Porter Flea Holiday Market 2013

I headed up to Nashville, TN, for last weekend’s Porter Flea Holiday Market – it was rainy. And cold. And I had a cold. But I didn't let that stop me - the Flea was fantastic as always, with huge crowds and plenty of holiday cheer to go around! I love getting the opportunity to join in with other artists to sell shirts and meet new friends and fans along the way. Many thanks to organizers Katie, Brent, and Jessica for tirelessly making magic again and again.

As always, photos are below – check ‘em out. Click here, here, and here for a look at previous adventures in Nashville!

The table set-up. I wanted to add some height for the Flea, and I think it turned out
pretty sharp. The show was Friday evening and all day Saturday this time around.

A wide shot of the space at Track One. Grimey's provided awesome music all day.

My good friends Barb and Dave saved the day while I was feeling under the weather.
I can't thank them enough for makin' sales while I took breaks for cold medicine.

God bless America, and God bless TOOMASOOBA.
Oh, and the below happened, too...I need to work on my moves.

Fall 2013 Makers Fair

This Saturday marked my sixth experience at the TAMF and, for the first time, a bit of rain showed up in the afternoon – but that didn't dampen the spirit of the (massive) crowds, no sir. Partnering with Shreveport Regional Arts Council's UNSCENE event this time around, the Fair was large and in-charge and awesome as always. I've said it before, but it's amazing to have an event like this in my hometown. I've done fairs far and wide, and this one is always a highlight!

Many thanks to Kelly and Garrett and all those with the Texas Avenue Community Association who make it happen. Below are a handful of photos from the day.

Here's the TOOMA booth along with my TAMF neighbor & friend Kelly Rich.
Read about her shotgun house project NORLA here! She's making things happen.

The Queensborough Elementary Flag & Drum Line marches through the Makers Fair.

Pete eats fire. Nathan drops beats.

I've had prime booth space these past few fairs and I'm glad for it.
Jake and I will defend TOOMA turf to our last breath, so watch out.

New fan Gavin poses with his Roddy print – cool face paint, even cooler kid!

Look at the joy in Jack's face as he hangs out at the TOOMASOOBA table. I love it.
This might just serve as my new promotional photo – what do you think?

Rhino Birthday Party

Rhino Coffee recently held their one-year birthday party, and TOOMASOOBA was there to help celebrate! A handful of vendors and bands were asked to join in for an evening of caffeine and revelry — Index Drums, Day Old Blues Records, Art Punch, Engine, Joshua Powell, Jacob Disedare, and Kyle Craft were some of the talented makers and rockers doing their thing.

The place was packed throughout the evening — it was a great time. I debuted a couple of new shirts and prints, spread the TOOMA word with folks who hadn’t encountered my art before, and, of course, I also had plenty of coffee. If you happen to stop by, might I suggest an Eastside Latte or Iced Thunder, perhaps?

Rhino is a cool, independent business that supports the local community (and vice versa) — I’m glad they’re thriving here in Shreveport. Here’s to many more years!

A rad hand-drawn sign to announce those involved.

I was glad to be set up inside, where there was air conditioning. I was not
so glad to be photobombed by James of Day Old Blues.

Kyle Craft doing his solo thing. Listen to his music and thank me later.

Index Drums representing on the back patio.

Engine performing - these dudes are amazing. Buy their music now!

Shoppers checking out the TOOMA action.

PRINT Workshop

Five Shreveport artists were chosen to join in a two-day screen print workshop with Modern Multiples’ Richard Duardo in mid-August — and I was one of 'em! It was awesome learning from a master (plus he's a really cool dude). The workshop was offered as part of the current PRINT exhibit at Artspace featuring seriographs by Richard and other print makers and designers, including street art rockstars Cryptik, Shepard Fairey, and Banksy! Whhhhaaaattttt?

The exhibit is up through October – so go check it out if you’re in the area! You can also view Richard’s artist talk for all the behind-the-scenes info. Definitely worth checking out (crank up the volume).

Many thanks to Shreveport Regional Arts Council for making this happen, and to my fellow UNSCENE Street Team artists: Ben Moss, Taffie Cragon Garsee, John H. Lomax, and Jeormie Journell. See more photos on my Facebook album. Rock on!

Our playground - a recreation of Richard's early workshop space.

Ben and John making magic as Richard looks on.

Experimenting with spray paint on our demo prints.

Drying racks.

Richard during his artist talk - this is some of his "pop schlock" work, as he calls it.

The gang - it was honor to work with these talented artists. Left to right:
Jeormie, me, Ben, Britt, Taffie, Richard, and John.

Happiness Happens Day

With coloring sheets and t-shirts in tow, I headed out to Happiness Happens Celebration Day in Bossier City this past Saturday. The event was put on by Holiday Lanes (in cahoots with the Secret Society of Happy People) and it was a really fun time – bowling, bands, bubbles, hula-hooping, activites, plus TOOMASOOBA coloring pages and free stickers for all.

 My table was outdoors and, no lie, the crayons began to melt after several hours. Holy cow! August in Louisiana ain’t no joke, friends. Below are several photos of happy people being all happy and such – take a look!

Robin put on the event...and chose some great colors for Eureka, too.

A couple of little dudes putting their own spin on RoBoy.

More TOOMASOOBA coloring!

I did not envy the folks rocking out these mascot suits, let me tell ya.

Launch Party Success!

Whew! Between the Shreveport Farmers Market and last week's mini-doc launch party, June has been packed — but I wouldn't have it any other way.

