May 14, 2013
Gunnzo Open House – DIY Contest & Trading Party (05.18)
Everyone's favorite San Diego based Designer Toy Store Gunnzo, will be having an Open House event, with a Do It Yourself Contest and Trading Party. There will be plenty of fellow collectors and artists at the event to share tips, tricks, and just talk toys with! Feel free to bring along some of your own materials, as Gunnzo will be providing some paints, markers, and other creative mediums to work with. The customizing event will begin at 1PM and the Trading party at 5PM, then the winning customs will be announced at 6PM. Check after the jump for the contest rules!
Gunnzo
2445 Juan Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Kidrobot NYC Presents: David Kraig for Munth of May (05.18)
For Munny Munth, Kidrobot NYC is proud to bring in customizer and artist, David Kraig for a live customizing event. This will take place on Saturday, May 18th and will run from 12-5PM. Be sure to stop by, take some notes, learn a few things, ask some questions, and fill your head with some knowledge to step your customizing game up!
Kidrobot NYC
118 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
Super7’s 12th Anniversary Lucky Bags (5.25)
Super7 is about to release their 12th Anniversary Lucky Bags. This time around each bag will feature 9 vinyl toys – 4 brand-new sculpts, 2 DOA toys, unpainted test shots, hand-painted customs and more. As is the tradition, the toys featured in the Lucky Bags are exclusive to them. They haven’t been released previously, and won’t be released afterwards. So if you’re tired of seeing an awesome figure and asking where it came from, only to hear the dreaded words ‘Lucky Bag’, then you’ll want to get in on the action this year.
Super7 will release the Lucky Bags (9 toys, $300 / bag) on Saturday May 25th @ 7 PM PDT at the Super7 Store in San Francisco. If that’s not enough toy goodness, Gargamel will be presenting a custom toy show featuring hand-painted kaiju at the same time. Online Lucky Bag sales will start on Sunday (5.26) @ 11 AM PDT over at super7store.com.
Super7 12th Anniversary Lucky Bags Release + Gargamel Custom Show
Saturday, May 25th 2013 (7 PM PDT)
Super7 Store
1427 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415.553.6165
Ron English -- ‘Thought Factory’ (6.8)
Clutter will present Ron English’s ‘Thought Factory’ exhibition (6.8) featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s numerous toy projects. Toy design drawings and turn-arounds, as well as paintings created for toy releases (such as box art) will showcase Ron’s creative process for making toys. The exhibition will also feature several of his custom toys as well as multiple resin toy releases. So if you’re a fan of Ron English and especially of his toys, mark June 8th down on your calendar.
Ron English || ‘Thought Factory’
Opening: Saturday, June 8th 2013 (6-9 PM)
The Clutter Gallery
163 Main St.
Beacon, NY 12508
May 13, 2013
Fonzo Loves the UK Customs Available Now
Was there a particular custom you just had to have from Freak Store’s” Fonzo Loves the UK” custom show? Well head on over HERE, where the remaining customs from the exhibit are up for grabs! There are a plenty of amazing customs left from some of your favorite around the world artists.
Tatiana Suarez and Jason Levesque -- Lush Natura (5.24)
For its next art exhibition, myplasticheartnyc will present ‘Lush Natura’ (5.24) featuring the work of Tatiana Suarez and Jason Levesque. Both artists will offer original paintings celebrating and appreciating the many forms of beauty by juxtaposing beautiful women with fauna many would regard as perhaps less than beautiful – insects, slugs and more.
Tatiana Suarez & Jason Levesque || ‘Lush Natura’
Opening: Friday May 24th, 2013 (6-9 PM)
myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866
May 09, 2013
Kidrobot Miami Presents: Freak - Caracas Art Toys (05.10)
The heavy hitting customizers of Venezuela will have their very own group show at Kidrobot Miami. Some of Freak Store’s finest artists include: Burundanga Design, Gabriel Carpio, Charles Rodríguez and GerardMDS. “Caracas Art Toys” will take place on Friday, May 10th. If you’re in the area be sure to check out some amazing artwork!
