ONLINE BIDDING IS NOW OPEN!
The Record Exchange is proud to announce our seventh annual MUNNY Silent Auction Fundraiser! This year’s fundraiser is a benefit for Go Listen Boise — the organization will receive half the proceeds from each Munny*, with the other half going to the participating artists!
The MUNNYs were unveiled at The Record Exchange on First Thursday, April 4, and will remain on display through Thursday, April 25. Final bidding will take place at a special auction closing party from 5 to 7 p.m. April 25 at The Record Exchange.
Bids are in $5 increments (but you may bid more than $5 above the current bid). Scroll down to bid on specific MUNNYs, all designed locally by some of Boise’s most talented artists!
Note: Online bidding ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25. There will be two hours of final bidding at the store following the close of online bidding. No online or phone bids will be taken during the finale, so if there’s a MUNNY you really want, you or a surrogate bidder will need to attend the finale in person.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
ARTIST: MISTY BENSON (morbidlyadorable.com)
CURRENT BID: $305
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As a painter and sculptor of all things sweet and sour, Misty Benson is obsessed with spreading the Gospel of the Morbidly Adorable! She pours every bit of her haunted heart into her dreamy big-eyed faeries and delightful Day of the Dead skeletons. Her mischievous minions have made their way into homes around the world. They have been featured in paintings, prints, one of a kind sculptures, and a plethora of merchandise causing sweet mischief wherever they go. Both the faeries and skellies have also found themselves published in various magazines including “Gothic Beauty” and “Tattoos For Women” as well as the books “500 Fairy Motifs”, “Big Eye Art: Resurrected and Transformed”, and her solo book “The Morbidly Adorable Skelly”!! Your support is an exquisite lifeline for the mission of that raindrop astronaut! By adopting her creations, not only are you supporting a living artist, but you are also giving her a gift. You are allowing her to breathe life into more and more of her dark little dearies, and in turn, they are her gift to you. They break through the opulent melancholia and inspire a dreamy little world where you can care for and feed your very own Morbidly Adorable.
Artist Statement: This Rococo Octo-Girl views life as one big swoon. Wherever she goes, her lovely tentacles are always touching and exploring life. In her hand, she holds part of a broken limb from her own body. When an octopus is captured by a predator or gets stuck in a precarious situation, it may escape by breaking off an arm which it may later regrow. Instead of holding onto things in life that no longer matter to this aquatic angel, she breaks away in order to start anew. Won’t you live in her dreamy world?
ARTIST: MISTY BENSON (morbidlyadorable.com)
CURRENT BID: $170
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As a painter and sculptor of all things sweet and sour, Misty Benson is obsessed with spreading the Gospel of the Morbidly Adorable! She pours every bit of her haunted heart into her dreamy big-eyed faeries and delightful Day of the Dead skeletons. Her mischievous minions have made their way into homes around the world. They have been featured in paintings, prints, one of a kind sculptures, and a plethora of merchandise causing sweet mischief wherever they go. Both the faeries and skellies have also found themselves published in various magazines including “Gothic Beauty” and “Tattoos For Women” as well as the books “500 Fairy Motifs”, “Big Eye Art: Resurrected and Transformed”, and her solo book “The Morbidly Adorable Skelly”!! Your support is an exquisite lifeline for the mission of that raindrop astronaut! By adopting her creations, not only are you supporting a living artist, but you are also giving her a gift. You are allowing her to breathe life into more and more of her dark little dearies, and in turn, they are her gift to you. They break through the opulent melancholia and inspire a dreamy little world where you can care for and feed your very own Morbidly Adorable.
Artist Statement: This playful Munny Skelly devours life with his giant love goggles! Who wouldn’t want to have a heart-shaped view? This mischievous minion also has a softer side as displayed by the wistful girl pictured on the back of his hat. All the little toys are just some extra fun waiting to be had by Love Goggles and friends! Zap! Zap!
ARTIST: TRAVIS BERG
CURRENT BID: $175
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ARTIST: KAREN BUBB (karenbubb.com)
CURRENT BID: $65
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Karen Bubb is Public Arts Manager for the Boise City Department of Arts & History and the downtown redevelopment agency. She is also an Affiliate for Boise State University’s (BSU) Centre for Creativity and Innovation in the College of Business and Economics. She has a Masters in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate for Regional and Community Planning from BSU and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Oregon. Bubb works in many mediums, including stained glass, encaustic painting, ceramics, printmaking and collage. Her art is represented in numerous private collections and the permanent collection of the Boise Art Museum.
