Heather Hansma, Crystal Mielcarek and I are looking to get you hooked on the good stuff this Friday when Happy Serum opens at Starkweather Arts Center in Romeo, MI.

“My approach to Happy Serum was simply to create a bunch of art that makes me happy. That’s it. No deep existential subtext about the state of the human psyche in a time of financial and political upheaval. Just bunnies, beer and Doug Benson.”

-Heather Hansma

“I created a selection of work that immediately draws the viewer in with bright colors and fun characters, injecting them right away with happy. However, once they take a closer look at the work they may begin to notice that many times, no matter how joyful it appears, everything has a dark side.”

- Crystal Mielcarek

“The world has become a wasteland of strip malls, big box stores and Applebees. In order to combat the wave of depression gripping its citizens the government, along with several top corporate investors, enter into a project to produce the drug HS42 (Happy Serum). As more and more citizens become heavy HS42 users the serum rises in price and its horrendous side effects are revealed! A small resistance group rises up against the use of the drug claiming it is a form of mind control…. but how long can independent thought hold out against the masses?”

-Kill Taupe

HAPPY SERUM OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, June 3rd | 6 - 10pm
Starkweather Arts Center
219 N. Main St. Romeo, MI

If you’re near Albuquerque, NM make sure to swing by Cellar Door Gifts & Gallery to check out the just opened Teeny Tiny Terrors. Monsters, zombies, cthulu, demons, ghosts, trolls, creepy crawlies, dismembered fingers, bugs, and more are featured in this gruesome group show featuring the artwork of over 20 local and national artists.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 10th.

My illustration for the show: Scariest Before Caffeinated - 6x6” acrylic & ink on wood panel

Heather Hansma, Crystal Mielcarek and I join forces this June to unleash more adorable, wide eyed, jacked-up critters than you can shake a stick at.

Happy Serum
Opening Friday, June 3rd | 6 - 10pm
Starkweather Arts Center
219 N. Main St. | Romeo, MI

This Saturday marks the opening of Meth & Hot Dogs 2: A Collection of Even MORE Unscrupulous Characters at Lift in Royal Oak. This show will be packed to the brim with artwork celebrating the cute and deranged. Hope you can join us for the opening from 7-10pm!

Meth & Hot Dogs 2 is a celebration of character art in all its forms. The exhibit will bring together a group of artists whose illustrations, plush, custom toys, sculptures and paintings show an appreciation for the demented, cute and strange. M&HD2 opens April 30th at Lift Designer Toys & Gallery in Royal Oak, MI.

Check out the complete list of participating artists!

Meth & Hot Dogs 2: A Collection of Even MORE Unscrupulous Characters
Saturday, April 30th | 7-10pm
LiFT Designer Toys & Gallery
228 W. 4th St. Royal Oak, MI

Meth & Hot Dogs 2 is a celebration of character art in all its forms. The exhibit will bring together a group of artists who have an appreciation for the demented, cute and strange. M&HD2 opens April 30th at Lift Designer Toys & Gallery in Royal Oak, MI.

Meth & Hot Dogs 2: A Collection of even MORE Unscrupulous Characters - CALL FOR ART

Are you an artist whos artwork revolves around the original characters bouncing around in your noggin? Awesome, because we’re looking for you!

The Show – Meth & Hot Dogs 2 is a group show celebrating original character art by emerging and established artists. The show will contain artwork and custom toys featuring characters that are unscrupulous, mischievous, lowbrow, shady, crazy, and unkempt. The opening reception will be held at Lift Designer Toys & Gallery in Royal Oak, MI on April 30th 2011.

The Venue – Lift Designer Toys & Gallery is located in downtown Royal Oak, MI. They carry a wide variety of vinyl toys, apparel and local art. Past shows have included Freak Mechanique by Doktor A, Circus Mobius by Detroit favorites Audrey Pongracz & Marc Nischan, Natural Resources 3, countless custom toy shows and MAD*L Citizens which featured amazing work from Tristan Eaton, Julie West, Kathie Olivas, MAD, Brent Nolasco and many more respectively. More information about Lift can be found through their website.

The Artists – There is no fee to apply or participate in the show. To apply please send a link to your online portfolio / website to killtaupe@gmail.com. Selected artists may send two wall pieces and one custom toy or original sculpture to be included in the show. Artwork must arrive at Lift no later than April 15th, 2011. Consignment terms and other important show information will be sent to participating artists when accepted.

Information on the first installment, which took place in St. Louis in 2009, can be found on the old Kill Taupe blog.

UPDATE [01.24.2011] - The call for art is now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who sent in submissions. Look for the participating artist list to be posted soon!

Last night was the opening of the much anticipated Natural Resources 3 at Lift in Royal Oak. There were over fifty wooden toys that had been customized by both national and local artists and they were all amazing. If you were unable to make the opening the pieces will be on display until December 12th.



A few of my favorites from the show (from L to R): Audrey Pongracz, 64 Colors, Motorbot, Chris Ryniak w/ Amanda Spayd, Adrianna Bamber, Heather Hansma, D-Lux, Ryan Bubnis and Carl Oxley III

On Saturday, November 13th Natural Resources 3 opens at Lift Designer Toys & Gallery in Royal Oak, MI.

Along with local artists Audrey Pongracz, Carl Oxley III, Kill Taupe and Heather Hansma participating national artists include heavy hitters Julie West, 64 Colors, Chris Ryniak, MAD, Travis Lampe, Mr. Shane Jessup, Jeremiah Ketner, Jason Limon and many more!

Natural Resources 3 Opening Reception
Lift Designer Toys & Gallery
228 W. 4th Street | Royal Oak, MI
11.13.2010 | 7:00 - 10:00pm