Sep 29, 2019
Tristan Eaton — 'Strange Future' NYC Exhibition
Tristan Eaton returns to New York City for his new Strange Future exhibition running October 3rd - 9th 2019 at an as yet unannounced location on the Lower East Side. Coinciding with NYCC (10.3 - 10.6), the show takes stock of the profoundly challenging times we find ourselves in through a collection of original paintings, print editions, and special releases.
In terms of editioned drops, the artist has announced three prints: Strange Future Poster (Open Edition, 11x17", $50, free to first 50 attendees), Let's Bang blacklight print (300 pcs,, 17x35", $250) and a 3D print of his Heavy Metal Magazine Cover (edition of 100, 36 x 52", $750). He will also have a special, mystery Kidrobot release —art toy perhaps?
Tristan Eaton will also debut his new note card set ($40) at the show. The set features five different card designs, each of a signature mural including Audrey of Mulberry (NYC) and Medusa (Hawaii) which was created for Versace. There are 20 cards in total (4 of each design) with 20 envelopes matching the design of the stylish slip case packaging.
Sep 28, 2019
Woot Bear Celebrates 5th Anniversary with 'For Friendship' (9.28)
Woot Bear is turning five years old and to celebrate the San Francisco art toy destination is hosting 'For Friendship' tonight (9.28) from 6 to 9 PM showcasing figures from a flock of friends including Squibbles Ink, DKE, myplasticheart, Martian Toys, Toy Tokyo, 3D Retro, Super7, Munky King and Lulubell. In addition to the fun selection of toys from some of the top producers, Woot Bear has created a friendship print as a party favor and also has a few raffle surprises as well.
Congratulations to Woot Bear for five years of serving the art community and supporting independent artists. Here's to five more!
Woot Bear
1512 Haight St
San Francisco CA 94117
415.487.9000
Sep 14, 2019
Art Junkie Tokyo Solo at QPop (9.14)
QPop is hosting Shinichiro "AJ" Kato (aka Art Junkie Tokyo) for a solo exhibition opening on Saturday (9.14) from 7 to 10 PM. The show will feature original paintings, several QPop exclusives of his popular sofubi designs and King Pacara artist customs. If you're on the hunt of the hot newness, the show will see the debut of his Flying Butiger and Sushi Wrestler figures. AJ will be in the house for the reception, so come out and meet the man behind the mysterious 3-eyed toys.
Art Junkie Tokyo Solo Exhibition
Opening: Saturday (9.14, 7 to 10 PM)
QPOP Gallery
319 E 2nd St. Suite 121
LA, CA 90012
Aug 21, 2019
'Let's Eat!' Group Show at Giant Robot 2 (8.24)
If you love food and art, the Let's Eat! group show opening at Giant Robot 2 on Saturday (8.24, 5 to 10 PM) is a 'must see' if you're around LA. Curated by Luke Chueh and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE, the show features original work focused on food from a smorgasbord of a lineup including Dustin Benzing, Buff Monster, Scott C., Colin Christian, Luke Chueh, Tristan Eaton, Seonna Hong, Jim McKenzie, Tiffany Liu, Sugar Fueled, Woes, Jesse Yu (J*Ryu), and so many more (see the flier in the photo gallery).
The menu includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and more. Of the work previewed so far, while much of it is fun and lighthearted, several artists have explored more nuanced relationships and views of food. Let's Eat is a show with something for nearly every taste.
Let's Eat!
Opening: Saturday, August 24th (5 to 10 PM)
Giant Robot 2
2062 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Jul 25, 2019
Ron English's 'The Rabbits' Concert in Beacon, NY (7.28)
Did you know that most of Ron English's toys have their own songs detailing their backstories and lives in Delusionville? In fact, Ron wrote the songs and created a concept band, The Rabbbits, to record and perform them. The band will be live in concert at the Towne Crier in Ron's home town of Beacon, NY on Sunday (7.28) at 7 PM. Tickets are available for $15. It sounds like the perfect opportunity to experience Ron's art world in an entertaining new way.