Artist Statement: Thaddeus means “courageous heart.” He is a talisman created to help us humans face matters of the heart with courage, strength, and grace. The coiled snake on his head is a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Gaze into his calm, green “infinity” symbol eyes and you’ll be ready to stare down anything that life throws at you.
ARTIST: SARAH CREAMER (sarahmarshallcreamer.blogspot.com)
CURRENT BID: $100
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sarah Marshall Creamer currently works as an illustrator for a local company that is exploring opportunities in cartoon animation and is thrilled to find the opportunity to use her degree here in Boise … especially for animation. She graduated with her BFA in Illustration from Boise State University in 2010 with the dream of either working in comics, video games, or animated films/series. Since then her work has been shown at the Fall Folk Fest @ the VAC, Art Deck-O Silent Auctions, RAW Boise at the Powerhouse, 208Tattoo Fest, in the Freak Alley Gallery, and other smaller venues. She loves unicorns, narwhals, and zombies, and likes to watch her favorite show, Archer, with her fat, cross-eyed cat, Burton (a.k.a. B-Town, a.k.a. Roadkill). Her work can be found at sarahmarshallcreamer.blogspot.com and Sarah herself can be found somewhere on planet Earth … for now.
ARTIST: ERIN CUNNINGHAM (blackhunger.com)
CURRENT BID: $125
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Erin Cunningham is an artist who lives and works in Boise. She has a wiener dog named Tito and loves pizza. Her favorite color is green.
ARTIST: NOBLE HARDESTY AND AMY BURTON (facebook.com/drawguerilla)
CURRENT BID: $215
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Noble Hardesty is a contemporary Northwest artist who resides in Boise. Whose main goal is to be as prolific as possible, and is no stranger to clawing up the side of a mountain. Also feels that most things, especially the passionate and special, should be covered in blood.
ARTIST: MATT JOHNSON
CURRENT BID: $50
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ARTIST: WIL KIRKMAN (facebook.com/pages/Rocket-Neon/134116209974027)
CURRENT BID: $125
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Wil Kirkman is a local artist and owner of Rocket Neon in Boise.
ARTIST: KELLY KNOPP (knoppart.blogspot.com)
CURRENT BID: $110
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kelly Knopp is an artist-illustrator currently residing in Boise, Idaho. His works can be seen in many publications, on skateboards and snowboards as well as occasional art exhibits. Kelly has also illustrated a number of education books for children with autism. As an artist, Kelly has created works for private collections as well as commercial enterprises ranging from painting to graphic design. Kelly specializes in illustration with a passion for creative and often strange subject matters.
ARTIST: JASON LEE
CURRENT BID: $65
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Jason Lee or JLEE, as most know him, is a collage artist here in the Boise area. Born in Chippewa Falls, WI, Jason attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior earning a Minor in tech theatre, BFA in Studio Art and a MA in Studio Art. After a stint in Duluth, MN managing a used record store, he moved to Boise in the fall of 2006. By day, Jason works as a Behavior Interventionist for The Boise School District so he can fund his passion for art and music. You may have seen his work over the years displayed at Thomas Hammer, The VAC, or Flying M. Jason also has participated in the last two Art Deck-O auctions.
Outside of creating various pieces of art, he has also been involved in the local music scene here in Idaho, playing with the bands The Old One Two and Heavy Metal Rooster.
Artist Statement: I feel very fortunate to have been invited to participate in this year’s Munny Auction with such an amazing collection of talented artists. It is truly an honor.
ARTIST: SHELLEY MCCARL (shelleymccarl.com)
CURRENT BID: $100
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I am a Boise painter working in pastel and oil, and my usual subjects are panoramic landscapes and still life. I am particularly interested in depicting the play of light, whether it falls on open Idaho desert or on the various textures of objects I set up in a still life. The MUNNY project, which I have participated in for most of the years that The Record Exchange has sponsored it, gives me an opportunity to do something entirely different from my typical painting, and it’s also really fun. My work can be seen on my website, shelleymccarl.com, or by appointment by calling me at (208) 283-4158. — Shelly McCarl
ARTIST: GRANT OLSEN (facebook.com/pages/Mr-Olsen/109268559105623)
CURRENT BID: $50
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I make things from wool and other animal fibers as well as found objects. I also paint and print and have done a number of public works for the city of Boise and have been included in gallery shows throughout the United States. In 2003, I won a Fellowship Award from the Idaho Commission on the Arts. I also volunteer teaching English and sewing to refugees and I love fostering dogs from the Idaho Humane Society. — Grant Olsen
ARTIST: ERIK PAYNE (inkvisiontattoo.com)
CURRENT BID: $55
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Erik Payne is a tattoo artist and owner of Inkvision Tattoo studio in Boise. His work can be seen all over the country on various body parts and at inkvisiontattoo.com.