Kidrobot MIA
638 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
May 07, 2013
SubUrban Vinyl Presents: “New Beginnings” (05.11)
SubUrban Vinyl is proud to present a group show, entitled “New Beginnings”. This art exhibit will feature a number of custom figures and original resin toys! Just about anything to excite any vinyl lover! Participating artists include: Blazon Brikhaus, Brian Ahlbeck, Bryan Collins, Carson Catlin, Dave Webb, DeeTem. Emi Boz, Gus Fink, Ian Ziobrowski, JFury, Jason Lefrancois, Jason Limon, Jay222, JC Rivera, Jeremiah Ketner, Joe Scarano, Juan Muniz, Kris Dulfer, Lou Pimentel, MaloApril, Matt A, Miss Zukie, Nemo, Nerviswr3k, OhmyDolls!, Rsin, Rusted Halo, Scott Kinnebrew, Shadoe Delgado, Spanky Stokes, Tasha Zimich, and Troy Martin. The show will take place on this Saturday, May 5th from 6-8PM. If you are interested in being added to the preview list, send an inquiry to suburbanvinyl[at]gmail[dot]com with “Preview” in the subject line. If you can’t wait, check out a couple submissions from Carson Catlin and Troy Martin after the jump.
May 06, 2013
Mark Ryden’s YHWH Group Custom Show (5.11)
Toy Art Gallery will present ‘Mark Ryden’s YHWH Group Custom Show’ (5.11) featuring artist interpretations of Ryden’s milestone YHWH vinyl figure – his one and only art toy to date. The exhibition will feature a talented group of top-flight illustrators, designers, and painters including Akira Kiriya/Chikuwaemil, Anthony Ausgang, Bob Conge/Plaseebo, Camilla d'Errico, Camille Rose Garcia, Cris Rose, Daniel Goffin, David Flores, DrilOne, Doze Green, Emilio Garcia, FFINC, Francesco de Molfetta, Frank Kozik, Isabel Samaras, Jessicka Addams, KMNDZ, Joshua Petker, J*Ryu, Julie B, Kathie Olivas, KRK Ryden, Liz McGrath, Lola, Marion Peck, Mark Ryden, Mark Dean Veca, Mia, Mikie Graham (Blamo Toys), Naoto Hattori, Nathan Hamill, Scott Hove, Sean Christopher, & Yosuke Ueno.
The exhibition will offer the best of both worlds – excellence in toy customization from artists well versed in the medium as well as fresh perspectives from artists who have made their mark primarily in 2D mediums including illustration and painting. In addition to the numerous YHWH customs YHWH creator and celebrated pop surrealist painter Mark Ryden will exhibit his 6 foot wood rendition of the toy’s original cardboard packing. Put this down on your calendar now and while you’re at it RSVP so TAG can prepare.
‘YHWH is the unpronounceable name of god. My YHWH represents the indefinable nature of the divine and its unspeakable mystery, which can be represented by anything from a burning bush to a three eyed bunny totem. In creating my YHWH toy edition, I strove to elevate each and every individual figure from a mass produced piece of plastic to a magical object.
I very much look forward to seeing how each artist responds to the spiritual energies of their YHWHs.‘
-Mark Ryden
'Mark Ryden's YHWH Group Custom Show'
Opening: Saturday, May 11th 2013 (7 to 10 PM)
RSVP
Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90046
877.910.toys (8697)
May 02, 2013
Mai Hiro Present: Susan Lee in ‘Mr. Smiling’ @ Redefine Gallery (05.16)
The Mai Hiro team proudly presents Susan Lee in her very own solo exhibit at Redefine Gallery, ‘Mr. Smiling’. This is Mai Hiro’s very first gallery event of 2013 and great way of introducing the newest member to the ever growing Mai Hiro family. This exhibit will focus on Susan’s character, Mr. Smiling, with different art mediums, such as watercolor, sketch work, digital print illustration, and a large wall mounted installation piece. The opening reception will take place on Thursday, May 16th from 6-10PM. Brighten your day up by stopping by the show and checking out Susan’s artwork. There will be a limited edition of her Eiffel Tower print available, as well as an event keychain from Urban Forest Jewelry.
