Kansas City

Recap: Spectrum Fantastic Art Live!

  • by

OK so SPECTRUM RECAP! In case you missed the earlier coverage, the Circus Posterus caravan (Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Travis Louie, Chris Ryniak and Archer Dougherty) rolled into the fine city of Kansas City, MO, for the first-ever Spectrum Fantastic Art convention. Held at the Kansas City Convention Center from May 18-20th, the show was essentially an offshoot of the annual mag, celebrating the cream of the crop of the contemporary art community.

Not surprisingly, the level of talent in Bartle Hall was unprecedented: more than 200 creative professionals from all over the globe exhibited at the event. But that didn’t stop the Circus from making its presence known, with some fans lining up as early as 6am and most editions selling out in the first 15 minutes. (Biznass.)

Talking toys specifically, Spectrum saw the introduction of the Frostbite 4 Legged Masao and the first resin Calliope Jackalope handpaint from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters. Travis Louie brought along a trio of gorgeous custom Stan Skelves and Chris Ryniak let loose some custom Bubblegut and Crumbeaters.

And there was also some pretty sweet surprises: do you see what I see below?

IS THAT AN ULTRA SQUID GIRL?!

Indeed, it is! I’m going to wager that it’s one of the resin editions and details on this project will emerge soon. A Classic Stingy Jack, Octopus Girl and some Ghostly Stans also made an appearance. Seriously: I’m jealous, Kansas.

And if that wasn’t enough, the 2D art was off the hook, as well: small original paintings, drawings and prints from each of the artists. A nice change of pace; here’s hoping we see more of this at future cons.

That’s a wrap for this year! There’s a whole whack of event photos below and also via the gallery. Enjoy!

Beware, Kansas City! CMR’s Monsters are Coming for You!

Chris Ryniak‘s pint-sized army of critters for Spectrum is wrapped up and ready for action! The mini Bubbleguts, mini Crumbeaters and regular Crumbeaters are each an edition of six and customized lovingly by CMR. You’ll find them crawling about the CP booth (#919), probably nibbling on the corners of prints or sleeping in a pile of t-shirts. Be early, folks — these are always the first to go!

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live kicks off May 18th through the 20th at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, MO.

 

Sneak Peeks from KO & CMR for Spectrum 5.18

We have some fresh tasters from Kathie Olivas and Chris Ryniak for everyone heading out to Spectrum next weekend in Kansas City (damn, this came up fast!). First up is a Calliope Jackalope hand paint from Kathie: the first-ever to be revealed! This little lady is one of the resin prototypes (it will also be sofubi), which we’ll see more widely released later this year. I’ve always been a sucker for those floppy ears and big eyes … and now they’re throwing broken antlers into the mix … can’t. handle. iiiiiit. (Kind of curious about the painting in behind, as well; here’s hoping KO’s been slingin’ some fresh paint!)

And please accept our apologies in advance if you’re swarmed by fruit flies while visiting the booth; Ryniak is bringing along some Rotten Banana Mini Crumbeaters, whose siren song of sweet stink is sure to create a buzz.

Sounds like a blast, really. Spectrum Fantastic Art Live kicks of May 18-20 at the Kansas City Convention Centre in  lovely Kansas City, MO. Party’s in Bartle Hall; the CP booth is #919, right near the main stage. Brandt Peters, Archer Dougherty and Travis Louie will also be attending.

 

Chris Ryniak’s Custom Critters for Spectrum 5.18

Kicking off the Spectrum hype is none other than lord of the critter himself, Mr. Chris Ryniak, who’s bringing a small army of minions with him to crawl about the CP booth (#919).

These are not only small in size, but also small in quantity:  we’re talking six Mini Bubbleguts, six Mini Crumbeaters and six regular-sized Crumbeaters — two handfuls, essentially. And apparently they all look really good as a set *wink* *nudge* *honk*.

And yes, that is a decapitated Crumbeater that you see below … can you guess which one he is in the top photo? ;)

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live opens May 18th through the 20th at the Kansas City Convention Center (Bartle Hall). Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Travis Louie and Archer Dougherty will also be there for the party.

Circus Posterus Gears Up For Spectrum!!!

Spectrum Fantastic Art is celebrating its first-ever convention later this month in Kansas City and the Circus is hitting the road to scope out the action!

Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters, Chris Ryniak, Archer Dougherty and Travis Louie will be hanging out at the CP booth (#919), right near the main stage area (don’t get any ideas, guys). Like most Cons, they’ll probably have a little bit of everything on hand … and like most Cons, it’ll disappear in a flash so shuffle to their booth quick-like!

Sneak peeks and WIP shots to come. Spectrum Fantastic Art Live kicks off May 18th through the 20th in the Bartle Hall in the Kansas City Convention Center. Directions, membership info, exhibitor list and all that jazz can be found here.