In addition to the music, the evening will feature a delusional art exhibit as well as a release of his brand-new Delusionville mini figures produced by Pop Life Global.
Ron English ||The Rabbbits in Concert
Sunday, July 28th 2019 (7 PM)
The Towne Crier
379 Main Street
Beacon, NY
Jul 02, 2019
Yu-Gi-Oh! Tribute Show at Gallery 1988 (7.5)
Renown for their Pop Culture-inspired art shows, Gallery 1988 has teamed up with Konami Cross Media to present the Yu-Gi-Oh! Tribute Show featuring artwork celebrating the 20th anniversary of the card battling monsters franchise. Opening on Friday (7.5) during Anime Expo, the exhibition will feature original paintings from handpicked artists. The gallery will also release six limited edition prints created for the event by Steve Dressler, Dan Mumford, Dave Perillo, Anthony Petrie, Matthew Skiff, and Thom Whalen.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Tribute Show
Opening: Friday, July 5th 2019 (7-10 PM)
Gallery 1988
7308 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Jun 25, 2019
Camp Out with a Giant Companion for KAWS:Holiday Japan
For KAWS:Holiday Japan, KAWS is inviting folks to camp out with a giant inflated Companion and enjoy a beautiful view of the iconic Mount Fuji. The fourth KAWS:Holiday event—following Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong—takes place at the Fumotoparra campground starting with the Ceremonial Camp Day (7.18) open only to raffle winners and continuing through 7.24 with six 'public camp' days. The raffle for tickets that include a tent/vehicle space for the Ceremonial Camp Day starts on Thursday (6.27) at 6 PM PDT and runs for 24 hours.
While you might not be able to go on Holiday with Companion, you can take home some vicarious souvenirs. As with the previous Holiday events, KAWS has collaborated with All Rights Reversed on an extensive KAWS:Holiday Japan collection of limited-edition goods. In honor of the iconic landmark, KAWS has created a fun Mount Fuji character featured on many of the items including totes, tees, cushions, pins and a cute plush toy.
The collection features three new toys including the 8" Mount Fuji Plush (HK$1415 /$181) in Pink, Blue and Grey (Japan only), a 9.5" KAWS:Holiday Japan vinyl toy—featuring the Companion in the restful Holiday Japan pose— in Brown, Gray and Black (HK$1565/$200), and a limited Kokeshi Doll Set (HK$5890/$754) featuring three Companion versions of the traditional Japanese wood toy.
The Kaws:Holiday Japan collectibles will be available on July 17th at 6 PM PDT from the Ding Dong Takuhaibin online store.
Jun 22, 2019
The Opening of Ron English's 'English Translation Series' in Shenzhen
Ron English continues to add to his stardom in China with his sold-out English Translation Series exhibition, which opened on Friday evening at the Pop Life Art Space within Q-Plex in Shenzhen, China. Featured guest Taiwanese actor/rapper Show Lo (羅志祥) joined Ron English to announce their new collaborative toy, a Grin version of the celebrity's lion mascot. Presented by Pop Life Global, the high-profile exhibition featured a new collection of original paintings on canvas and works on paper, immersive sculptural installations, and an exhibition shop stocked with Ron English merchandise including several new toys.
The exhibition's striking installations include an army of Ronnie Rabbbits and a giant MC Supersized in front of the venue, a menacing Everlast skeleton boxer within and towering Modzilla and Poultry Rex sculptures four stories high. The collection of original paintings features a smiley grin interpretation of the Mona Lisa as well a large number of pop-culture pieces from portraits of Street Fighter characters to Grin pieces of cartoon icons such as Charlie Brown and Tom and Jerry.
Pop Life debuted several new Ron English toys at the event store including a Ronnie Rabbbit vinyl (with wilted carrot), the new Delusionville minis, Elefanka and Allie Quack.
The English Translation Series runs through July 14th 2019 and is open weekdays, except Mondays.