Redefine Gallery
29 South Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
May 01, 2013
‘Fight for What’s Right’ @ Toy Art Gallery (5.4)
On Saturday May 4th (7-10 PM) Toy Art Gallery will host the one-night stop of the travelling ‘Fight for What’s Right’ exhibition of custom boxing gloves organized by Fight the City, a brand specializing in artistically stylized boxing gear. The show will feature 40 artist customized boxing gloves – ten of which are exclusive to the TAG event and will be sold by the gallery. After the LA show, Fight the City will travel to NYC where the majority of the gloves will be auctioned off on the company’s website in conjunction with the showing at the Time Hotel (5.9). A portion of the glove proceeds will be donated to the Hoods to Woods foundation which enriches the lives of inner city youth through wilderness activities and events.
Fight the City will feature gloves by Angry Woebots, Abe Lincoln Jr, Alex Kirzhner, Bwana Spoons, Cope2, Dan Lizowski, DreS13, Frank Kozik, Indie184, Jay222, Jon Contino, Justin Carty, kaNO, Kronk, Lou Pimentel, Lucky Nakazawa, MCA, Mike Jones, Ryan Mcguire, Sara Martin, Scarecrowoven, Shane Jessup, Shut NYC, Skinner, Skwak, Spanky Stokes, & Toofly. TAG’s exclusive gloves include pieces created by Akira Kiriya, Anthony Ausgang, David Flores, Devilrobots, Ron English, Shojonotomo, Task One, Tetsuya Chiba, tokidoki , & Paul Frank Brand.
‘Fight for What’s Right’
Opening: Saturday, May 4th 2013 (5.4)
Toy Art Gallery
737 Seward St. #1
Los Angeles, CA 90038
877.910.toys (8697)
TADO’s Ewoks for ‘Saga in the Stars: A Tribute to a Galaxy Far Far Away’ @ Gallery Nucleus (05.04)
TADO has been invited by Gallery Nucleus to participate in their upcoming Star Wars inspired art show, ‘Saga in the Stars: A Tribute to a Galaxy Far Far Away”. They’ve come up with some fantastic paperclay original figures, depicting some of the most important creatures from the legacy, The Ewoks! The opening will take place on none other than the official/unofficial Star Wars day, Saturday, May 4th. These figures will be available through the Nucleus website, with the online preview for the show releasing on May 3rd. Sign up HERE to request to be apart of the online preview.
Apr 30, 2013
Tolleson, Leecifer, J*Ryu & Aaron Brown – Strange Symbiosis (5.4)
Giant Robot 2 will present the toy-fueled art of Scott Tolleson, Leecifer, J*Ryu and Aaron Brown with Strange Symbiosis. Opening on Saturday (5.4), the show will focus on 3D work ranging from original sculptures and figures to custom toys. Hit the jump for a quick preview including a look at J*Ryu’s crazy spider inspired piece, Scott Tolleson’s patina styled ANCNT GRDN Deadbeet which looks to be a new edition rather than a one-off, and Leecifer’s new PickleBaby original resin figures.
Scott Tolleson, Leecifer, J*Ryu and Aaron Brown || ‘Strange Symbiosis’
Opening: Saturday May 4th (6:30 – 10 PM)
Giant Robot 2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310.445.9276
Apr 26, 2013
Cavey’s 3rd Birthday (05.31)
A Little Stranger’s Cavey is just turning 3! To celebrate, they’ve assembled a team of over 40 artists to take on the task of customizing some vinyl Cavey figures. The big party will take place at the Fleet River Bakery in London (Same spot as the 1st Bday) on Friday, May 31st from 8-11PM.
