• Art

    2 of 21,315 Control Gallery Announces “Don’t Stop” an Exhibition by FAILE

    CONTROL GALLERY proudly presents EXHIBITION 012: Don’t Stop, a captivating new exhibition by Brooklyn-based artistic powerhouse FAILE.

    FAILE “Feel The Heat” (2024)

    Don’t Stop invites viewers into the electrifying visual universe of artists Patrick McNeil and Patrick Miller, crafting a world where the city itself becomes an endless muse of imagery, gesture, color, and form. Together, the duo build a vivid narrative celebrating the dynamic essence of a city’s surface as an elemental build block, while illustrating the relentless heartbeat that drives their creative output. The show stands as a testament to McNeil and Miller’s ability to absorb and transform a barrage of inspirations into a singular, cohesive vision that transcends the pages of sketchbooks, delving deep into the realms of visual histories and digital inundation. It navigates a complex mosaic of fragmented realities and the need to “feed the beast” while reflecting on a society perpetually in motion.

    This new body of work brings to the fore a collection that spans paintings, works on paper, and distinctive pieces on wood. With a primary focus on acrylics, spray paint, and fabric on both wood and canvas, the show highlights an intriguing array of mixed media, including printmaking, an essential facet of the collaborative’s artistic practice. With meticulous precision, FAILE pieces together their intricate puzzle of artistry, illuminating the ceaseless flow of media and stimuli with a reflective view of the process.

    A pivotal evolution of Don’t Stop is the integration of canvases within FAILE’s signature wood paintings, introducing a variety in scale, content, and form. Lead by inspirations in craft movements and street level surfaces, this blend allows for a degree of abstraction previously unseen in their work, with background elements usually obscured now playing a central role. Inspired by the structured patterns of advertising to the loose gestural lines of graffiti—the show captures spontaneity and precision.

    About the show, Patrick Miller shares, “Don’t Stop is a nod to the city as muse. Relating to repeated imagery from postering, typography and linear types of assembling one would see on a city wall of adverts or signage on store fronts and bodegas. Contrasted by the loose lines of graffiti and buffing that occurs over time, this mix creates an unexpected delight of abstraction and intention, something very much brought to the forefront of these works. It’s an exploration of how the city’s endless chaos inspires us to keep moving forward, keep feeding the beast, and to never stop pushing.”

    The theme of exploration and the creative process itself, eschews a single narrative for a broader inquiry into creation and is a central component of Don’t Stop. The artworks navigate contemporary issues from the digital age’s impact to environmental concerns, weaving in themes of inspiration amid modern challenges. The collection of works acts as a narrative collage, fusing cultural commentary with nods to FAILE’s historical body of work, which itself is influenced by the principles of quilt making, assembling disparate elements into a cohesive and impactful narrative. This technique not only brings separate stories into a unified whole but also illustrates the concept that the collective impact is greater than the sum of its parts—a reflection of their collaborative ethos and the foundational principle behind their puzzle block creations and their synthesis of drawing and collage.

    The opening reception for Don’t Stop takes place on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6PM to 9PM PST, with the show on view through June 15, 2024. Exclusive merchandise and printed matter will be available within the gallery gift shop or online at www.control.gallery for the duration of the exhibition.

    FAILE in the studio

    About CONTROL Gallery
    CONTROL Gallery was born of a desire to reclaim space that so many artists have been excluded from. It not only explores the vast primal instincts of mark-making, but also the most experimental and expansive artwork being made in the world today. CONTROL champions artists who have been at the forefront of rule-breaking artistry and anti-establishment practices. It brings together a community of creators that have done things their way, while paving roads for a new generation that drives the very idea of art beyond any real or imagined boundary.
    www.control.gallery

  • Art,  Los Angeles

    BEYOND THE STREETS Announces What Was, What Is, What Could Be, an Exhibition by Gustavo Zermeño Jr.

    BEYOND THE STREETS is pleased to announce What Was, What Is, What Could Be, the first-ever solo exhibition from Los Angeles based-artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr. What Was, What Is, What Could Be offers a profound exploration of the city’s myriad landscapes and communities, as envisioned through Zermeño’s aspirational and immersive mural-inspired landscapes. It is a narrative journey through the heart of Los Angeles, as told by one of its most passionate storytellers.

