This November, the midwest adds something big to all of that stereotyped farmland and endless Applebys chains: The 1st Annual Midwest Plushform Show. The event will showcase customized plush figures based on the platform design of Chicago artists Shawnimals & Squibbles Ink. Artists on three continents, as well as bands, celebrities, and “other notable figures” are lined up to donate their time and talents to customizing the Plushforms. Says Steve from Shoparooni:
The show will serve as a fundraiser for Toys For Tots, a charity organization that distributes toys to children in need during the holiday season. 50% of all proceeds will be used to purchase plush Pocket Ninjas to be donated to Toys For Tots. Yes, we realize how incredibly silly this sounds. Yes, we really do think that every kid needs a little ninja on his side. And yes….they are adorable.
The Midwest Plushform Show (website coming soon) will take place in two locations simultaneously: Shoparooni on the East Side of Cleveland, and Carol & John’s Comics on the West Side. Their goal is to reach 200 entries per location, in an attempt to hold the largest custom toy show in history. They are looking for some support in the form of cash money. The only requirement is that donations are in increments of $20. Twenty bucks is all it takes to cover the cost of one Plushform shipped to an artist to customize. Twenty bucks could lead to a needy child acquiring a plush Pocket Ninja when cruel fate would have otherwise left him/her bereft of toys for the holidays. The event is still in the preparatory phase as the organizers continue to work out details like the full roster of customizers. A couple names thrown out include: TitiFreak and Whip from Brazil and Cleveland-based artists Chris Ryniak, Samuel Fortney and Rancid Munny-Maker Phoebe Marie. To get involved with the show and/or donate, contact Steve [at] Shoparooni [dot] [com]. Stay tuned to ToyCyte for more information as it becomes available.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
i’m looking forward to this! going to be TOTALLY awesome.