Participating artists include:Ali Coleman, Chauskoskis, Cris Rose, DMS, Doktor A, DrilOne, Jay222, Jon Paul Kaiser, J*Ryu, Gary Ham, George Gaspar, Haus of Boz, Jake Waldron, Jeremiah Ketner, Kerry Dyer, Lady Lauren Loves, Leecifer, Lisa Rae Hansen, Luke Chueh, Lunabee, Matt Jones, Map Map, Mike Strick, Mister Lister, Okkle, Onell Design, Onorio Depiro, Peskimo, Phil Corbett, Planet Domu, Podgy Panda, RunDMB, Scott Tolleson, Scott Wilkowski, Sergey Safonov, Stitches and Glue, The Sucklord, The Tarantulas, Squink, and Triclops.
Priority availability to purchase pieces from the show will be via a preview list sent out prior to the event. If you would like to receive the preview list please enter your email address below. (Please note, this is a separate list to the standard Cavey newsletter, and is for preview information only)
Fleet River Bakery
71 Lincolns Inn Fields
London
WC2A 3JF
Lightlseepers Presents: Tracy Tubera Pop-Up Spot (04.27)
At the Hawaii DunkXchange in the Blaisdell Center, Tracy Tubera will have his very own pop up shop alongside The Lightsleepers booth. Available will be a number of original prints sharing his love for both sneakers and pop culture. Also, any purchases made at the booth will earn them a raffle ticket, with the chance of winning a signed 7” “Super Double Ninja Battle Bros.” 10-Doh figure from Squidkids Ink. If you don’t win it, they’ll have some available for purchase as well!
Paul Kaiju’s Solo Show at Grasshut (05.02)
That’s right folks! Paul Kaiju will be taking over Grasshut Corp for his very own solo show on Thursday, May 2nd. From what he’s been sharing on his Instagram feed, those attending will not be disappointed! Those of you checking out the show may even get a closer look at a few upcoming figures! Let’s hope they are ready by then. Sneaks after the jump.
Apr 22, 2013
Seen: Super Suckset Release @ BAIT
On Saturday afternoon, Sucklord and Gary Ham celebrated 4.20 in true toy nerd fashion – by releasing their Super Suckset vinyl figures @ BAIT in Diamond Bar. Based on Gary’s OG custom wood pieces from last year, the new vinyl figure comes in two editions (210 pieces each) – one featuring Morgan in his maroon leisure suit and BAIT’s exclusive edition featuring him as the armored up Boba Fett stylin’ Sucklord. Produced by 3DRetro, the new figures recreate the charm of Gary’s wood originals with plenty of humorous accessories, and are available for $65 each. Gary and Sucklord signed the boxes and back of the figures for collectors during the event. In between signing, Sucklord entertained himself with a deluxe micronauts set – a gift from a collector.
The event drew collectors and fans from LA and San Diego, including fellow bootlegger 2bithack who brought his silver case filled with new creations including his econoline van x AT AT walker mashup resins, and the painted prototype of his new Bobba Fett meets Homies figure as well. As Morgan mentioned, 2bithack has come into his own. Yes, he does Star Wars bootlegs, but very much in his own style and aesthetic.
If you’ve haven’t been out to BAIT recently, the flagship store is currently hosting a One Piece exhibition in their gallery space featuring a wide variety of figures and other memorabilia from the extremely popular anime series. The exhibition ties into BAIT’s recently launched One Piece apparel collection which debuted at WonderCon and is available from their web shop.