    Zermeño Jr. transcends his iconic mural work to present a collection of paintings that pay homage to various Los Angeles landmarks—locations he has long aspired to transform through his art. Each work serves as a vibrant snapshot of LA’s diverse ecosystems, pacing between a harmonious blend of dreams and reality. His work is a manifestation of his presence within these landscapes, providing a unique lens through which he shares his personal narrative and connection with the city.

    About the show, Gustavo Zermeño Jr. shares, “Los Angeles has always been my home, but it wasn’t until I started painting murals that I truly forged a bond with the city. My art has opened so many doors, each revealing itself as a hidden gem abundant with culture and beauty. Immersing myself for weeks in these neighborhoods has allowed me to intimately connect with and feel the unique energy of the many communities within LA, each a source of inspiration that continually shapes my identity as an artist.”

    The exhibition is a testament to Zermeño’s innovative approach to art, where the act of mural painting becomes a dynamic conversation with the city and its inhabitants. This dialogue is not only a means of artistic expression but also a method for Zermeño to weave himself into the fabric of Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods. Through his process, he gains a deeper understanding and appreciation of the communities’ unique identities and stories, further enriching his art and allowing audiences to see Los Angeles through a distinctly intimate perspective. It invites viewers to traverse the city and spirit of its communities, celebrating LA’s complex beauty, resilience, and the unifying power of art to reflect and shape an understanding of place and identity.

    The opening reception for What Was, What Is, What Could Be will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6PM to 9PM PST, with the show running through June 15, 2024.

    About Gustavo Zermeño Jr. 
    Gustavo Zermeño Jr. mixed his love for community and art by first offering to paint murals on local businesses around his home in Venice, California. Soon his larger-than-life portraits of sports heroes, celebrities and iconic musicians, done in acrylic and aerosol, peered at passersby from walls far beyond his neighborhood. This led to collaborations with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, UCLA and Nike, among others, while working with nonprofits and underserved populations to uplift and inspire the next generation of artists. Zermeño has been featured in local and national media and created a social media buzz with his hyper-realistic painted cutouts, left in unlikely places—a practice he loved for its surprise factor. His body of work has grown to include sculptures and stylized portraits on canvas and paper. He continues to be inspired by Los Angeles, its sports culture, music, and the landscape itself.

    www.gzjr.org

    About BEYOND THE STREETS
    BEYOND THE STREETS was founded by Roger Gastman, producer of the 2010 Academy Award-nominated film, Exit Through the Gift Shop, co-curator of Art in the Streets (2011) at the MoCA in Los Angeles, and director of the SHOWTIME documentary Rolling Like Thunder (2021), a plunge into the underground world of freight train graffiti culture. BEYOND THE STREETS is an art-driven cultural and educational worldwide movement celebrating mark makers and rule breakers, agitators and instigators. Its curation showcases the best of contemporary and emerging artists, with a focus on graffiti and street art creators. Boasting over 100 artist collaborators per show, BEYOND THE STREETS is known for its massive-scale exhibitions, immersive educational experiences, and engaging pop-up events, which have played host to over 650,000 unique visitors between its shows in Los Angeles, New York, The Hamptons, London, Shanghai, and digital showcases with NTWRK. BEYOND THE STREETS exhibitions have produced over 2.5B media impressions through global art publications, business journals and culture magazines. BEYOND THE STREETS is widely recognized for its innovative brand partnerships and premium publications, which include over 75 published and authored book titles, including works for the likes of Martha Cooper, Felipe Pantone, POSE, Paul Insect, and Mister CARTOON, amongst others. BEYOND THE STREETS pushes the very idea of art beyond any preconceived boundary.

  • Art

    Phoenix Children’s Unveils “Wonder And Wander,” a 407-Foot Mural to Advance Hope and Healing for Patient Families

    Phoenix Children’s today unveiled a 407-foot commissioned mural that has transformed a heavily trafficked corridor into a captivating and exciting journey for children and their families. Nearly two years in the making, the art installation, called “Wonder And Wander” brings vibrant colors and imaginative designs to a major hospital hallway through which 70,000 children are transported each year.

    The installation is a collaboration between Phoenix Children’s and RxART, a nonprofit organization that aims to help children heal through the power of visual art. Inspired by RxART’s mission, Phoenix Children’s Board Chair and RxART Board Member David Lenhardt worked closely with the organization to create an art installation at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus. “Wonder And Wander” is the largest project ever completed by RxART.