[Photos: iToyz]
Jun 19, 2019
Ron English x Pop Life Global — 'English Translation Series' in China (6.21)
Pop Life Global will present Ron English's solo exhibition, English Translation Series, opening on Friday, June 21st 2019 at the Pop Life Art Space at the Q-Plex in Shenzen, China. The exhibition will feature an elaborate installation with life-size Modzilla and Poultry Rex sculptures, 15 new original oil on canvas paintings, 18 new works on paper and an array of toys, some for sale as well as never seen before prototypes.
Ron will be showcasing several new toys including a brand-new Poultry Rex, complete with just-hatched baby, as well as his new Aqua Apes which will be shown as painted prototypes. This version of Poultry Rex is perhaps the most chicken-like that we've seen so far. And… Ron has quite a few more toy surprises waiting for attendees.
Ron English ||English Translation Series
Opening: Friday, June 21st, 2019 (7 to 10 PM)
Through July 14th, 2019 (Weekdays except Mondays)
Pop Life Art Space at Q-Plex
Tower 1
No. 4080 Qiaoxiang Rd.
Shenzhen, China
Jun 18, 2019
Beyond The Streets New York Opens On June 21st
Following last year's wildly popular Beyond the Streets exhibition in Los Angeles, organizer/curator Roger Gastman and a historic roster of artists will open Beyond The Streets New York in a 100,000 square foot space in Williamsburg on Friday (6.21). Set in the roots of graffiti and street art, the New York exhibition will explore the foundational role of music within this art world as well as art as activism.
The new exhibition features the work of 150+ pioneering, influential, and highly relevant artists including Aiko, Barry McGee, CES, Chaz Bojórquez, Cleon Peterson, Dabsmyla, Estevan Oriol, Futura 2000, Invader, Lee Quiñones, Patrick Martinez, Martha Cooper, Mister Cartoon, Saber, Slick, Swoon, RIME, Risk, Ron English, Takashi Murakami, Todd James, Vhils and more.
Beyond the Streets New York will also feature showcase installations including the stateside debut of Shepard Fariey's 30th Anniversary touring exhibition, a Beastie Boys installation with artifacts and ephemera spanning the legendary band's timeline, large-scale sculptures by Futura and Cleon Peterson, and more.
Tickets for the not-to-be-missed exhibition which runs through the end of July are available now for $25.
Beyond the Streets New York
Wednesday - Sunday (11 AM - 8 PM)
25 Kent St.
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Jun 09, 2019
Kaiju-Con at the Japanese American National Museum (6.15)
Kaiju-Con is almost here. Featuring a vendor hall, panels and demos, the event is this Saturday (6.15, 11 AM -5 PM) at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Presented in conjunction with the ongoing Kaiju vs. Heroes exhibition—featuring Mark Nagata's extensive kaiju collection—Kaiju-Con will feature booths from Anime Jungle, Cat Magic Toys, Lulubell Toy Bodega, Marusan Toys, Max Toy Company, Mecha Virus, Toy Art Gallery and many more. See the full list on the official event page.
In addition to the vendors, Kaiju-Con will feature screenings of King Kong vs Godzilla (1962) as well as a free outdoor screening of Mothra vs Godzilla (1964), a talk by Marusan president Eiji Kaminaga, a sofubi painting demo from Mark Nagata, and a Toy Collectors Roundtable.
Tickets are available now ($30/adult, $20/6-17 yrs old) and include admission to the museum. Purchase by 5 PM PDT on Friday (6.14) and receive one-hour early admission as well as two free raffle tickets.
Jun 07, 2019
Corey Helford Gallery x Sanrio Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show (6.29)
Continuing their tradition of high-profile art shows, Sanrio will present the opening of the Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show on Saturday, June 29th at Corey Helford Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. The show will celebrate the iconic character with original artwork from 70+ artists including Andrew Brandou, Buff Monster, Camilla D'Errico, D*Face, Fafi, Junko Mizuno, Luke Chueh, Okuda San Miguel (above), Simone Legno, Tara Mcpherson and Yosuke Ueno. See the official flier image for the full artist lineup. Check out the photo gallery for a quick preview including a few in-progress images. It goes without saying, but this is a must-see show for everyone smitten by Hello Kitty.