Apr 18, 2013
Lunartik Mini-Tea Tour’s 8th Stop at Raygun Comic Store (05.04)
Lunartik’s Mini-Tea Tour is off to their 8th stop at Raygun Comic Store in London. This show will feature over 70 custom Mini-Tea figures from artists from all around the world. Be sure to check out the artist list HERE, as well as their submissions HERE. The opening party at Raygun will take place on Saturday, May 4th at 10AM and will run through June 30th. Matt JOnes will also be hanging out for the day as well! So if you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by!
Raygun Comic Strore
26 Red Lion Street, Richmond, London
TW9 1RW, United Kingdom
Apr 14, 2013
Seen: Bartholomew Punchyface Release @ GR2
On a busy Saturday evening, Scott Tolleson and Luke Chueh released the standard edition of their Bartholomew Punchyface plush at Giant Robot 2. Their new toy offers a lighthearted, all in good fun look at nerdiness. Produced by 3DRetro, Bartholomew offers a slightly melancholy face and his wedgie in the back just might be the reason.
After some gallery hopping earlier in the evening, I was fortunate enough to get to Gr2 take some shots of Luke, Scott and Bartholomew near the end. In an interactive twist, fans were encouraged to doodle on Bartholomew fliers and then put their masterpieces on the wall. Fans also either chose to wear or were more fittingly victimized with different printed yellow ‘kick me’ style notes.
In addition to the plush, GR2 also offered a two print set featuring one Bartholomew image each from Luke and Scott. As you can see in the shots after the jump, Scott and Luke took turns doodling on some early test runs of the print with some humorous and cool results. If you missed the release, both the plush ($40) and the prints ($50) are available from GR2.
Apr 12, 2013
Preview: Lamour Supreme & Buff Monster -- 'Number of the Beast' (4.12)
Here's a look at Buff Monster and Lamour Supreme's 'Number of the Beast' which opens tonight (4.12) at the Cotton Candy Machine in Brookyln. The artists have collaborated on a series of paintings and pieces featuring their characters going toe to toe. The paintings will also be featured in a special 'Metal Misfits' sticker trading card series, a subset of sorts of Buff's Melty Misfits series, debuting at the opening. Each pack will feature a full set of the regular eight cards and a chance to find the elusive 9th chase card. There's also a sweet black and white screen print (above).
As you might expect, there will be toys as well including Buff Monster's resin Ice Cream Heads. Expect to see several customs -- both Buff and Lamour have created two custom Baby Hell finger puppets and Buff will also be offering a custom Destroyer. Perhaps more from Lamour as well.
If you're in or around NYC, head on over to CCM tonight (4.12) from 7 to 11 PM.
Fonzo Loves the UK (5.11)
The Freak Store is bringing Fonzo to England with 'Fonzo Loves the UK' which opens at Shogallery in Cardiff on May 11th. This latest Fonzo group exhibition features customs of the vinyl pup from MapMap, David Bishop, Drilone, Scott Tolleson, 64Colors, Rsin, Squink, Sergio Mancini, Burundanga Design, Chauskoskis, Ume Toys, Charles Rodríguez, Nakanari, Mr. Mitote, ArtMyMind, Gabriel Carpio, Otto Bjornik, Stu Witter, Camila D´Errico, Double Parlour, The Beast Brothers, Touma,Hugh Rose, GerardMDS, Jeremiah Ketner and Daniel Fleres. That's a really nice lineup for UK collectors to enjoy.
Apr 11, 2013
Dragatomi Presents: Jeremiah Ketner in Frolic (04.13)
Listen up Sacramento, Jeremiah Ketner will be invading your town and your local toy shop, Dragatomi. “Frolic” is a solo exhibit, which will feature a number of his paintings. The show will take place this Saturday, April 13th from 6-9PM. Jeremiah has also made his way out from Chicago for his solo show, so be sure to stop by and show some love!
