Andrew Shondrick, Squirrel, 2015, mixed media. (Photo: Shane Wynn.)
Families encouraged to donate unwrapped toys as donations for Misfit Toys Family Day
The Akron Art Museum’s “Island of Misfit Toys” showcases artwork from local school children and professional artists. The exhibition, which opens Nov. 27, features student-decorated Munny—customizable, blank vinyl toys—along with Munny transformed by artists and exhibited with their original artwork. Gallery Director of Summit Artspace Rob Lehr is curating the artist-created Munny toys.
“Play is a critical part to any creative process. Munny allows children and adults alike to explore their creative and playful side combining the joys of art making, sculpture and design,” said Lehr.
The exhibition celebrates the anniversary of the art museum’s Island of Misfit Toys Family Day, during which families are invited to create original artwork out of old, broken toys.
Families are encouraged to bring one new, unwrapped toy to donate to children in need. The program, now in its 11th year, was inspired by the misfit toys—such as the train with square wheels and the toy boat that couldn’t stay afloat—from in the 1964 Christmas TV classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The Island of Misfit Toys Family Day is free for all ages and will be held in three sessions on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Director of Education at the Akron Art Museum, Alison Caplan said, “Whether you’re an artist or an art novice, blank, plastic toys offer anyone a quirky outlet for creative expression. I love seeing what artists do with plastic toys because the basic simple, white form is often unrecognizable after the pieces have been baked, sculpted, collaged and painted. We’re excited to highlight the work of young artists and show them alongside working regional artists.”
The “Island of Misfit Toys” will be on view at the Akron Art Museum through Feb. 28 in The Mary S. and David C. Corbin gallery, which is a family-friendly, community engaging exhibition space.
Recent exhibitions in the gallery have included “Build It!,” “Living With Art,” “The Big Draw” and “Beyond the News: Photographs from the Akron Beacon Journal Archives.”
This exhibition is organized by the Akron Art Museum and supported by a generous gift from The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation. Additional support provided by Brouse McDowell, LPA.
For info, visit akronartmuseum.org.