Sanrio ||Hello Kitty 45th Anniversary Group Show
Opening: Saturday, June 29th (7 - 11 PM)
Corey Helford Gallery
571 S Anderson Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033
May 25, 2019
Junko Mizuno — Coloring Book Exhibition at Nucleus (5.25)
Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra will host SF-based artist Junko Mizuno for the opening of her Coloring Book Exhibition on Saturday (5.25) from 6 to 9 PM. The exhibition will feature the original drawings from her latest Coloring Book designed for adults, embellished with gold ink. In addition to the numerous original drawings from the book, Nucleus is also offering the book's original cover art via silent auction through Tuesday (5.28) at 2 PM PDT.Junko will present a slideshow of her work at 6 PM and will be signing the book afterwards.
Along with Junko's original artwork from the Coloring Book, the exhibition will also feature the release of her new Onna Bune giclee print (18"x24", Edition of 80, $120), the coloring book ($12.95) and a brand-new Skull Bunny enamel pin.
Junko Mizuno || Color Book Exhibition + Signing
Saturday May 25th 2019 (6-9 PM)
Nucleus
210 East Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
May 21, 2019
Shoko Nakazawa — Beasts In The Lower East at myplasticheart (5.31)
Shoko Nakazawa will open Beasts in the Lower East, her first NYC solo show, at myplasticheart on Friday (5.31) from 7 to 10 PM. Byron is front and center as the star of the show with paintings, customs, production editions, exclusives and more all featuring Shoko's signature character. In fact, look for a Byron retrospective showcasing his production editions from 2014 to 2018.
Shoko will be making the trip all the way from Japan and will be live painting (8-9 PM) during the opening and signing from 9 to 10 PM. mph will be handing out numbered line tickets starting at 1 PM EDT at the store to determine the order for the line which will start forming at 6:30 PM. As they say, the early bird gets the Byron.
Her solo is a great way to kick off the Five Points Festival weekend (6.1 - 6.2) where she will be signing and sketching at the Little Hut [#334] on Saturday (6.1) from 2 to 3 PM and at myplasticheart [#336] on Sunday (6.2) from 2 to 3 PM.
Shoko Nakazawa || Beasts In The Lower East
Opening: Friday, May 31st 2019 (7 to 10 PM)
myplasticheart
210 Forsyth St.
New York NY 10002
646.290.6866
May 14, 2019
Greg 'Craola' Simkins To Open 'Let The Outside In' at KP Projects (5.18)
Greg 'Craola' Simkins returns to KP Projects for his new solo, Let The Outside In, opening on Saturday May 18th from 7 to 10 PM. The cleverly named show, plays on the artist's imaginary world known as The Outside, home to all manners of fantastical creatures whose very existence challenges that which most of us accept as reality. Rather than be trapped by our everyday existence, Simkins encourages us to let the boundless fascination and imagination of our childhoods back inside.
From the expansive and immersive title piece, Let the Outside In, which truly is a window into Simkins' wondrous world at a gaze-filling 60 x 96 inches to Six the artist's latest still life—a particular passion of his—the new collection highlights the pop surreal creativity, imagination and tremendous painting talent that we all have been spoiled by and come to expect. A definite 'add' to your SoCal calendar, the gallery requires an RSVP by email to [email protected] to attend the opening. Be sure to mention you're RSVPing for the Craola opening.
Greg 'Craola' Simkins || Let The Outside In
Opening: Saturday, May 18th (7 to 10 PM)
RSVP Required
KP Projects
633 N. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.933.4408
Mar 30, 2019
Jay222 Opens 'Mad Monster Party' at Woot Bear (3.30)
East Bay-based Jay222 (Jason Sawyer) opens his Mad Monster Party solo at Woot Bear tonight (3.30) from 6 to 9 PM. The expansive show features 80+ monsters, many one-of-a-kind hand-painted creations. For more info see Woot Bear's a full preview with pricing.