Dragatomi
2317 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
myplasticheart Presents: Hanna Barbarians (04.19)
On April 19th, myplasticheart’s walls will be covered with some of your favorite cartoons remixed by some of your favorite artists! Studio Miners, Evoker, and Team Sweet have compiled a team of artists to bring you “Hanna-Barbarians”. You’ll see everything from Space Ghost, to Adventure Time, and even popeye! There will be a little something for everyone. Participating artists include:
Abe Lincoln Jr., Bigfoot, Brian Butler, Chris RWK, Clams Rockefeller, Ekiem, Etips, Evoker, Eyeformation, Flying Fortress, George Lamontagne, Heidi Kenney, kaNO, MRNVR, Nosego, Oblvn, Olive47, Paul Shih, Peskimo, Phil Lumbang, Podgy Panda, Tim Sullivan.
Opening reception begins on Friday, April 19th from 6-9PM. Check out some teasers after the jump!
myplasticheart
210 Forsyth St.
Lower East Side
New York
Apr 08, 2013
Seen: Creature Feature @ TAG
On Saturday evening, Toy Art Gallery spoiled sofubi collectors with its five person ‘Creature Feature’ exhibition offering new works and four toy debuts from Mutant Vinyl Hardcore, Splurrt, Elegab, Kenth Toy Works, and Munktiki. In addition to several small-run and one-off pieces , the show marked the release of Splurrt’s Evolved Beast Diggler, MvH’s Berserker Ollie, and two Toy Art Gallery produced figures – Nadsat Boy by Kenth Toy Works and Munktiki’s Takoshi. Here’s quick run-down of the highlights of the show.
Rich impressed with a strong mix of Ollies, Enmas, Six Eyed Ghouls and more. Perhaps his most anticipated drop, the all-black, caped Berserker Ollie features the new masked head and is a preview release of sorts as it has the standard Ollie arms rather than the upcoming Berserker arms. Always on the move, Rich also showed off the sculpt for the massive Toxigon figure which is slated for production by Toy Art Gallery.
Splurrt offered three or so shelves full of crowd pleasers including one-off Cadaver Kids, Usirs, and what I believe is the first painted run of the new Evolved Beast Diggler in sort of a ‘natural’ colorway.
TAG’s two new figures mark the first vinyl figures from both Munktiki who’s known for his gorgeous ceramic figures and Japanese artist Kenth Toy Works. Munktiki’s debut Takoshi sofubi edition in dark green vinyl includes the removable squid head, and mini squid figure that come with the ceramic edition on which its based. A fan of Clockwork Orange, Kenth Toy Works’ first vinyl, Nadsat Boy in white, is a larger, reworked version of his original resin figure.
By 9 PM or so the gallery was filled with red dots. A large number of the one-off, and small run pieces sold out before the night was over. However, are a few pieces left including the Takoshi and Nadsat boy sofubi figures – check it all out on TAG’s web shop. If you’re even mildly interested in sofubi, the show is definitely worth an in-person visit.
Apr 04, 2013
Preview: Creature Feature @ Toy Art Gallery (4.6)
With Saturday’s opening of ‘Creature Feature’, Toy Art Gallery will present the latest toy creations of five talented artists – Mutant Vinyl Hardcore (Lash), Elegab, Splurrt, Kenth Toy Works, Munktiki. Anticipated by sofubi fans, this show will feature the release of several new figures including MvH’s Berserker Ollie (head sculpt revealed at NYCC), Splurrt’s Evolved Diggler, and two TAG-produced toys – the clockwork orange inspired Nadsat Boy from Kenth Toy Works and a figure from Munktiki.
With small runs for many of the figures, especially hand-painted editons, Toy Art Gallery will handle sales via lottery. Lottery tickets will be handed out from Noon on Friday (4.5) through 6 PM on Saturday. If you’re a collector of at least one (or more) of the featured artists, this one is a no-brainer if you can make it – but then, you already know that!
Creature Feature
Opening: Saturday, April 5th 2013 (7 – 10 PM)
Toy Art Gallery
737 Seward St. #1
Los Angeles, CA 90038
877.910.toys (8697)
