Designer Toys

WINTER SALON VIII this December!

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Stranger Factory is pleased to present our eighth annual group winter exhibition!

Winter Salon finishes the year with a bang! Our small works annual group show is an end of year celebration and one of our most exciting exhibitions, featuring new artwork from many local and international artists. This year’s talented line up promises to provide a variety of enticing alternatives for the upcoming gift-giving season including original illustrations, paintings, sculptures, and plush!

This year’s participating artists include: Allison Bamcat, Angela Oster, Brandt Peters, Bruce Parker, Cassia Harries, Creeptoons, David Santiago, Defective Pudding, droolwool, Fika Art, Genevieve Geer, Joe Scarano, Johnpaul Gutierrez, Junker Jane, Kaitlin Zeismer, Karl Deuble, Kathie Olivas, Katherine Walsh, Nora Thompson, Pretty.Weird, Sad Salesman, Sandi Ray Pierce, Stan Manoukian, Tim Lee and more!
WINTER SALON VIII will run from
December 7th – December 30th, 2018

September at Stranger Factory with Creeptoons, Fika Art, Sumrow, and Stephan Webb!

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This September
at
STRANGER FACTORY
Creeptoons & Fika Art, BENEATH THE MIRE / Sumrow, DAWN OF THE DOUGHNUTS / Stephan Webb, FRACTURED MINDS will run from
September 7th – 30th, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, September 7th from 6-9 PM

Beneath the Mire showcases new work from artists Creeptoons and Fika Art. The show explores themes of Good vs. Evil, hidden motives, and what lies beneath. Vibrant vixens with dark secrets and mischievous mutants with sprightly smiles adorn the landscape of Beneath the Mire. Sometimes things aren’t always what they seem…

Creeptoons is the emerging creature brand by Florida based artist Matt Duncan. His 2d illustrative works begin as automatic drawings which develop as big strokes of drippy landscape and ink blotches that transform into dark and mischievous characters hoping to add chaos and misfortune to his apocalyptic landscapes.

Fika Art is a the illustrated brand of emerging artist Stefani Rabideaux. Her colorful 2d works combine elements of darkness and isolation with vivid contrasting tones that are nostalgic of vintage illustration. Her delicate female characters evoke hope and optimism in dark times.

Dawn of the Doughnuts is a show filled with spooks and sweets. Sumrow joins us for his first feature exhibition, bringing along his army of Mr. Jimmies, the Undead Doughnuts, to thrill and fill the gallery with sprinkles and terror.

John Sumrow is an Albuquerque based illustrator. His focus is with fantasy and science fiction. He spent almost two decades as a graphic designer in the higher education industry, switching gears in 2009 to to focus more on his first loves: painting and illustration.

In Fractured Minds, Stephan Webb explores the inner workings of the human psyche and the forces that are imposed on an individual. What affects the behavior and characteristics of an individual? Join Stranger Factory as Webb tries to investigate the mind by displaying various figurative and expressive forms, as well as geometric elements that produce a surreal composition of the human figure, revealing the inner psyche.

Webb, a local Albuquerque favorite, melds biology themes with intricately cast bronze pieces to create meticulously detailed pieces of art. His degree in biology and love for metal working create a thought-provoking narrative that explores evolution, psychology, and process in an expression that leaves viewers intrigued.

All three exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Stranger Factory
3411 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049

 

Stranger Factory presents two new exhibitions in June: TOY MAKERS OF PLANET EARTH II, and Ken Keirns’ ALREADY YESTERDAY

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Stranger Factory presents two new exhibitions in June: TOY MAKERS OF PLANET EARTH II, and Ken Keirns’ ALREADY YESTERDAY

Toy Makers of Planet Earth II
Group exhibition of new work in Main Gallery
June 1 – July 1, 2018
Opening reception, June 1, 6-9 pm

Circus Posterus and Stranger Factory are proud to present our upcoming toy art group exhibition, “Toy Makers of Planet Earth” opening this June. This invitational art exhibition will feature top independent contemporary toy artists, narrative artists inspired by toys, character makers, and independent toy companies from all over the world under one roof at Stranger Factory Gallery.

