TOYS AS ART, ART INSPIRED BY TOYS:MATTEL'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY GROUP EXHIBITION
Downtown Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) is thrilled to announce its latest major collaboration, Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys: Mattel's 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition. In partnership with Mattel Creations, Mattel, Inc.’s creative collaboration platform, this landmark event will showcase original artwork inspired by Mattel’s iconic brands. Debuting in CHG’s Main Gallery on Saturday, March 15th, this extraordinary exhibition marks the launch of Mattel’s year-long 80th-anniversary celebration, bringing together over 80 visionary artists from around the globe.
A Fusion of Nostalgia, Innovation, and Artistry
For eight decades, Mattel has shaped childhoods and fueled imaginations with its legendary toy lines, from Barbie® and Hot Wheels® to Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High®, and many more. Now, in collaboration with CHG, a diverse group of contemporary artists will reinterpret these cherished toys into one-of-a-kind works of art, fusing personal narratives and artistic innovation with nostalgic inspiration.
This exhibition features works by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Mark Ryden, Paul Frank, Gary Baseman, D*Face, Camilla d’Errico, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Jim McKenzie, Marion Peck, and many others. Through paintings, sculptures, digital art, and mixed media, these artists will explore the deep cultural impact of Mattel’s toys, celebrating their enduring influence on creativity and play.
In addition to the immersive Main Gallery display, the Mattel Creations Space in Gallery 3 will offer a vibrant retrospective on Mattel’s history. Visitors will experience a journey through the origins, creative evolution, and modern-day reimaginings of some of the most beloved toys of all time, giving insight into the artistry and craftsmanship behind each collectible.
Special Events & Artist Engagements
To enhance the exhibition, CHG will host a series of engaging events:
Saturday, March 22nd | 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Meet artist Gary Baseman for a special signing of his UNO® deck, hear how toys influenced his creative journey, and participate in an UNO Game Play session.
Saturday, March 29th | 2:00 – 3:30 PM – An artist panel featuring Brandi Milne, Jim McKenzie, ONCH, and others, discussing their favorite Mattel toys, artistic process, and inspirations.
Saturday, April 5th | 2:00 – 3:30 PM – A playful, hands-on workshop with mindfulness expert Case Kenny, author and host of New Mindset, Who Dis?, inviting attendees to reconnect with their inner child—plus an interactive UNO Game Play session.
A Platform for Emerging Artists
In a commitment to fostering the next generation of creatives, Mattel Creations has invited four students from Inner-City Arts, a transformative Los Angeles-based nonprofit, to contribute to the exhibition. Their works will be displayed alongside those of the internationally renowned artists, providing a platform to share their unique artistic perspectives with a global audience.
A Celebration of Mattel’s Artistic Legacy
Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, reflects on the significance of this exhibition:
“Since its founding by Ruth and Elliott Handler, Mattel has been a creations company, powered by artists, designers, and trailblazers. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it's only natural we would collaborate with artists to reimagine our iconic brands—where our toys become a canvas for their art. This partnership with Corey Helford Gallery is an exciting invitation for the world to celebrate the intersection of art, toys, and imagination.”
Exhibition Details
Opening Night: Saturday, March 15th, 7:00 – 11:00 PM
Location: Corey Helford Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles
Duration: March 15th – April 19th
Admission: Free and open to all ages
Alongside Toys As Art, Art Inspired By Toys, CHG will present a solo exhibition, Or You Could Panic, by British contemporary figurative artist Ben Ashton, on view in Gallery 2.
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of art, nostalgia, and creative reinvention, where toys transcend playtime to become masterpieces of artistic expression.