Supermoon Benefit for Ridgewood Tenant Union.

That f’ing banana got me into an art benefit.

It’s for a very good cause. Supermoon Art Space is having a benefit for the Ridgewood Tenant Union, a local organization dedicated to fighting gentrification. The opening reception is scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 14 and 15th. The show is curated by Rute Ventura and Isabelle Schneider.

More information about RTU: The Ridgewood Tenants Union (RTU) was founded in 2014 and is an all-volunteer, tenant-led and independent anti-gentrification group whose mission is to grow the power of tenants in Ridgewood to collectively fight displacement. We work towards our mission by door-knocking to inform tenants about their rights, holding monthly tenant assemblies, organizing tenant associations, holding know-your-rights trainings, creating neighborhood-wide campaigns, and working in coalition with other housing groups in NYC. One of our current campaigns involves building up opposition against Avery Hall Investments’ proposed 24-story luxury tower at 1590 Gates Ave, the site of our community’s Food Bazar Supermarket. This luxury tower will further increase rents in a neighborhood where so many of our neighbors are already rent burdened.

That illustration I did of that damned Art Basel Miami banana will be part of the exhibit. When so many people are starving, some art collector brought a banana duct taped to a wall for $120,000. However, in a case of turning lemons into lemonade, I’m glad my work can go for a cause I fully believe in. My framed print will be available for purchase. The best part is you don’t have to worry about being upstaged by a “hungry artist.”

Check out the Facebook invite here.

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Kick-Off @ Lorimoto Gallery for Ridgewood Open Studios October 2019

Heads up. Busy upcoming weekend in NYC. If you’re in the Ridgewood, Queens area, then check out the first ever Ridgewood Open Studios. I will have a painting on display as part of the Lorimoto Gallery group art exhibition.

 All work exhibited is for sale.

Lorimoto Gallery: 1623 Hancock Street, Ridgewood Queens NY 11385

Opening reception: Oct. 4th, 2019, 6-9pm.

Ridgewood Open Studio Instagram

Lorimoto Gallery Instagram

This Week’s Events: Trans-Cen-Der July 2019, Trashland Zinefest II & MF Gallery August 2019.

This is extremely short notice. This Tuesday, July 30th, 2019, I will be giving a small talk about my illustrations and artwork at the monthly Trans-Cen-Der. The event runs from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. The location is at Brooklyn Fire Proof in Bushwick, Brooklyn NY. There will be four other artists as well, working in all mediums. Admission is free but seating is limited.

Monthly Trans-Cen-Der artist event/lecture at Brooklyn Fire Proof, in Bushwick, Brooklyn NY.

This Saturday will be a busy day. During the day I’ll have a table at the Trashland Zinefest II, located at The Footlight in Ridgewood, Queens NY. Admission is free, the event runs from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. I’ll be selling my comics, greeting cards and other items.

Poster for the Trashland Zinefair II, taking place at The Footlight NYC. Located in Ridgewood, Queens NY. Event August 3rd, 2019.

At Trashland Zinefest II, copies of my latest comic The Temptation of Squeaky will be on sale. Drop by my table and buy your own copy.

The Temptation of Squeaky. Latest comic from artist and writer Michele Witchipoo, on WitchesBrewPress. 2019.

On Saturday evening, I will be attending the MF Gallery opening party for their Rocky Horror Picture Show art exhibit. Opening party is from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Costumes and Rocky Horror cosplay is encouraged. There will be a screening of the classic cut film as well.

MF Gallery’s flyer for The Rocky Horror Picture Show art exhibit. Opening party Sat. Aug. 3rd, 2019 in Brookyn, NY.

Below is the painting I did for the Rocky Horror art exhibit. It’s classic Dr. Frank-N-Futer. The mediums were acrylic paint and glitter, inside a refurbished vintage wooden frame.

Painting of Dr. Frank-N-Futer, main protagonist of the classic cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Mediums: acrylic paint and glitter, inside a refurbished vintage wooden frame. Painting by Michele Witchipoo, July 2019. Painting for sale.

If you’re local in the NYC area, then come down to at least one of these events.

Trashland Zinefest II

If you’re local in the NYC area, particularly Ridgewood and Bushwick, then check out this one day event. Trashland Zinefest II. I’m going to have a table there, selling my latest comic, greeting cards and other goodies. It’s at The Footlight. The date is Saturday, Aug 3rd, from  2pm – 6 pm. Admission free.

Later that same night, come down to MF Gallery for the Rocky Horror Picture Show tribute. There’s going to be by various talented artists, costumes and a screening of the iconic film. Opening event is from 7 pm – 10 pm. Location in Brooklyn. I’m going to have a painting in that exhibit.

 

Nasty Women Art Exhibtion

Immediately after the 2016 presidential election, there was a huge outcry. Which prompted someone on Facebook to do an art show titled “Nasty Women.” It shortly turned into an open call for artwork, proceeds going towards Planned Parenthood. The submissions came in fast furious to the point where the curators had to end the deadline earlier than expected.

The space where the show took place was at Knockdown Center, located in Maspeth, Queens, NYC.

