Graffolution exhibit this past Friday was pretty hot. Literally! and my camera died ahhh! couldn’t get all the shots I wanted:( Borrowing a few from my FB friends while I wait on Yvey’s fly girl shots…

SOAP STONE GALLERY, NYC. Photo by Conrad Landais

Packed. Shout out to my hommie Sol for coming through. It was great to see you!

Embedded Within SOLD! wooohooo thank youuuuuu:)

Detail…

Our peeps UR NEW YORK with the dope canvas printed layered NYC piece joints…

diggn’ these Matt Siren pieces on metal signs…especially Mistress piece.

Our boy ELLIS G, with the classic photo prints…

Caught up with Frankie and Rimix for a bit before making moves…

Masahiro went all out on this 3D piece…You gotta see it up close. Dope!

Funky Fresh…

Great view when you get out of gallery. Spent most of the night outside chatting it up with folks and enjoying a hot summer night in NYC…

New works! Got a large 20″ x 27″ sticker sheet to draw an original piece for the “BRACE YOURSELF” sticker show. Presented by STICKY RICKS in Los Angeles, CA. It’s next week! in the mail as we speak,  here’s a sneaky peak…

When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace.
– Morihei Ueshiba

BRACE YOURSELF!
The Urban Underground Speaks. Brace Yourself for the message.  Artists tell the story through adhesive art.
Saturday, JULY 17, 2010 // 6pm-midnight // $5
Self Help Graphics & Art
3802 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90063

MORE INFO BELOW>>>

Featured Artists: The London Police, ManOne, Robots Will Kill, Robbie Conal, Vyal One, Shark Toof, LAte Bloomer DG, MCA, SMEAR, Sticky Bandits, DMN, GERMS, Ashes57, Chaz Bojorquez, JaxieJax, EVOKER, Flying Fortress, TIMOI, SandOner, Brandy Flower, TOOFLY, Brian Ewing, Olive47, Restitution Press, Sket One, Modern Day Monster, Dr. Nuse, ENIK One, Ras Terms, Choice Royce, GANAS, Favianna Rodriguez, Cat Cult, Kathia Dungplata, AKO, JesseRobot, DB, Dewey Tafoya, MadOne, NOMADE, Sand One, RahTen, Phantom Street Artist

In 2005, Richard & Rosanna Ahrens of Sticky Rick’s and Damon Robinson of Praise the Lowered, made an extraordinary discovery when they decided to create PEEL HERE, an adhesive art exhibition, to kick off the Sticky Rick’s sticker printing company.  They discovered that people from all over the globe of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds are crazy about stickers. Along with this overall love for stickers, there exists a subculture that uses this medium to communicate a language on the urban landscape.  This urban language communicates messages of time, place and people – stickers are personal, mobile, temporary works of art that speak for themselves and are designed to be seen by the masses.

This year we are pleased to share the stage with  Self Help Graphics & Art, whose historical social consciousness through the arts is legendary.  SHG & Art’s recent outreach to local youth through aerosol, silkscreen & hip-hop workshops has become an important conversation amongst community leaders. It’s success is an example of  how to effectively engage youth in the arts and free speech.

“BRACE YOURSELF!” speaks to the condition of our world both locally and globally through the eyes of the artist.  Economists, scientist, and environmentalists have given their warnings about the economy, jobs, healthcare etc.  As responsible individuals we need to peel back the layers of information we are being fed by the media to understand the realities of the condition we are in as a people.  Peel Here owes it to its young participants to persuade them to consider and respond to the pressing dilemmas we are facing in our world today.  Our Open Call submissions will require a response to these realities.

Let’s Get STICKY!!!!!