Jay222 || Mad Monster Party
Opening: Saturday, March 30th 2019 (6-9 PM)
Woot Bear
1512 Haight St
San Francisco CA 94117
415.487.9000
Mar 27, 2019
QUICCS — 'Code Red' Solo at myplasticheart (4.27.19)
myplasticheart has just announced—technically, teased—that they will be presenting QUICCS' Code Red solo with an opening on Saturday, April 27th 2019. Expect art, toys, exclusive editions and more from the man behind TEQ63 who will be making the trip for the opening.
QUICCS || Code Red
Opening: Saturday, April 27th 2019
myplasticheart
210 Forsyth St.
New York NY 10002
646.290.6866
Mar 15, 2019
Steven Harrington — 'Magic Hour' Solo Show (4.13)
LA-based artist Steven Harrington will open his Magic Hour solo show on Saturday, April 13th 2019 at a yet to be announced Downtown Los Angeles location. The new collection will include original paintings, drawings, and sculptures featuring his eccentric, playful characters and colorful compositions.
In recent years Harrington has expanded his reach beyond the canvas with several notable collaborations. Timed to the opening of the new show, Nike will release a new footwear and apparel capsule featuring his designs, the latest project in their ongoing collaboration. From large scale sculptures to collectibles, the artist also released several art toys in 2018 including his first Gotcha art toys with Toy Qube and the AAPE by B*APE crossover figure.
To RSVP for the Magic Hour opening, drop a line to [email protected] and be sure to include full names in the request.
Steven Harrington || Magic Hour
Opening: Saturday, April 13th 2019 (6:30 - 10:30 PM)
Downtown Los Angeles
Mar 14, 2019
Horrible Adorables — 'Dynamos and Whirligigs' at PIQ Hudson Yards (3.15)
Horrible Adorables—Jordan Elise Perme and Chris Lee—will open their Dynamos and Whirligigs solo show at the brand-new PIQ Hudson Yards on Friday (3.15, 5-7 PM) as part of the store's grand opening festivities. For this new collection the artists have turned their plush skills to all matters of wondrous conveyances including Pufferballons, Ring Rollers, Bug Riders and more. Come out for the charming art and be sure to meet Jordan and Chris who will be in attendance.
Horrible Adorables || Dynamos and Whirligigs
Opening: Friday, March 15th 2019 (5- 7 PM)
PIQ
Hudson Yards (4th floor)
20 Hudson Yards
New York, NYC 10001
Mar 12, 2019
Amanda Louise Spayd x Chris Ryniak — Bindlewood Big Top & Dust Bunnies Circus (3.12)
Amanda Louise Spayd and Chris Ryniak will present their Bindlewood Big Top & Dust Bunnies Circus tonight, Tuesday March 12th, at 6 PM PDT, on Bindlewood.com. Perhaps best thought of as an online show/themed release, both artists have created original, one-of-a-kind pieces as well as a smaller number of toy and print editions. Check out the full catalog to see what's available with full details including pricing. This is a live sale, so pieces will disappear quickly. Stay sharp.
Fully embracing the circus theme, both artists have created several unique pieces featuring their characters as big top performers working their magic on vintage style wooden circus pedestals or in one case, atop a wooden ball.
Mar 08, 2019
Enamel Market Comes to Frank & Son (3.9)
If you live in or around LA, you've almost certainly been to Frank & Son in City of Industry—a twice a week, permanent mini comic-con in a dedicated warehouse. It's the perfect place for comics, cards, toys and this weekend…pins.
Enamel Market is coming to LA's favorite collectible show this Saturday (3.9) from 9 AM to 5 PM. Located within the Frank and Son venue, Enamel Market features 45 artists + pin makers and their wearable art. The event features free admission, free parking, and a free Sket One x Enamel Market pin for the first 100 attendees with the special free ticket. Head on over to Event Brite to get the free pin ticket and show up early to be one of the first 100 to claim the Sket One pin.
