continues the tradition of the first two shows in featuring the work of top underground artists from across the country, specifically  Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, and  San Francisco.

Boston:  Deme5, Enamel Kingdom, Frantz Cadet, Kenji Nakayama, Kwest, Margaret Singer, Sarah Laws, Marka27, Massiel Grullon, NineRevolutions, Problak
New York:  Cope2, Pen "Tha Black Krayon", Lichiban
Los Angeles:  David Flores, Kofie, Sherm, Werc Alvarez
San Francisco: Jesse Hernandez

"The Achilles Project"
283 Summer St
Boston 02210

Toyqube Presents: In Your Phace by Phetus

Tonight at Toyqube will be the solo show of Long Island native Phetus. With 20 years of writing under his belt, Phetus has collaborated with names such as: SEEN, Toyqube, Kidrobot, and tons of musicians. In Your Phase will feature new art pieces and begins tonight from 7 – Midnight only at Toyqube! Sneek peeks from the show right after the jump.

Toyqube
37-06 Prince Street
Flushing, NY 11354

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Roq La Rue Presents: Best Loved Tales Of Misery and Woe by Travis Lampe (06.12)

Making his very first debut at the Roq La Rue, Travis Lampe will bring to the people of Seattle a solo show entitled Best Loved Tales of Misery and Woe. This exhibit will feature his trademark retro animation style. Travis Lampe says that this show "Is about a creeping stain of woe that is so permeating that it's gone back in time and spoiled all of your childhood memories – but in a funny way." Opening reception takes place on Friday, June 12th from 6-9PM.

Roq La Rue
2312 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

Seen: Grasshut Corp - Warmholes

Our good friend Jon Knox aka Hello, Brute made it out to the Warmholes show at Grasshut Corp last week and was kind enough to snap some shots for us. The show featured works by Arbito, APAK, Bwana Spoons, Martin Ontiveros, Josh Herbolsheimer, and many more. Check out the pictures right after the jump to see all the awesome pieces from the show.

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Seen: Amanda Visell – Dragon Scout Release

 

For Saturday's (6.6) release of her Dragon Scout vinyl figures, Amanda Visell transformed the Switcheroo Workshop into ‘Camp Switcheroo'.  Collectors arrived to discover an elaborate outdoor setup complete with tent, faux camp fire, real human banjo player, plenty of hand-painted 2.5D furry friends,  and a Smores station.  The theme extended inside to the refreshments table decked out with a large scale version of the Dragon Scout camp fire nestled on a patch of fresh astroturf.

In addition to the Green (ed. of 600, $65) and Blue Dragon Scouts (ed. of 300, $75) - Amanda also offered five custom Dragon Scouts (sold out), several paintings, a cool camp fire print with our favorite fantasy scout, and more.  If you're looking for a figure check out the Switcheroo store and for the art head over to the show preview blog.

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Drilone & 1AM Gallery Presents: Into The Darkness (06.05)

Currated by a name we often see here on VP, Drilone puts together another killer roster for a custom toy show at 1AM Gallery. “Into the Darkness” will have over 60 different artists from all around showcasing custom pieces. This show takes place tonight, Friday, June 5th all the way to the 3rd of July. The opening reception starts at 6PM and ends at 10PM. Artists include:  64 colors, Brian Colin, Cris Rose, D-LuX, DrilOne, Keith Poon, Leecifer, Lunabee, and more that can be seen here. This show should be epic, so be sure to drop by the gallery, look around a bit, hang out and enjoy everyone’s company!

First Amendment Gallery
1000 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103