Got a group exhibit coming up soOOn check it…

GRAFFOLUTION

- The evolution of graffiti and street Art-
Curated by Frankie Velez & Mike Mcmanus
Thursday July 15th 2010 7pm – 11pm

SOAPSTONE GALLERY
36th St. Btwn 5th & 6th Ave. 5th fl.
A C E F D Q R N W 1 2 3 to 34 ST. Herald Square

FEATURED ARTISTS: SUBTEXTURE, MATT SIREN, SEE ONE, SAE STER, ERIC ORR, MERES, JOE RUSSO, ROB LUCIANO, BILLI KID, FUMERO, VICKIPAGES, JOSH GOLDSTEIN, MASAHIRO ITO, UR NEW YORK (2ESAE & SKI) , PEAT WOLLAEGER(stenSOUL), VENG (ROBOTS WILL KILL), DANIEL “KRAVE” FILA, CHARLIE GREEN, TOOFLY, EROTICA, ABE LINCOLN JR, CLARK FLY ID, RIBS, KA, ELLIS G, JOE IURATO, SLAVE, SANE 2, GIGI BIO, HALOZ, ANERA, ARMO, DIL, TMNK (NOBODY), GRIMACE, SHINE, NEMO, ETAKS.ONE, OLIVER RIOS, BADER ISRAEL, SIENIDE,AARON SPAZE CRAFTE,JENEVEIVE, ROYCE BANNON, AND RESKEW

Woops! mad late with this info. It’s a busy summer. Works on view and for sale…check it…

Uptown-based  SOUND OF ART is jump starting its ART TREK: UPTOWN Series with the work of world renowned, Queens based, visual master, TOOFLY, this Saturday, 06.12.10 from 7:30PM – 10:30PM at Bodre’s Cut and Color Room.

This Toofly affair will be the first in the series of ART TREK: UPTOWN: a visually riveting collection of rotating art exhibits strategically placed at select retail businesses throughout the areas of Inwood and Washington Heights (aka Uptown).

The SOA ART TREK: UPTOWN welcomes art lovers and  young, stylish and urbane trendsetters alike to partake in an exploratory mission to discover and embrace these hidden visual gems; exhibits composed of works by the diverse roster of emerging visual artists that make up the Sound Of Art.

Bodre’s Cut & Color Room
4714 Broadway New York, NY
For more info hit: info@soundofart. net

5Pointz Fundraiser tomorrow! Gonna support our hommie MERES in the auction of works by various artists to raise funds for our beloved factory. The space is in heavy need of wall fixing, ladders, and supplies to continue it’s efforts in organizing colorful works of urban art throughout the building.

5Pointz Fundraiser

April 21, 2010 // 7-10PM

Session 73:  on 1st ave & 73rd Street // 6 Train to 68th St/Hunter College

5 Pointz: The Institute of Higher Burnin’ or the 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc. is an outdoor art exhibit space in Long Island City, New York, considered to be the world’s premiere “graffiti Mecca,” where aerosol artists from around the globe paint colorful pieces on the walls of a 200,000-square-foot factory building.The complex owned by Long Island developer Gerald Wolkoff houses the Crane Street Studios in which 200 artists pay below market rents for studio space. 

In 2002 Jonathan Cohen, a graffiti artist operating under the name “Meres” began curating the work. If he is not familiar with an artist, Cohen will ask for a sample of their work; if it is a mural, he will ask for a layout as well. The name 5Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, the industrial complex has actually united aerosol artists from across the world. Legendary writers from Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and all over the United States have painted on the building walls.

FLYER BELOW >>>>

If your in Los Angeles next week check out the PAPER DOLLS group exhibit at FIFTY24GALLERY following up my Brave Souls Illuminate show. Flicks after the jump…

Opening: Downtown LA Art Walk: Thursday, January 14, 2010 /// Second Opening/Downtown LA Art Walk: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Sneeky Peek…

M.I.S.S., an online women’s lifestyle magazine, has teamed up with Upper Playground to curate an art show at FIFTY24LA Gallery. “Paper Dolls” is a group show displaying new works by artists and their interpretation of the paper doll. Curated by M.I.S.S. editors Lexx Valdez and Kimberly Jefferson. Using the iconic paper doll as inspiration, each artist offers his or her own artistic interpretation of the woman’s fashion figure. From photographs, illustrations and paintings, there are varied expressions of the paper doll – all with the signature touches of each artist. Stay tuned to MissOmniMedia.com for daily posts on each contributing artist with examples of his or her works. ”Paper Dolls” features new works on display at FIFTY24LA Gallery from January 14, 2010 through March 3, 2010.

Not really down to go to Miami this year, I think one year was enough for the madness. Got some work in the Multiversal exhibit organized by Mike Franco and his crew. Shout out to our homegirl Diana McClure for hooking it up;) SEND ME PICS!