    “Our goal was not only to brighten a major corridor at Phoenix Children’s but also to reduce anxiety and create a calming environment for the thousands of children who are wheeled down this hall for surgery, imaging and other critical healthcare procedures,” said Lenhardt. “You can’t help but smile when you see this piece. I know it will make all the difference for kids battling illness or trauma who may need an extra dose of joy.”

    His enthusiasm for the project was shared by the health system’s Children’s Advisory Board (CAB), a council of patients and siblings ages 12-18 whose perspectives directly impact the patient family experience. The CAB members had previously identified the hallway as an area of the hospital that needed to be more patient friendly and uplifting. They knew the artwork would breathe new life into the space and bring hope to kids.

    Lenhardt worked alongside RxART founder, Diane Brown, to identify the right artist for Phoenix Children’s installation. They enlisted contemporary artist Shara Hughes, whose art has been displayed in museum exhibitions worldwide, to create the otherworldly landscape piece.

    Hughes used colored pencil, oil pastel, watercolor, marker and crayon on paper – materials familiar to children – to create “Wonder And Wander.” The design was then enlarged and transferred to Acrovyn, a hospital-safe, custom wall-covering application.

    “Sometimes, the installation feels immersive, like you are in the landscape, being hugged by the trees on either side and sometimes it is viewed as if you are a passenger looking outside of a window on one side,” said Hughes. “The drawing shifts in materials and perspective of what you can and can’t see ahead and behind you. While the unknown is present in the drawings, I wanted it to feel like a safe, positive and hopeful space where kids could reflect, to find a moment of respite, and see a landscape change, move and grow. I wanted it to feel exciting and hopeful to move through.”

    “Seeing our vision come to fruition in such an impactful way, for such an important purpose, has been such a rewarding experience,” said Lenhardt. “I am so grateful for RxART and especially for Shara, who put her heart and soul into creating the perfect piece for Phoenix Children’s and the families we serve.”

    About Shara Hughes
    Shara Hughes (b. 1981, Atlanta) uses dizzying brushwork, vibrant colors, and shifting perspectives to make paintings that defy many of the existing conventions associated with the landscape genre. Natural motifs and patterned elements recur throughout Hughes’s pictures: snake-like trees, floating moons, distorted reflections in bodies of water, and stippled night skies appear in various permutations, synchronized with harder-to-define forms in which abstract and representational impulses co-exist in unorthodox harmony. Shara Hughes has been the subject of solo exhibitions at Kunsten Museum of Modern Art, Aalborg, Denmark (2023); Kunstmuseum Luzern, Switzerland (2022); Yuz Museum, Shanghai (2021–2022); Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (2021); Garden Museum, London (2021); Aspen Museum of Art, Colorado (2021); and Le Consortium, Dijon, France (2021). Recent group exhibitions include Open Ended: SFMOMA’s Collection, 1900 to Now, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (ongoing); Being in the World: The Tenth Anniversary of the Long Museum, Long Museum, Shanghai (2023); Nature humaine – Humaine nature, Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, France (2022–2023); among others. Also in 2018, her painting Narnia (2017) was acquired by Phoenix Art Museum, with funds provided by the Dawn and David Lenhardt Emerging Artist Acquisition Fund. Hughes lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

    About RxART
    The Mission of nonprofit RxART is to help children heal through the extraordinary power of visual art. RxART commissions established contemporary artists to transform children’s hospital settings into engaging and uplifting healing environments at no cost to the hospitals.

    About Phoenix Children’s
    Phoenix Children’s is one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems. It comprises Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus, Phoenix Children’s Hospital – East Valley Campus, Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus, Phoenix Children’s – Arrowhead Campus, four pediatric specialty and urgent care centers, 12 community pediatric practices, 20 outpatient clinics, two ambulatory surgery centers and seven community-service outpatient clinics throughout the state of Arizona. The system provides world-class inpatient, outpatient, trauma, emergency and urgent care and has been serving children and families for 40 years. Phoenix Children’s Care Network includes more than 1,405 pediatric primary care providers and specialists who deliver care across more than 75 subspecialties. Alongside our colleagues, collaborators and communities, we’re elevating pediatric care, education and innovation, so we can all grow healthier together. For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org.

    Quotes for Publication

    Quotes from David Lenhardt, Phoenix Children’s Board Chair and RxART Board Member
    “Our goal was not only to brighten a major corridor at Phoenix Children’s but also to reduce anxiety and create a calming environment for the thousands of children who are wheeled down this hall for surgery, imaging and other critical healthcare procedures. You can’t help but smile when you see this piece. I know it will make all the difference for kids battling illness or trauma who may need an extra dose of joy.”