I was one of the many artists who contributed work for this show. My piece was a print titled #trumpsucksballs. It was originally designed for my greeting card line. (Still available for order for $3.00, plus $1.00 S&H = $4.00 if ordering online. Comes with orange envelope. Send payment to psychobunnycomix@aol.com and specify you want the #trumpsucksball greeting card.)

Not all the art was anti-Trump related. Overall it had a feminist voice with or without Trump. The show itself was titled Nasty Women.

A few days before the opening reception, me and a friend went together to drop off our work. That Saturday it was the first snow of NYC in 2017.

Artist Beata Slazak Zalewski of Ridgewood, Queens. On our way to Knockdown Center to drop off art for the Nasty Women exhibition. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Jan. 2017.

Finally we arrived at Knockdown Center from out of the freezing snow. It gave us a chance to witness the display being put together. Various people were building large scale letters that spelled out NASTY WOMEN. The idea was that the art was to be hung on these letters. As the art gradually sold, the letters would be revealed.

Knockdown Center. Maspeth, Queens, NYC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Jan. 2017. 

Building the display for the Nasty Women art exhibition at Knockdown Center in Queens, NYC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Jan. 2017.

Building the display for the Nasty Women art exhibition at Knockdown Center in Queens, NYC. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Jan. 2017.

While we were standing there, we felt a slight buzz. The type of buzz when you know something is going to be magical.

A few days before opening night, the Nasty Women event was getting tons of press.

Opening night arrived. The turnout was larger than expected. People came from all over NYC for the reception, despite the remote location of Knockdown Center in Maspeth, Queens. My print sold within the first hour of the show. By the time I arrived, it was gone. Luckily someone snapped this photo for me. To whoever brought my print, thank you.

As seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition. Sold. Illustration by Michele Witchipoo. Photo by Beata Zalewski. Jan. 2017. 

The artwork was flying off the letters as the crowd grew. At one point I saw a determined woman purchasing five separate pieces of art. The event itself raised 35K for Planned Parenthood. When the exhibition ended, all of the work donated had completely sold.

Crowd at opening reception at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition. Jan. 2017. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.

This work was featured in the press before the opening reception. Artist Angela Pilgrim.

Art by Athea Blem. “Kill Putin” as seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition.

Art by Beata Zalewski as seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition

Art by Debra Wright as seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition. This item was not for sale.

Art by Diane Bronstein: “Grab This!” As seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition

“Trump This!” Art by Sandra Kopeonen as seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition

Anonymous. Art by Athea Blem. As seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition

Various artwork. As seen at Knockdown Center for the Nasty Women art exhibition

The entire weekend at Knockdown Center was dedicated to raising funds for organizations that would be unfortunately affected by the upcoming Trump administration. What seems to be the beginning of the Resistance art movement, there’s other upcoming Nasty Women events happening all over the world. Check here if you would like to be involved.

Attendee at the Nasty Women art exhibition at Knockdown Center. Queens, NY. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. Jan. 2017.

Krampus Holiday Fair Review/Paper Rock Scissors Collective

Craft fairs are common now, but the first one put together by the new NYC collective Rock Paper Scissors was a success. The collective, based in Queens, NY  was formed recently to promote local work of artists, artisans and writers in the Queens and Brooklyn boroughs through group exhibitions & pop-ups.

It even received some local press such as QNS.com.

The pop-up Krampus Holiday Fair went fairly well. It took place at The Cobra Club, located in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC.

Jewerly by Jackie Hates You

Krampus decor by Whimsical Art Shop

Art, prints and books by Munch Art Studio

Jewelry and holiday decor by UltraFresca

Lulu’s Homemade Gourmet Dog Treats

Krampus tree ornament by WitchesBrewPress

The vendors were:

A Limitless Win

House of Mars

Jackie Hates You

Lulu’s Homemade Gourmet Dog Treats

Munch Art Studio

mVOLIe

Flower Crowns by Sparkly Churl

Rue 78 Vintage

UltraFresca

Whimsical Art Shop

Witches Brew Press

Rumor has it that there might be a pop-up fair just in time for Valentine’s Day. So check with the Facebook page for future events.

Reminder – Krampus Holiday Fair!

Just a quick reminder. If you’re in the NYC area, particularly Bushwick and Ridgewood, then don’t miss out on the Krampus Holiday Fair happening tomorrow, Saturday Dec. 17th, free admission, from 4 – 8 pm. It’s happening at The Cobra Club, located at 6 Wyckoff Avenue. You can take the L train to Jefferson Street. The event is for 21+.

The event is being put together by the newly formed Paper Rock Scissors Collective. You can check out the FB invite here, and check out the FB page for future PRS events there.

This fair got a bit of press from QNC.com

I’ve created some one of a kind tree ornaments exclusively for this fair.

Cthulhu ornament created by Michele Witchipoo. Dec. 2016

Hermetic Holiday ornament created by Michele Witchipoo Dec. 2016.

Christmas angel ornament created by Michele Witchipoo Dec. 2016.