Over 2 dozen artists include: Brandt Peters, Kathie Olivas, Aya Kakeda, Cassia Harries, Art Toy Maison, El Dodo Albino, Eric Althin, Junker Jane, Katy Bos, Mark Nagata, Mizna Wada, “Mudmonkey” Simon Boses, Scott Radke, Silk & Thistle, Steve Ferrera, Sumrow, Leslie Levings, Jermaine Rogers, Javier Jimenez, Josh Herbolsheimer, Pantovola, Amber Phillips, Weston Brownlee, droolwool, Bob Doucette, Kristina Drake

Already Yesterday
A solo exhibition of new works by Ken Kierns
June 1- July 1, 2018
Opening reception, June 1, 6-9 pm
Ken Keirns is a Midwestern oil painter. After spending the last decade living in Chicago and California,he recently settled in Colorado where he paints full time and looks forward to the winter. While his primary medium is oil, he also enjoys creating sculptures and mixed-media pieces. His subject matter includes female portraiture and anthropomorphic creatures interlaced with personal experiences, dreams, and the occasional bad pun. Ken’s formal education is in graphic design and, while he has taken a few formal painting classes, is mostly self-taught. Ken’s artwork has been acquired by collectors across the U.S., Europe and Asia, and has been featured in publications including Spectrum, Catapult, and Hi-Fructose.

Both exhibitions run JUNE 1 – July 1, 2018
Opening reception, June 1, 6-9 pm

Bai Lan the Unyielding by Otto Bjornik Stranger Factory edition


Releasing Friday May 18th at 12 Noon PST

Bai Lan the Unyielding by Otto Bjornik

Stranger Factory edition

Size: 5″ tall
Medium: Painted resin
Edition: 30
Comes boxed with Certificate of Authenticity (signed and numbered)
Releasing at Stranger Factory gallery and online at www.circusposterus.com

Bai Chu’s army has infiltrated and overwhelmed the land. Despite his small stature, he remains a brilliant strategist and commander, and he has created an unstoppable force. The people live in fear, wondering when they will hear the ominous sounds of marching boots and clanking armor. Day after day, reports come of Bai Chu’s forces descending upon their unsuspecting villages, draining fruits dry and wreaking havoc among their communities.

Upon hearing this distressing news, Bai Lan, the normally docile priestess and shaman, has decided to venture out of her temple to stop Bai Chu. Bai Chu and Bai Lan were once childhood sweethearts, and she knew him before he became a power-hungry general, before he ran into the vengeful Diwata who gave him his current diminutive form.

A scholarly pacifist, Bai Lan believes in balance and harmony as taught in her temple. She communes with the spirits and with Mother Nature to sense disturbances in Her equilibrium.

Bai Lan, gifted with a sharp intellect and a keen sense of intuition, is an excellent tracker. Her years of study and research make her a naturally skilled investigator. Day by day she makes her way closer to Bai Chu, tracking his movements, figuring out his next move. Upon finding a ravaged field whose crop of blood oranges have been turned into withered husks, Bai Lan picks one up and devises a plan.

When they finally meet, will Bai Chu recognize his childhood sweetheart? Or will he see his worst enemy yet?

 

Sandi Ray Pierce, FOREVER, NEVERMORE / Otto Bjornik, FLORA & FAUNA / Jellykoe, I’M YOUR WEIRD FRIEND will run from May 4th – 27th, 2018

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Sandi Ray Pierce, FOREVER, NEVERMORE / Otto Bjornik, FLORA & FAUNA / Jellykoe, I’M YOUR WEIRD FRIEND will run from
May 4th – 27th, 2018

Opening Reception: Friday, May 4th from 6-9 PM
In her first solo exhibition at Stranger Factory, local artist Sandi Ray Pierce will be featuring a series of her iconic pen and ink and mixed media works on paper. As a self taught artist, she is heavily inspired by the local lowbrow culture of tattoo graphics, Dia De Los Muertos, and the rich typography and visuals of historic Route 66. Pierce contrasts themes of death and rebirth with the fleeting beauty of youth. She incorporates vintage floral art nouveau and graphics reminiscent of old rock and roll gig posters. Her love of the southwest and attention to detail in her meticulous cross hatching and stippling creates a nostalgic interpretation of life and death in the land of enchantment.
Artist and toy designer Otto Bjornik will be exhibiting a new series of hand-made toys and graphite drawings. His clean, minimalist style celebrates the curiosity of youth with a rich narrative that integrates his love of design and human connection through its many cultures and the unifying emotional states we all share.