    “Seeing our vision come to fruition in such an impactful way, for such an important purpose, has been such a rewarding experience. I am so grateful for RxART and especially for Shara, who put her heart and soul into creating the perfect piece for Phoenix Children’s and the families we serve.”

    Quote from Shara Hughes, Artist
    “Sometimes, the installation feels immersive, like you are in the landscape, being hugged by the trees on either side and sometimes it is viewed as if you are a passenger looking outside of a window on one side,” said Hughes. “The drawing shifts in materials and perspective of what you can and can’t see ahead and behind you. While the unknown is present in the drawings, I wanted it to feel like a safe, positive and hopeful space where kids could reflect, to find a moment of respite, and see a landscape change, move and grow. I wanted it to feel exciting and hopeful to move through.”

    Quote from Diane Brown, Founder of RxART
    “Since our founding in 2000, RxART has championed the benefits of creative environments on the patient experience. This collaboration between Phoenix Children’s and artist Shara Hughes is RxART’s most ambitious to date, and we are proud to bring a project of this magnitude to the Phoenix community. The way the entire team at Phoenix Children’s has rallied behind this project, advocating for the needs of their patients, has been moving and inspiring. If anyone who wanders along the halls of this project feels a little more welcomed and cared for, we will all have done our job well.”

    Quote from Anthony Peachey, Construction Specialties Marketing Director
    “Construction Specialties is proud to play a part in creating environments conducive to well-being and healing. One of the ways we do that is by combining our industry-leading wall protection, Acrovyn®, with art. Acrovyn has been on the market since 1969, and in 2012, we launched Acrovyn by Design®, a solution that allows photos, patterns, and graphics to be embedded behind transparent, durable Acrovyn sheets. This blend of protection and creativity helps make art accessible in places it may not have been previously. We know that this monumental project at Phoenix Children’s will bring joy to thousands of children, and we are thrilled to have contributed.”

  • Gaming,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego

    Discover Fun and Excitement with Blue Orange’s Latest Games for 2024

    Blue Orange Games has announced the arrival of their highly anticipated 2024 line-up, bringing a wave of excitement and entertainment for families and gamers alike. With a focus on family-oriented fun, strategic challenges, and engaging gameplay, Blue Orange is set to captivate players with their new releases.

    Introducing Slingz: A Family Word Game

    Slingz takes inspiration from the classic Game of Categories but adds a unique twist. Instead of limiting players to specific categories, Slingz features 280 dynamic themes that reflect everyday life. Players race against each other, aiming to discard their cards by saying words or short sentences that start with their designated letters, fitting the theme in play. The game’s fast-paced nature and diverse themes ensure endless replayability and laughter-filled game nights for the whole family.

    Tap a Bell’O: Clap-and-Ring Fun for Children

    Tap a Bell’O (formerly known as Ring It!) returns by popular demand, now with charming new features. Children will love the mushroom bell and forest-themed icons that add whimsy to the gameplay. Players take turns placing cards on the table, eager to spot a match between colors, numbers, or icons. The race to clap hands and ring the bell upon finding a match adds an element of excitement and friendly competition, making Tap a Bell’O a delightful addition to family game time.

    Coming Soon: Night Knight – A Pillow Fight Party Game

    Prepare for laughter-filled game nights with Night Knight, a pillow fight party game that promises hilarious moments and strategic challenges. Players must quickly identify the correct action based on the cards in play and race to grab a real mini pillow. Will you throw it at an opponent, protect yourself, or even pretend to sleep on it? The goal is to be the first to snatch a pillow and execute the right action, leading to uproarious fun and unforgettable game nights.

    Excitement Builds for Blue Orange’s 2024 Line-Up

    As Blue Orange Games unveils their new titles, anticipation is high for the summer releases, including additional family-friendly games and new strategy challenges. Whether you’re a fan of word games, interactive clapping and ringing fun, or hilarious pillow fight antics, Blue Orange’s 2024 line-up promises something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to dive into a world of fun and excitement with Blue Orange Games!

  • Beauty,  Eco,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego

    Elevate Father’s Day Gifting with Made: Sustainable Beauty for Non-Toxic Masculinity

    In the realm of beauty and grooming, Made stands out as a beacon of sustainability, performance, and non-toxic masculinity. As veterans of the beauty industry, the founders of Made embarked on a mission to support a community often labeled as non-essential, all while setting an example of environmental responsibility and ethical product choices. Their commitment to simplistic and minimalistic packaging, less plastic usage, reusability, vegan formulations, and cruelty-free practices speaks volumes about their dedication to both quality and conscious living.

