The Vader Project

While we were in Pittsburgh again this past weekend, we finally made time to get to The Warhol. What a phenomenal museum it is, I could have spent all day there. The permanent collection is alone worth going there for, but their ever changing temporary shows are also top notch. We made sure to get there this time to see The Vader Project which runs February 13 – May 3, 2009, and our friend Val who volunteers there also walked through the collection with us. Our pal Dov Kelemer & Sarah Jo Marks of DKE Toys curated the show and we had only seen photos before, so when we heard it would be at the Warhol while we were in Pittsburgh, we had to make time for it.

The Vader Project is a reimagining of the iconic Darth Vader helmet by some of today’s hottest underground and pop surrealist painters, artists and designers - the collection makes its museum premiere at The Warhol. Featuring work by Shag, Peter Kuper, Attaboy, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Dalek, Paul Frank, Ron English, Tokidoki, Jeff Soto, Michelle Valigura, Frank Kozik, Wade Lageose, Joe Ledbetter, Alex Pardee, Suckadelic, Cameron Tiede, Mister Cartoon, Marc Ecko, Amanda Visell and so many more.

The Vader Project originally premiered at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles in May 2007. From there it traveled to Star Wars Celebration Europe in London in June 2007. July 2007 brought 10 new helmets to the Star Wars Pavilion at the famed San Diego Comi-Con International. Then in July 2008, 13 Japanese artists joined forces with the existing Vader Project when their helmets premiered at Star Wars Celebration Japan.

For the full artist list and more information about the show go here or the MySpace page here. For more info on The Warhol go here. And check out this great Flickr Set of the Vader Project at the Star Wars Celebration IV where the show debuted. Definitely get to The Warhol and see this show if you can - so worth it.

This B.U.D.'s for You - Custom Toys Available for Purchase Online NOW

They are all one-of-a-kind and some have already sold so hurry and get the one you want NOW before it is gone. And finally.... some shameless self promotion of the toys that Hero did for the show. Ryan's sold but Mark's and mine are still available.

Elizabeth Manos Brickey - Hero Design Studio
"Earl E. Bird"

Mark Brickey - Hero Design Studio
"Bear Lee Legal"

Ryan Besch - Hero Design Studio

"The Lack"

This B.U.D.'s for You - Photos

Visit our online gallery here to see the entire collection of custom Blow Up Dolls from the show - any unsold toys will be available for purchase from the site this Friday 10/31 at 12pm EST.



Check out more photos from the opening reception here.

This B.U.D.'s for You on Buffalo Rising

Check out the article online that was featured in this month's print edition

http://buffalorising.com/story/hero_design_art_show_this_buds_1#sca

This B.U.D.'s for You - Custom 9" B.U.D. Toy Show OPENS THIS FRIDAY 10/24

This B.U.D.'s For You is a Custom Toy Show featuring Jamungo's 9" Blow Up Doll. There are over 35 artists from all over the world participating and creating one-of-a-kind custom toys. Some of the artists include Frank Kozik, Doktor A, Michael Michael Motorcycle, Shawnimals, Bobby Dixon and soo many more. Local artists include Thomas Rooney of Pavlov's Togs, Richard Kegler of P22, Jon Mirro of HOD Tattoo, Edreys, and Jordan Buckley of Every Time I Die.

All the pieces will be available for sale on a first come, first serve basis so make sure you get the the opening if you are interested in a specific toy.
The opening reception will be at El Museo (right next door to Hero) and the show will move over to Hero for the duration - until December 23. The remaining unsold pieces will also be for sale online starting October 31st at 12pm EST.

***GET MORE INFO HERE (including a full artist list) http://heroandsound.com/customshow08***

Another teaser on the Custom Show - This B.U.D.'s For You

Another quick tease on a couple customs for the upcoming show at Hero! Get more info about the custom show here.

This B.U.D.'s for You Custom Show - GET MORE INFO!!

This B.U.D.'s for You - Custom Show - TEASER!!

A quick tease on a few customs for the upcoming show at Hero! Get more info about the custom show here

More soon....

This B.U.D.'s for You - Custom 9" B.U.D. Toy Show at Hero

This B.U.D.'s for You
Custom 9" B.U.D. Toy Show at Hero
October 24-December 23, 2008
Opening Reception October 24, 2008

WHAT: This B.U.D.'s for You. Hero is hosting a custom toy show featuring one-of-a-kind customs from over 30 artists from all over the world. The figure that is being customized is the 9" Blow Up Doll from Jamungo (as seen above) and each custom toy will be available for purchase. They will be available online after the first week of being on display, so if you are hoping to get a custom from a certain artist, you will want to be at the opening.

WHEN: October 24 - December 23, 2008. The opening reception is Friday, October 24 at El Museo directly next door to Hero. The show will only be on display at El Museo for the night of the reception (Hero will still be open next door) and the show will move over and remain on display at Hero from October 25 - December 23.

WHERE: Opening reception is Friday October 24 is at El Museo, 95 Allen Street, Buffalo NY 14202 the collection will be on display for duration of the show at Hero Design Studio + Boutique at 93 Allen Street.

WHY: This B.U.D.'s for You was organized to spotlight the phenomenon of custom designed toys and the artists creating them. We are featuring seasoned toy designers, gigposter artists, fine artists, illustrators, tattoo artists, musicians, etc. There will be local artists as well as international artists. Each piece is a one-of-kind toy all available for purchase.

WHO:
Frank Kozik • Dalek • Doktor A • Michael Michael Motorcycle • Shawn Smith of Shawnimals • Bobby Dixon • Aesthetic Apparatus • Anne Benjamin • Jordan Buckley • Mike Budai • Jared Cain • Cerdo • Coreroc • D-LuX • DROID • Delicious Design League • Doublenaut • Dwitt • Edreys • Jason Goad • Eleanor Grosch • Hero Design Studio • Richard Kegler • Bucky Lastard • Leecifer • Jon Mirro • Punchgut • Thomas Rooney • Rob Schwager • Craig Seder • Mike Slobot • Dan Springer • Dan Stiles • Strawberryluna • Adam Swinbourne • Amy Jo/Tooth • Lonny Unitus

**STAY TUNED FOR SNEAK PEAKS OF THE CUSTOMS AND MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE OPENING PARTY!**