“The Pen is Mightier than the Sword”
I am more than an illustrator. I am a storyteller. My tales are a rich mixture of precious childhood memories and fairy tales. I weave together lines to celebrate the beauty and elegance of nature and human form. And sprinkled within that tapestry are touches of whimsy that bring to mind the wonderment of childhood and play. It is my way of rekindling youth with a wink and infinite mirth.
An architect by training, I create works in pen and ink that are filled with intricate detail and influenced by stringent rules of design. The elements I choose often hold symbolic meaning, and I take care to piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle to tell an overall story.”
Artist couple Jellykoe will be exhibiting new mixed media works sure to be a nutritious blend of cute and creepy. The pair is known for wide eyed, blank stared children and creatures alike often in the forms of plush or 3-d cutouts. Their work is humorous, often drawn or encapsulated in a somewhat dark, kawaii style that makes you want to relive or perhaps re-evaluate your childhood.

Jellykoe is a designer toy company located in the heart of Columbia, SC. It was founded in 2009 by husband and wife duo Kelly and J. Spencer Shull. Spencer acts as lead product designer and illustrator for Jellykoe while Kelly is in charge of production, design, and marketing.

All three exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Stranger Factory
3411 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049

Future’s Past pop up at Woot Bear with Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters

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Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas are heading to San Francisco for a pop-up event filled with fun and art at the much loved Woot Bear.This two person exhibition titled “Future’s Past” showcases some classic styles, themes, and media we haven’t seen from the duo in over a decade combined with their new cherished contemporary methods and beyond.

 

Opening night reception begins February 17th from 6-9pm.
Sales begin when the show opens with online sales TBD.
Woot Bear
1512 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Available NOW Kathie Olivas & Brandt Peters – Dark Harbor AP Mini Figure Set

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Dave Johnson, Jim Mahfood, Amy Earles, and Kaitlin Ziesmer this November at Stranger Factory

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Stranger Factory Gallery
presents

November 3-26, 2017

main room
New Works
Dave Johnson

Stacked Pyramids
Jim Mahfood

project room
The Fir / The Green
Amy Earles

Your Freaky Friends
Kaitlin Ziesmer

New Works
Solo exhibition of new works by Dave Johnson
Opening reception, November 3, 6-9 pm

American comic icon, “Reverend” Dave Johnson, will be exhibiting new figurative paintings and black and white works on paper inspired by his rich history in character development and comic art. Well known as an Eisner award winning cover artist, Johnson will be presenting his own contemporary narrative work that focuses on sharp, contrasting color compositions and patterns that provide the backdrop for his bold, minimalist portraits.

Stacking Pyramids
Solo exhibition of new works by Jim Mahfood
Opening reception, November 3, 6-9 pm

Raw, frenetic illustration artist, Jim Mahfood, will be exhibiting new works in “Stacking Pyramids.”His work defines his exploration of imagined senses and sexuality couched in his trademark chaotic style…heaps of black ink seem to explode within and around his subjects as they struggle for a handhold in an unsure world. Mahfood’s illustration style is dense and rich, and carries an intense load of sex, comedy, confidence, and a subtle presence of the fear and uncertainty of impending doom.

The Fir / The Green
Solo exhibition of new work by Amy Earles
Opening reception, November 3, 6-9 pm

Amy Earles is a US-based artist known for paintings and illustrations with contrasting dark, yet but feminine affection for strong central characters reminiscent of another time. Her foreboding narratives focus on dark figures like witches and mysteriously personified animals along with the unproven innocence of the young.

She explores the hidden layers of the self and the subconscious, aspects of the dreaming mind, and what it might mean to become another self, or many selves, when no one is looking. We are expecting to see a mix of original works including oil paintings, gouache paintings, intricate pencil drawings, as well as some archival prints of some of her most recent work, and of course, some of her paper dolls.