    Looking Good and Making a Difference

    Made’s ethos revolves around the belief that beauty and grooming products should not only enhance one’s appearance but also contribute positively to the environment and individual well-being. With a range of high-performance products priced affordably from $12.95 to $35, Made offers a sustainable alternative for those seeking quality without compromising on ethics.

    Signature Items for Father’s Day Gifting

    1. The Secret Sauce – $19.95: This leave-in lotion is a versatile gem, suitable for hair, body, face, and beard care. Its nourishing formula hydrates and revitalizes, making it a must-have in any grooming routine.
    2. The Beefy Bar Good Rub – $22: For a refreshing bath experience, the activated charcoal bath bar infused with scents of charcoal, bourbon, and bacon is a unique indulgence. It cleanses deeply while leaving a subtle, masculine aroma.
    3. Customizable Razors – $25: Made offers customizable razors that cater to individual preferences. With a subscription option available, maintaining a well-groomed look has never been easier or more eco-conscious.

    Why Choose Made for Father’s Day?

    1. Eco-Friendly Beauty: Made’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their products, from packaging to formulations. Gifting Made is a way to support eco-conscious practices.
    2. Non-Toxic Masculinity: In a world where toxic masculinity norms persist, Made celebrates and promotes a healthier, non-toxic definition of masculinity through their products and values.
    3. Performance and Quality: Despite their eco-friendly focus, Made doesn’t compromise on performance. Their products deliver results while being gentle on the skin and the planet.

    This Father’s Day, consider elevating your gifting game with Made. Not only will you be offering quality grooming essentials, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive vision of beauty and masculinity. Give the gift of looking good and making a difference with Made.

  • Eco,  Gift Guide,  San Diego

    Maximizing Freshness and Sustainability: The Ambrosia Produce Bags Guide for Smart Grocery Shopping and Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gifting

    In a world where every action matters, choosing Ambrosia Produce Bags becomes a step towards a more sustainable and mindful lifestyle. Whether one aims to reduce food waste, save money on groceries, or support environmental initiatives, Ambrosia Bags offer a practical and impactful solution. This Mother’s Day, considering gifting the Ambrosia Complete Set is a way to show care for loved ones’ well-being and the planet’s health, starting a journey of making every penny count with Ambrosia Bags.

    In today’s challenging economic climate, many individuals prioritize finding ways to save money on groceries. Ambrosia Bags enter this scenario as a potential game-changer. Investing in these raw linen bags can revolutionize how one stores fresh produce, significantly extending its shelf life by up to two to three times. This means being able to confidently purchase in bulk, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and ultimately saving money on grocery bills in the long run.

    By utilizing Ambrosia Bags, individuals no longer need to worry about their bulk purchases going to waste. These innovative bags are specifically designed to keep produce fresh for longer durations, ensuring that every item remains crisp, juicy, and flavorful. Say goodbye to wasted food and hello to mindful saving. With Ambrosia Bags, it’s not just about purchasing a product; it’s about investing in a money-saving solution that makes a tangible difference.

    Reducing food waste is closely linked to reducing grocery expenses. Ambrosia Bags contribute to this goal by protecting produce from spoilage, helping individuals avoid throwing away unused food and leading to savings that accumulate over time. Each Ambrosia Bag used becomes a catalyst for a greener, more frugal lifestyle.

    When it comes to managing grocery budgets, every penny counts. Ambrosia Bags offer a practical and sustainable way to stretch those pennies further. By choosing Ambrosia, individuals not only save money but also contribute to the broader movement of reducing food waste and building a more sustainable future.

    Mother’s Day Gift Recommendation: Ambrosia Complete Set

    This Mother’s Day, express love and thoughtfulness by gifting the Ambrosia Complete Set to Mom. This set includes four specially designed flax linen bags: Vegetable Bag, Berry Bag, Leafy Greens Bag, and Mushroom Bag. Each bag is handmade with care, ensuring maximum freshness for different types of produce. The Ambrosia Complete Set is not just a gift; it’s a statement of eco-consciousness and a commitment to sustainable living. Show Mom that you care about her well-being and the planet’s health by choosing Ambrosia Bags as a meaningful and practical Mother’s Day gift.