Enamel Market
Saturday, March 9th 2019 (9AM to 5 PM)
Frank & Son Collectible Show
19649 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748
Feb 19, 2019
Luke Chueh — 'Between Black and White' at Rotofugi (3.2)
Luke Chueh will open his new solo, Between Black and White, at Rotofugi Gallery in Chicago on Saturday, March 2nd 2019 (7-10 PM). The show features a new collection of paintings on watercolor paper done in… black and white. From the pieces Luke has posted on IG and the ones he shared on a recent episode of Toy Geeks: Behind the Counter, Chicago is in for a compelling show. Expect novel visions of his bears, Luke's new look rabbits—representing the business side of his world—and more. Luke will be signing at the show from 7 to 8:30 PM. Hit the jump for a preview of the new paintings.
Luke Chueh ||Between Black and White
Opening: Saturday, March 2nd 2019 (7- 10 PM)
Rotofugi
2780 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago IL 60614
773-868-3308
Jan 08, 2019
KAWS:Holiday Taipei (1.19 - 1.27)
KAWS:Holiday floats on with the artist's Companion voyaging from Korea (Summer '18) to Taipei for an exhibition at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall organzied by AllRightsReserved and JFJ Productions. Anchored by a giant 36 meter (~118 feet) long Companion inflatable, the event should be quite the treat for the city.
In addition to original artwork, KAWS:Holiday will feature a limited-edition collection produced by AllRightsReserved featuring several items including a KAWS:Holiday toyin a laid-back, seated position (7", 3 colorways, $199). The collection will also feature a ceramic plate set (4 plates, $130), Tee Shirts (5 designs, $50 each) and Tote Bags (3 designs, $50).
The exhibition items will be available at the venue on 1.19 at 6 PM Taipei time. International online orders will be accepted at DDT Store on the 19th at 3 AM PST. Clot will open orders in China on the 19th at 3 AM PST as well.
Hit the jump for photos of the giant inflatable (at a test site) and the KAWS:Holiday Taipei collection.
Dec 31, 2018
2petalrose – ‘Crouching Shogun, Hidden Ninja’ at Woot Bear (1.12)
2petalrose will open Crouching Shogun, Hidden Ninja at San Francisco’s Woot Bear on Saturday January 12th 2018. The exhibition will feature customs of his Kid Katana figure from a talented artist lineup. 2petalrose has also created several special pieces for the show including the brand-new Shogun Air Service (Who Dares Dies) in the debut Jungle Ops Edition. Brought to life by the sculpting talents of Oasim Karmieh, the new sculpt is based on 2petalrose’s previous Hondo figure.
Before he introduced us to the deadly and beautiful Maiko, 2petalrose was all about the bullet action with his Kombat Kings figures including his first release—an SAS trooper. It’s fun to see things come all the way around to where they started.
2petalrose || Crouching Shogun, Hidden Ninja
Opening: Saturday January 12th 2018 (6-9 PM)
Woot Bear
1512 Haight St
San Francisco CA 94117
415.487.9000
Dec 06, 2018
Find Stocking Stuffers at Enamel Market (12.8)
Enamel Market returns on Saturday (12.8) from 11AM to 5 PM in Glendale at 3DRetro (parking lot). Just in time for holiday shopping, the event is the perfect place to find stocking stuffers—pins, patches, and more—from a wide variety of indie artists and brands. As always, the first 100 attendees will get a free Enamel Market pin. Also, 3DRetro will be releasing the Lava Edition of the Jurassic Park Dilophosaurus Spitter vinyl toy by Joe Ledbetter starting at 11 AM with a signing from 6 to 9 PM.
Enamel Market
Saturday December 8th 2018 (11 AM – 5 PM)
3DRetro (Parking Lot)
1851 S. Victory Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91201