Saturday, July 15, 2006

Why we Heart Art: 2 Cheers for our Creative Peers!



I stumbled upon Yo Gabba Gabba, a children's program that can only be described as Sesame Street for the hip generation (hip example: kids learn how to beat box from none other than Biz Markie!). The show is hosted by DJ Lance, a cool-looking dude who carries a magical boom box filled with little toy monsters who teach children valuable lessons through song and dance. I attended the premiere at the Fine Arts theater in Beverly Hills last weekend. The children loved every minute of it--and even us bigger kids got a kick out of it, too. (right: Look who's not afraid of monsters! That's me posing with a character from Yo Gabba Gabba)


(pieces of a Keith Williams mural)

On a visit home to the Bay Area recently, Shawnelle spotted several billboards advertising a new sandal at Payless Shoe Stores. What caught her eye about these ads was the artwork; the bold, vibrant, distinctive work of Keith Williams, an artist who we had the pleasure of painting a mural with when we were teenagers in Oakland (see above image). We rushed to the nearest Payless to buy a pair of the shoes (Flip Outs by K-Dub) only to discover they were all out! Hopefully, we can get our hands on a pair on the next trip and support the talents of a brilliant artist. (right: In-store ad for K-Dub's Flip Outs.)

--Nee