Your Freaky Friends
Solo exhibition of new work by Kaitlin Ziesmer
Opening reception, November 3, 6-9 pm

Denver based Artist Kaitlin Ziesmer will be exhibiting new paintings that feature animals and pop culture archetypes that assume the identities of everyday humans. Her brightly saturated minimalist portraits offer humorous cut and paste alterations that are reminiscent of 80’s fashion magazines and the nostalgia of high school yearbooks.

Pre-Order the new Dark Harbor Series by Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters from Kidrobot!

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dh_presale_ig

Kidrobot is proud to present the newest toy series from Kathie Olivas & Brandt Peters, DARK HARBOR.

Dark Harbor reveals a brand new realm and an entirely new cast of cohorts in the continuing adventures of Lord Strange and his universe, from the highly successful and sold out Dunny toy series from this artist duo… The 13.

Our story begins long before Lord Strange began collecting and filling Infernal Manor with ghosts, other-worldly creatures and dark misfits… Little Lord Strange met another young scientist, Lucy Curious.

Right across the pond from Infernal Manor, through the Jellyfish Islands, between the barnacle banks  lies a mysterious Dark Harbor and the strange adventures of Lucy Curious. Curious met Strange one Summer vacation by what one could only describe as fate. With a shared fascination of all things strange, the two spent every single Summer together identifying local animal species, rare poisonous plants, and collecting sample specimens of expired sea life.

One ill-fated Summer, Lucy’s vacation to the sea-side harbor never came to be, when her ship was lost at sea only a mere mile from the port…

At first word, Lord Strange took his boat out to find Lucy where he quickly found himself caught in a hidden world between the living and the dead.

Lucy eventually did wash ashore, the only survivor . Upon her arrival to Strange’s manor, she is unable to find Strange but stumbles upon Strange’s secret laboratory filled with an army of curious mystical creatures and puzzling notebooks filled with plans for robotic marvels, maps to treasure filled ruins, worlds beyond worlds and top secrets yet to be known.

It’s now up to Lucy to finish what Strange had started in, hopes of finding him one day. Join Lucy Curious and her crew of fearless scalyywags, salty sea ghosts, curious beasts and robotic marvels as they travel the world to find her friend, Lord Strange.

Preorder now here

  • Case of 24 randomly assorted figures
  • Display case box comes signed by both artists, Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters
  • Comes with exclusive Stranger Factory Dark Harbor enamel pin which will be announced before display boxes ship ($10 value), and a bonus mini print signed by both artists
  • This is a pre-order item that is estimated to be available for shipping December 2017. Shipping schedule subject to change.  Please note that if you purchase this item with other items, the entire order will ship when the pre-order is available for shipment.

    dh_presale_ig

    • This is a pre-order item that is estimated to be available for shipping December 2017. Shipping schedule subject to change.  Please note that if you purchase this item with other items, the entire order will ship when the pre-order is available for shipment.

      Preorder here

 

Dark Harbor a new series by Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters from Kidrobot

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sdghYou read correctly!
Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters have a brand new mini series coming from Kidrobot!
This nautical themed series will go very well with Lord Strange and his The 13 Dunny series!
We will have more info soon about preorders, but for now a tale of…
Right across the pond from Infernal Manor, through the Jellyfish Islands, between the barnacle banks lies a mysterious Dark Harbor and the strange adventures of Lucy Curious. Curious met Strange one Summer vacation by what one could only describe as fate. With a shared fascination of all things strange, the two spent every single Summer together identifying local animal species, rare poisonous plants, and collecting sample specimens of expired sea life. One ill-fated Summer, Lucy’s vacation to the sea-side harbor never came to be, when her ship was lost at sea only a mere mile from the port… At first word, Lord Strange took his boat out to find Lucy where he quickly found himself caught in a hidden world between the living and the dead. Lucy eventually did wash ashore, the only survivor . Upon her arrival to Strange’s manor, she is unable to find Strange but stumbles upon Strange’s secret laboratory filled with an army of curious mystical creatures and puzzling notebooks filled with plans for robotic marvels, maps to treasure filled ruins, worlds beyond worlds and top secrets yet to be known. It’s now up to lucy to finish what Strange had started in, hopes of finding him one day. Join Lucy Curious and her crew of fearless scalyywags, salty sea ghosts, curious beasts and robotic marvels as they travel the world to find her friend, Lord Strange.
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