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States – a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland’s Art Basel, it is the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 40 years.  In that spirit, for the duration of Art Basel, WST Worldwide & Kazilla Productions will be hosting the Multiversal group show – a unique series of exhibitions showcasing the works of many talented artists from around the world.

MULTIVERSAL
December 3rd – December 6th
The American Legion building
6445 NE 7th Ave
Miami Modern District

Multiversal is the brainchild of graphic artist and Wizard Sleeve Toys founder, Mike Franco and rising star Cassie “Kazilla” Williams.  Multiversal will occupy several rooms including a South Florida local artist room, an Art Institute student exhibition, the second Feminality art show (www.FeminalityArtShow.com), a custom toy show and several exhibitions and installations.

A true mix of art on a variety of platforms, Multiversal will feature more than 150 top artists from the likes of Buff Monster, Sket-One, Mear One, Kano, Georgette Pressler (body art), Tara Hauck (fine art photography), as well as Aunia Kahn, Tofusquirrel and Jessica Sardas amongst others. We will be teaming up with 3 other reputable galleries; The Hive Gallery from LA, The Steve Brown Gallery from Cleveland and the D.E.A.D. Gallery from Belgium.

All of the art displayed during the Multiversal group show will be available for sale to the public.

Back in NY and super happy to be home! Here’s pics from opening night…

Photos by my peeps: Jack from DAILY DUJOUR, and URBANMOSADI thanks guys!

Brave Souls Illuminate by TOOFLY, solo exhibition.
November 11 through January 4, 2009
( part of: DOWNTOWN ART WALK November 12th and December 10th, 2009 )
FIFTY24LA Gallery // UPPERPLAYGROUND
125 East 6 St. Los Angeles, Ca 90014
415.252.9144
www.upperplayground.com
www.tooflynyc.com

LOVE folks with genuine love and appreciation for my work…

Younity

Locals schooling me on LA prison culture, gang culture, and teen angels magazine…

New Piece…

Love notes folks leave me…thanks Urbanmosadi!!!:)

Oldies but goodies…

RICKY! Fashion Industries hommies since 92!

Begin Again…

Was happy to see Michelle and Joseph Collins with their little ones. Going back to UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT days in the LES when I was a teen;)
Photo by AM.

Izzy aka special fresh chika and friends. Thanks for coming thru ladies!

Shana LOVES PR!:)

China Marbosa LA Younity artist showing some luv!

Melinda, and Krista holding it down…where’s that tazer gun!

NYC CREW ready for LA DAYZ…

Mission accomplished! Shout out to Gabriella from MISS CREW for making this exhibit happen;) THANK YOU!!!

LA flight confirmed, artwork shipped, flyer complete!!!

FIFTY24 LA presents new works by NYC artist Maria “TOOFLY” Castillo
November 11 through January 4, 2009 // OPENING RECEPTION: November 11, 2009 7-9:30 P.M.
FIFTY24LA Gallery // 125 East 6 St. // Los Angeles, Ca 90014// 415.252.9144
www.upperplayground.com

PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

For Immediate Release
10.30.09
Contact Info:
Gabriella Davi-Khorasanee, 415.252.0144×118
Gabriella@UpperPlayground.com

Upper Playground and Fifty24LA Gallery Present “Brave Souls Illuminate”

A Collection of New Works by Maria “Toofly” Castillo

Maria “Toofly” Castillo is a painter and illustrator from New York.  Growing up Queens, Toofly immersed herself in graffiti culture and developed her own knack for handstyles and unique “around the way girl” characters.

“Brave Souls Illuminate” is a re-mix of new, and existing works that showcase Toofly’s growth as young woman drawing and writing on the walls to a mature well respected fine artist, designer, and visual arts producer.

Her existing works takes you on a journey of a self proclaimed, “around the way girl” using hard and fluid lines, handstyles, and self confidence to declare a spot in NYC’s graffiti subculture dominated by men, and fierce attitude.

Her new works re-introduce the shades of grey that originally helped her pull in the raw emotions she grew up with, and surfaces new and improved. As she travels to reconnect time and space, the new pieces not only feel and look more mature, yet bring you back to the core of her spirit:  ”A brave being who looks to shine bright unapologetic from the inside out!”

