Small Gift LA

A few weeks ago we attended Sanrio's 50th Anniversary celebration, Small Gift LA. This carnival, art show, pop up shop, amazing place was too fun! Similar to last year's Three Apples exhibit and art show for Hello Kitty's 35th birthday, Small Gift was cuteness overload and gathering place for fans of the cat and her friends.

I've always been a Hello Kitty fan. She has been my top character, while I'd jump from obsessing over other Sanrio characters (Keroppi, Pekkle, Chococat, My Melody) over the years. What made this event special was that all characters were represented and there was something for everyone.

Below are a few of the photos :)

A rainbow greeted you at the entrance of Barker Hangar. It was like entering a wonderland.


Various photo stations were located throughout :)

Bro and sis having fun.


Sis with some of the art.


Large character heads floated around the hangar.


There were lots of carnival games and a mini golf course!


Beard Papa's was there with cream puff treats.


Yogurtland had a photo station and flavors to go with Sanrio characters.


My favorite section of the hangar was the art gallery. Curated by JapanLA, the gallery featured artist renditions of their favorite Sanrio characters. Various mediums, disciplines, and inspirations were used, all super kawaii.




Fishy Greetings by kozydan.


Sanrio Dream by Junko Mizuno.


All My Favorite Flavors by buff monster.


Plasticgod's Candy Store. Loved spending time in front of this exhibit looking at each character and who they are suppose to portray. Favorites include Hello Kitty as Alexander McQueen, Hello Kitty as Ron Burgundy, Deery Lou as Kanye West, Keroppi as Mario, Chococat as Zoolander, and My Little Twin Stars as Dirty Dancing.


Peekaboo Monster installation, Fight Club inspired.


Crowded Teeth. So much goodness in one booth.




Candy-Candy Kitty Dream by Miss Kika.


Hello Chicken Dinner by Nouar.


Sippin' (too much) by Scott Campbell. I really like this one, reminds me of drinking ;)


Hello Mello by KANO.


Hey! by Gary Taxali.


Sanrio 50th Family Vacation by Martin Hsu.


We waited in line to get into the pop-up shop.


Lots of collectible goodness!


Keroppi products throughout the years.


Pochacco items over the years. My sister had the Pochacco soccer ball piggy bank years ago. Not sure where it is now :(


Pekkle! I love this duck :)


A few of my pop-up shop treats :) I am a firm believer that a little sticker or a fun pen adds great whimsy to the everyday.


Miss Kika was at the gallery personalizing her print while we were there. She was such a sweet lady and her print was too cute to pass up.


She had a few lower numbers available (29, 31, 34), but I chose #32 since it is Magic Johnson's jersey number (go Lakers!)

Super Kawaii II: Hello Kitty Art Show curated by Japan L.A.

Part of the Three Apples Exhibit was the Hello Kitty art show curated by Japan LA. The gallery is located in the back area of Royal/T, with high ceilings and great light. 80 artists were commissioned to interpret Hello Kitty into their art work, which was on sale with portions of the profits going to LA Works, and the results of which are amazing.

Below are a few pieces that stood out.

Tim Diet. Hello Goodbye.


Buff Monster


Mori Chack. Gloomy x Hello Kitty Concept Drawings.


Mari Inukai. KUMO+NO+UE.


Gary Baseman. Hello Kitty is Fishy.


Caia Koopman. Gato Muerto.


Misha.
Various Hello Kitty pieces, some of which are Mona Lisa, Elvis (on velvet), Venus, Sphinx.


Crowded Teeth. Monster Island is Underrated.


Akiko Masuda.
I love the colors in these pieces.


Yosuke Ueno. Always.


Luke Chueh. Hello, Kitty.


Yumiko Kayukawa. Tsunami of Kitty Chan.


Andrew Brandou. A Bouquet for Kitty.
This was my favorite piece. I love the colors, softness, and flower detailing. If only I could be an art collector...


Jason Kronenwald. Gum Blonde LXXI.
This reminds me of Paris Hilton. Must be the chihuahua.


Camilla d'Errico. Hello My Kitty Land.
Low how she incorporated other Sanrio characters in this piece.


Plasticgod.
Top Row: Chiquita Banana, Boy George, Michael Jackson, Frida Kahlo, Pamela Anderson a la Baywatch.
Second Row: Sark, Tron, Cindy Lauper, Marie Antoinette, French girl.
Third Row: Grace Jones, Devo, Lady Gaga, Karl Lagerfeld.
Bottom Row: King Tut, Cleopatra, Geisha (Bjork maybe?), Flavor Flav, Pretty Woman.

Each print was so cute, fun, and my style. There were 35 of each print available, and none had sold out yet, so the mister decided to get a few for us :) I think the Tron and Sark figures (bottom right and bottom middle of the above photo) helped the decision since he is a fan of the movie Tron. We also purchased the Michael Jackson print (it was the most popular) and the Karl Lagerfeld.

I wish we could have purchased more, but am happy with our selection :)


And lastly, since I won't be making my way to the real thing any time soon, I had to take this photo next to Mona Lisa Fantasy by Norma Christmas.

I really hope all Hello Kitty fans in the southern California area can make this exhibit before it ends on Sunday, November 15. It is really a treat for the eyes and collection of overflowing cuteness.