These other ornaments I’ve created will also be available for purchase. Not many of the Krampus ornaments left, so grab them while you can. The same goes for the David Bowie ornament. My comics and greeting cards will also be available for purchase, in particular, my  popular Krampus card.

Black glitter Krampus ornament created by Michele Witchipoo, Nov. 2016.

Glitter David Bowie (Aladdin Sane era) ornament created by Michele Witchipoo, Nov. 2016.

Plain black Krampus ornament created by Michele Witchipoo, Nov. 2016.

Red glitter Krampus ornaments created 2015.

My comics and greeting cards will also be available for purchase, in particular, my  popular Krampus card.

Two of my greeting card designs. Photo Dec. 2016.

Don’t forget to check out the other vendors as well.

See you tomorrow.

Krampus Holiday Fair Article

There was a mention about the upcoming Krampus Holiday Fair this Saturday, happening over at The Cobra Club in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Free admission. You can read about the write-up over at qns.com. You can also check out the Facebook invite here.

There will be talented vendors selling various crafts and artisan goods. Check out the Facebook invite for details. I’ll be there selling my handmade tree ornaments, greeting cards and comics. See you there this Saturday.

Extended Through Oct. 24th – Made In Ridgewood

The Made In Ridgewood exhibit has done so well, the showing has been extended through Oct. 24th, instead of Oct. 15th. So if you’re in the area, check out OUTPOST Artist Resources. I have a new piece in this group art show. The exhibit was originally put together by OUTPOST and Ridgewood Artists Coalition for Bushwick Open Studios 2016.

Artist: Michele Witchipoo

Made In Ridgewood @ OUTPOST Photos

This past weekend was the opening reception for the Made In Ridgewood exhibit, held at OUTPOST Artists Resources for Bushwick Open Studios 2016. There was a large turn out for the opening night. OUTPOST and Ridgewood Artists Coalition got together, gathering local artists from the Ridgewood,Queens area of NYC.

Reverend Mother by Michele Witchipoo as seen in the Made In Ridgewood (Ridgewood Artists Coalition) group art exhibit at OUTPOST Artists Resources for Bushwick Open Studios 2016. Pen and ink on illustration board.

My work was part of this group art show, debuting this new piece. There were various mediums and styles ranging from painting, sculpture, video, photography and interactive. Of course it helped that open bar was courtesy of Finback brewery, another local Ridgewood establishment. It should be noted that Finback makes some very good beers. So if craft beers are your thing, definitely check it out.

Artist: Michele Witchipoo

Artists: Kyle Andrew Phillips, Stephen Lewis, George Rosa, Allison Wade, Joshua Pelletier, Beata Zalewski, Isabelle Schneider

Artists: Vared Snear, Ethan Boisvert, Christina Massey Gabriela Rassi, Emily Heniz, Yasmeen Abdallah, Bill Bartholomew, James Valdez Osaku, Ida Gavois, Campy Dicks, Rebecca Rubenstein, Deanna Lee, Mengwen Cao, Sandra Koponen

Artists: Christina Massey Gabriela Rassi, Yasmeen Abdallah, Bill Bartholomew, James Valdez Osaku,

Artist: Danielle Draik

Artist: Tim Gowan

Artist: Allison Wade

Checking out a video at Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Crowd at OUTPOST Artists Resources opening night for Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Artist: Sandra Koponen

Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Artist: Pablo Garcia

Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Artist: Campy Dicks

Crowd at OUTPOST Artists Resources opening night for Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016

Artist: Stephen Lewis

Artist: Christina Massey

Artists were: Yasmeen Abdullah, Kate Bae, Bill Bartholomew, Ethan Boisvert, Michele Borg (Michele Witchipoo), Daniel Boventer, Mengwen Cao, Campy Dicks, Liliana Dirks-Goodman, Nathalie Di Sciascia, Elizabeth Donsky, Rachel Dove , Danielle Draik, Pablo García, Ida Gavois, Tim Gowan, Huisi He, Georgia Hinaris, Ji Hoon Kim , An Hu, Daniel Iliescu , Liz Johnson (Spadiode), Sandra Koponen, Molly Lambe , Connor Lawson, Deanna Lee, Stephen Lewis, Christina Massey, Varvara Mikushkina, David Nakabayashi, Sharilyn Neidhardt, James Peay, Joshua Pelletier, Kyle Andrew Phillips, Gabriela Rassi , Elizabeth Riley, George Rosa, Christopher Rose , Rebecca Rubinstein, Isabelle Schneider, Sara Schraeter, Farshid Shafiey, Vered Snear, Jeanette Spicer, Kelli Thompson, Jimmy Valdez Osaku, Allison Wade, Tyson Washburn, Chenli Ye, Beata Zalewski, Alex Drewchin, Greg Fox, Winslow Laroche, Jonah Rosenberg, Andrew Sutherland, Caterina Verde, David Wightman, Magin Schantz, and Libby Mislan.

If you missed the opening reception, you can still check the exhibit until October 15th.

Thanks to OUTPOST Artist Resources and Emily Heinz for putting this together.

Next post: Bushwick Open Studios 2016 in photos.