”Brave Souls Illuminate” features new works and an installation on display at FIFTY24LA Gallery from November 11 – January 4, 2009.

About Upper Playground:

Based in San Francisco, CA, Upper Playground is the leader in today’s progressive art movement with its innovative apparel and accessories line and art galleries.  Since 1999, Upper Playground has been recognized as a catalyst for the fusion of fashion with fine art.  UP apparel and accessories are designed by local and international artists including Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, Estevan Oriol, David Choe, and Alex Pardee.  The Upper Playground collection is sold in over 300 boutiques worldwide and online.  In addition, Upper Playground has stores and galleries in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, New York, Mexico and London.
http://www.upperplayground.com

About Toofly

Toofly is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts where she applied her artistic skills to illustration and graphic design coursework.  Her signature “around the way girl” character is instantly recognizable from print to public street art projects.  She and her partner Alice Mizrachi founded Younity, a female urban arts collective, in which they produce art exhibitions, books and mentorship art programs for young women in the arts.  Toofly’s art and design work have appeared in books, video and magazines including Graffiti Women, Burning New York, Current TV, MTV Tr3, Trace, Mass Appeal, Juxtapoz, URB and Honey.
http://www.tooflynyc.com

wow guys, words can not describe how DOPE last night was. YOU HAD TO BE THERE!!! Turnout was amazing, the energy, the people, the art, the space OMG, I don’t know where to begin + I’m up way to early posting these pics, I’ve only had a few hours of sleep;( I’m gonna let the flicks do the talking. Sending a special special THANK YOU to all my peoples, friends, supporters, team, family, and everyone who came thru to share this  experience with all of us. STAY FRESH, and SPREAD LOVE…

WOMEN ROCK.

Ken! Thanks for coming, I was so happy to see you w/ the fam;)

2nd fl GALLERY…

Photo by Martha Cooper www.12oprophet.com

Jen One, and Abeni in front of my latest joint! Abeni thanks you for all your hard work on helping document YOUNITY!!!

FROZEN. I needed to re-name it…

ACB, always with us…

Amazing turn out both floors were packed!

peeps! Yvey & Jess thanks for all your help with the art sales!

Rokafella and Marthalicia beautiful souls…

Love it when kids stare at art…wonder what they wonder?

GOODWOODNYC always a hit!

PIECE BY NIZ. B-GIRLZ ASIA1, LADY CHAMP, AND AIKO. Sold to Martha Cooper;)

My sisters piece. INKS >>> handcarved mad work!

Laura Meyers, Sofia Maldonado, Lichiban…

Handmande book + Photos by Stephanie Land

Nani Chacon wood purses…Sold to Marlon;)

Martha Cooper

More flicks of art coming soon…

JAMES TOP, thanks for the interview:)

Shout out to FRESTHETIC who helped sponsor us on the sticker vinyl!;) Thanks Mikey, and Randy!

Oh shit…TONE! OMG can’t wait to see your flicks, your skillz are amazing!!!

I LOVE FLICKS!

Photo by TONE
The lovely DJ ELLE, blessed us with her selection! Got the breakers to boogie…Shout out to DJ Laylo who we missed so much! but helped us lock down the turntables. Thanks kid!

This had to be the icing on the cake. Ya’ll had to be there to experience the energy in the room, it was so gooooooood!

I love breakers…

ROKAFELLA came thru w/ the breakers crew thank yoooooouuuuuuu sweets!!!

What! Jen One doesn’t play…Love her style.

I get so happy to see all of ya!!!

Dopeness…

GOOD TIMES!!!

Shana and Diana, luv you guys!!! Thanks for all your help;)

My mighty suspect brothas…

Shout out to Emilie from Caprise Magazine, and Samia Grand Pierre from Highsnobette for all your help:)

AFTER PARTY TIME!!!  LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…

Jenevieve, Cece, Erin, Lichiban, and Marthalicia wall installation downstairs. THANK YOU! Photo by Martha Cooper

After party at SUTRA NYC who always has our back. See ya at the FRESHER closing party!!! Details coming soon…
BEHIND THE SCENES FLICKS