Catching up on recent happenings

It's been quite a while since I've posted an update. There's been so much happening this summer, from working on the Once Upon a Time book project to the exhibit we have at the National Museum of Play, I've been having trouble keeping up. Here are some highlights.

Once Upon a Time

The Kickstarter project is moving along. The studio has actually been an amusing place. There are frequently piles of pigs all over as we play with characters, getting their faces to show a range of expressions.

For years, I've heard people make comparisons between my characters and the Muppets. What I find most amusing about the piles of pigs is a memory of a Brian Henson interview that I watched. To paraphrase Henson, "when you can't come up with anything else to do, throw pigs." Of course, I can't find the quote, so I could be imagining the whole thing. [update: It turns out I had the species wrong. The actual Brian Henson quote was, "What my father figured out was, if you can't get out, you just either blow something up, or you eat something, or you just throw penguins in the air."]

We originally set out to use the traditional story of the Three Little Pigs, but as we've been working, the story has evolved a bit and we've added a few of our own little twists. Hopefully it won't be too long before we have a lot more to share.

Artist Eyes

Our first children’s book is out. Artist Eyes, an illustrated museum tour featuring famous masterpieces re-imagined, is now shipping. You can order it from the Airigami gift shop, our Etsy shop, or Amazon.com or you can download a preview copy. It's also available from a couple of museum shops (The National Museum of Play and The Memorial Art Gallery) and we're working on getting it into more places.

Kelly and I put this together a while back using the images from my Master Works series. It's just been sitting on a shelf while we tried to figure out what to do with it. It amused us, but we weren't sure where to go with it next. Now that we have it in a few places, sales from the book are helping to further support work on the new piggy book.

Rochester Pride 2011

We participated in this summer's Pride parade in town a couple weeks ago. Like last year, it was a blast to contribute. We had two floats in the parade. A giant sorcerer hat was the first thing parade goers enjoyed. Our Cinderella carriage received a lot of attention as the closing float in the parade. I have no idea what we'll end up doing next year, but we're already looking forward to it. I want to give a huge thanks to Phil, Deanna, and Rose for their help in constructing these.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIepmflaVzI

Upcoming events

As always, our upcoming public events are listed on our calendar. These events include stuff in our studio as well as events that we take part in elsewhere. Here's some of what's coming up soon. Check the web site for a more complete calendar.

First Friday at the Hungerford

Fri, Aug 5 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm | 1115 E Main St, Rochester, NY.
This is open to everyone of all ages. A number of studios in the building are open. Come and visit the Airigami studio and see what other local Rochester artists are doing.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Days at the Genesee Country Village & Museum

Sat, Aug 6 | Mumford, NY.
We'll be spending the day building a covered wagon in one of the buildings in the main square.

How to Catch a Mouse at the Corning Museum of Glass

Wed, Aug 10, Corning, NY.
I will once again be performing at the Museum of Glass. This is my science program for kids.

Whimsical Art - Meet the Artists at The Strong National Museum of Play

Sat, Aug 20, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm, Rochester, NY
Larry and Kelly will join artists Rob Rogalski and Jennifer Carson for the opening of the Whimsical Art Trail. We'll be demonstrating and chatting with museum guests. Art will be on display through November 20.

Ken Stillman lecture tour stop, Airigami Studio

Thu, Sep 1, Hungerford Building, 1115 East Main Street Rochester, NY
Airigami is happy to play host to one of the best known teachers in the balloon industry. Ken Stillman is making a Rochester stop here. Two classes for professional balloon artists.