Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) presents Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition on March 15, 2025. The group show is presented in partnership with Mattel Creations, Mattel, Inc.’s collaboration platform. The exhibition runs through April 19, 2025.
Mattel 80th Anniversary Exhibition
Mattel Creations invites artists and creators to reimagine the company’s rich intellectual properties. The Main Gallery will be the backdrop for Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys. The exhibition kicks off ’s Mattel year-long 80th anniversary celebration and it will be a very special event. The show features new and original artwork, inspired by Mattel’s iconic brands, from over 80 visionary global artists. Mattel Creations collaborates with artists, designers, and pop culture icons to create unique collectible versions of Mattel’s toys. To celebrate the anniversary milestone, a diverse range of established and emerging artists will be featured. These artists further reimagine Mattel’s toys into compelling works of art. Each weaves personal narratives and childhood memories their own interpretation.
The Artists from Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toy
The work of “The Godfather of Pop Surrealism” aka Mark Ryden and art icon Paul Frank will be exhibited. In addition award winning artist Gary Baseman and world-renowned London-based multimedia artist D*Face will also explore Mattel’s iconic brands.These include Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA®, Polly Pocket®, etc.
These artistic toys have shaped imaginations and inspired artists throughout the years. This exhibition further acts as a celebration of Mattel’s legacy. Moreover, guests can head to Gallery 3 to enjoy the Mattel Creations space. Each wall will feature a display of Mattel’s most popular brands. This also includes craftsmanship reimagined collectibles.
Inner-City Arts Students
Additionally Mattel Creations is inviting four students from Inner-City Arts to showcase their work in the show. Since 1989, Inner-City Arts has been empowering Los Angeles children, teens, and the community through the transformational power of the arts.
Events in conjunction with Mattel 80th Anniversary Exhibition
See the website for a full list of artists. The group show will be accompanied by a series of curated events hosted at CHG. March 22, 2025
1. Saturday, March 22nd from 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Meet featured artist Gary Baseman for a signing of his UNO deck and hear about how toys and growing up in Los Angeles influenced his art, plus join in for UNO Game Play
2. Saturday, March 29th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm: Hear a diverse panel of artists share childhood stories featuring their favorite Mattel toys, as well as discuss their creative process, inspirations, and more
3. Saturday, April 5th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm: Re-connect with your inner-child through a playful workshop hosted by Case Kenny (author, mindfulness expert, and host of the popular podcast New Mindset, Who Dis?) + UNO Game Play
On view: March 15, 2025 – April 19, 2025. Also opening in Gallery 2 is a solo exhibition titled Or You Could Panic, by British artist Ben Ashton.
What: Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition
Where: Corey Helford Gallery, 571 S. Anderson St. LA, 90033
When: Running through April 19, 2025
Website: https://www.coreyhelfordgallery.com