When I decided to create a video for TOOMASOOBA at the beginning of this year, I'd planned to post it on Facebook and that would be it. My girlfriend, however, suggested having a viewing party — and it was a great idea. What I'd initially envisioned as a gathering in my living room for 10 people ballooned into a crazy-awesome time in an amazing venue with well over 100 in attendance.

We had a packed house!

I was even able to raise awareness in town about my work and make an impression that wasn't possible before — I appeared on a local morning news show and was featured in a couple of newspapers as well.

I won't bore you with the details, but a lot of hustle went into the evening and I couldn't have done it without the help of my friends. Many thanks to Chris Lyon for producing the mini-doc, David Brooks for creating the original music, Krystle Beauchamp and LaToya Hemphill for making the event (and food) happen, Neil Johnson for the awesome space, Nathan Pizar for being an audio-visual beast, James "Rex" Gilcrease and Mark Flentge for running my merch table, Renzi Center for spreading their mission at the show, and Brandon Oldenburg for sharing kind words while introducing me before the premiere.

My friend (and creative dynamo) Brandon hangin' with Kid Cupcake.

Can't forget my super-cool sponsors, either: Fairfield Studios, Middlebrook Bakery, and Aw, Snap Photography. I was over the moon with the way things went and I truly, truly appreciate the support — now to keep the momentum going!

Below are more photos (you can view a full gallery on Facebook). Did you miss the premiere? No worries, you can watch TOOMASOOBA: The Birth of a Brand right here on YouTube!

When Seth draws TOOMASOOBA, it's always awesome.

A handful of coloring sheets from the evening...contest winners will be announced soon!

Not sure what's going on here with Dylan and April, but I like it.

Hangin' with Ty — he's a good artist and a cool dude.

The McDades represent TOOMASOOBA!

Farmers Market 2013

I’m back at the Shreveport Farmers’ Market for the first time since 2011, and it’s been great so far! Really hot, but great. The first day’s attendance was at an all-time high of over 12,000 folks (not all of ‘em made it by the TOOMASOOBA table, though). It’s fantastic to see the Market flourishing in our community — I’m glad I can be a small part of it.

Two weeks down, two weeks to go for me — you still have a chance to come by on the 15th and 29th of June if you’re in the area from 7 am to noon. It’s the prime location for all your produce (and TOOMASOOBA) needs. Photos below!

The talented Mollie Corbett stopped by to take this rad photo.

James "Rex" Gilcrease helped out behind the booth this past week, just like old times.

Close-up Claymore.

Also...this is happening soon near the Farmers' Market. Yessss.

Spring 2013 Makers Fair

Despite an initial threat of rain, Mother Nature had mercy on our artistic souls and weather for Saturday’s Spring Texas Avenue Makers Fair turned out great. Also great? The hometown crowds, the exhibiting artists, the music, and dang near everything else. Many thanks to new event ringleaders Kelly and Ivy and all the volunteers who helped out — y’all rule. For a trip down TAMF memory lane (and other shows, too), click here. Photos below!

New shirt! Bibs! Coloring sheets! Other stuff!

Totally excited about something at my own booth. Don't you wish you knew what it was?

Best moment of the day: I met a little dude named Seth who really liked my work.
I talked with him and his mom for a bit, signed a print, and gave him a button and magnet.
His mom later emailed me this art he created — "Toomasupa", a combination of
characters featured on the website. I was floored. Seth, you rock!!
Thanks so much for the drawing!

The Shamrock 2013

The year’s first TOOMASOOBA show was last Saturday at Shreveport’s inaugural Shamrock Color 5K run and block party — we set up next to good pals Day Old Blues Records and had a great afternoon. Lots of runners running, bands playing, and revelers reveling – the day ended with happy folks and a fine coating of colored powder over everything (luckily, most of my products are covered in plastic).

There was also some coloring sheet action going on – and although the wind was not very agreeable, it was a hit. Take a look at some photos from the event below. Here’s to more awesomeness in 2013!

Kiddos surrounding the TOOMATABLE.

Brooks and Cazes rockin' a colorful pose with TOOMASOOBA.

Jeremy and Krystle, TOOMASOOBA Secret Agents.

Miles putting his spin on Hector - I'm digging the colors!

Saige staying in the lines like a pro. Eureka is pleased.

James lovingly protecting his records - check out Day Old Blues here!

2012 Porter Flea Film

Had a great time at the Holiday Porter Flea in December 2012 — read more about the experience here. Below is some footage from the day (also featuring glimpses of work by Tim Cook and David Pound) — hope you dig it. I've really enjoyed putting together these recent videos with my talented buddy JR Ramsey. Expect to see more in the future!

X-mas Under Da Ground 2012

So I headed up to the bi-annual X-mas Under Da Ground show Saturday night at minicine? to take in the sights...here’s a good article about the show from The Shreveport Catalyst. The evening consisted of local short films (experimental and otherwise), cool music, and a ton of local artists showcasing their work (there maaaay have been a couple of TOOMASOOBA pieces on display now that I think about it) — all on Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport.

Late 2010 is when I began to get involved with the local art scene — seeing the awesome craziness and energy that everyone brought on Saturday night really made me thankful to be a part of the creative community in my hometown. The people I’ve met, events I’ve been a part of, and the growth I’ve seen happen in just a short time has been inspiring. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Rock on, Shreveport, and thanks to the fine folks who made it all happen this weekend!

Pretty cool.

Sold a TOOMASOOBA print at the show...Hector found a new home!

My friend Tony Reans posing in front of his work. See more here.

Art, and folks having a good time.