Everyone loves toys. We might be middle-aged married folk and empty nesters, but we probably still have a closet or an attic filled with memories that had names like Hungry Hungry Hippos or Candyland or Risk or Mouse Trap or Jenga. I’ll bet even someone like Donald Rumsfeld every once in awhile traipses back to the “secret room” where he busts out the army men and tanks and stages his own private little wars against the axis of evil, wherever and whoever they might be (Wait…I’m having a moment trying to imagine him making those gun and cannon sounds we used to do as kids…). Who doesn’t like going into a toy store at Christmastime and checking out all the train sets and models and doll houses and stacks and stacks of games? A toy has a way of reminding us what was good about our childhood and has the power to take us back there to that birthday morning where we tore the wrapping paper off the present and for three days did nothing but play with that toy. Toys have a way of getting right to the heart of who we are. Witness the last scene of “Toy Story 3” and you will see exactly what I mean.
I sometimes think that if I had saved all the toys of my youth, from the 1950’s and 60’s, I’d be as wealthy as someone who’s earned their money, Like Kim Kardashian. But I didn’t and I’m not alone. So when I get an opportunity to visit a show or a collector’s convention, I’m always thrilled. Old Japanese toys, tin automobiles, antique trains and dolls…all lure me in like couch potatoes to the “Amazing Race.” So it is with great pleasure that I’m able to say there is a gallery, a very special gallery in New Jersey that never ceases to come up with original art showcases and events, where you can eNJoy art in different shapes and sizes. It is called the Outsider Art Gallery and it is the baby of a New Jersey artist by the name of Dion Hitchings. The roster of artists who will be on display include Hannah Fink, Billy Fred Hellams, Bob Hoke, Jennifer Levine, Jennifer Anne Moses, T. Marie Nolan, Kim Robertson and Bart R. Schultz. The featured work will include work inspired by and celebrating toys – in painting, sculptures and installations. Entertainment and refreshments will be served 11:00AM to 6:00PM on May 5 and 6. The Toy Story Book with featured postcard art will be available for purchase and all proceed will benefit the A-Team Artists of Trenton supported by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
The exhibition opens May 5 and runs through June 31. The location is the Outsider Art Gallery at 10 Bridge St. in Frenchtown. For more details about the event and information on the Outsider Art Gallery, visit their web site.