ARTIST: E.J. PETTINGER (facebook.com/pages/Mild-Abandon/132564740088842)
CURRENT BID: $75
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
E.J. Pettinger is the creator of Mild Abandon Cartoons. You can view his work at: facebook.com/pages/Mild-Abandon/132564740088842.
ARTIST: ELI PISANO (facebook.com/elicoolkid)
CURRENT BID: $50
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ARTIST: TONY RIOS (riosart.com)
CURRENT BID: $90
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I was born at the White Memorial Hospital in 1959, Los Angeles, California. I grew up in South San Gabriel, which was weird because nobody knew where “North San Gabriel” was. I grew up watching my mother oil paint and knew that that is what I wanted to do … well, that and play with my Hot Wheels. So that is what I do. I paint and collect toys. While the majority of my life was spent in California, I also lived in various states and countries such as Arizona, Utah, England and now Idaho. I met my wife of 30 years in England and together we have raised 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy.
I started out freelance illustrating for 12 years in L.A. Then I got a wild hair and went to work for a company called Wild West Designs doing monumental work and architectural bronze work from 94-96. I then started my own company called Tierra Bronze doing architectural bronze work, custom made ceramic tile back splashes, hotel lobby floors and single field tile. In that time, I had the opportunity to work with award winning designers and architects, such as Naomi Leff, Robert A.M. Stern and Paula Berg, from 93-03. My work can be seen across the United States from Mexico to Wyoming and as far East as New York. I also taught at the Utah Valley State College in ’99, teaching drawing, figure drawing, watercolor and understanding materials. I have had the opportunity to come full circle back to my first passion, drawing and painting.
I don’t attempt to explain my work, it can have more than one meaning. Art is so subjective, and views differ from one person to the next, so I leave it to the viewer to go away with whatever the images mean to them. I very rarely have an agenda or wish to pull the viewer to any opinion or belief of mine. I just hope that there is a reaction of some kind, either you hate the work, are inspired by it, or just laugh, so enjoy. — Tony Rios
ARTIST: ERIN RUIZ (erinruiz.com)
CURRENT BID: $100
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Erin Ruiz is a freelance artist subsisting on a strict regiment of painting, a lack of sleep, and Ramen noodles. In her younger days, she chose to leave the comfort of hermitage to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, where, in 2004, she graduated with an Undergraduate Award and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration. After living in Georgia for three years, she moved back home to Boise, Idaho, to pursue a career in the arts. A drawer since birth, painter by trade, she now works in a variety of media of anything from oil paint to ballpoint pen. Her current work masquerades as inviting and soft – oftentimes melancholic, pop surrealistic images rife with subtext and layered with playful undertones of symbolism.
ARTIST: CODY RUTTY (codyruttyart.com)
CURRENT BID: $100
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
After two years studying Architecture at the University of Idaho, Cody Rutty left school to pursue art and now creates paintings full time. As a modern abstract artist, Rutty delves into an anamorphic world of allegory and narrative through a developed layering process and honed usage of line. His interests in science and music play major roles in the texture of his body of work.
ARTIST: ERICA SPARLIN DRYDEN (ericasparlindryden.com)
CURRENT BID: $70
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Erica Sparlin Dryden is a photographer, designer and artist. For 20 years, capturing compelling images with a camera has been her calling. Bringing together her other interests into a cohesive career has been her destiny.
Born in Boulder, Colorado, Erica loves to breathe in what life is about. For her, that means art, music, nature, and culture. Erica experienced living in Colorado and New England before moving to Boise. Erica spends her time doing what she loves; dancing, enjoying live music, taking photographs, drawing, painting, design, traveling, exercise and staying connected with family and friends. She is grateful everyday for her handsome and amazing husband and their daughter who makes them laugh daily. She and her husband are the creatives of Bandwagon PR and Photography and enjoy everyday not being in a cube.
Visit ericasparlindryden.com for more imagery, inspiration and …
ARTIST: SAMUEL STIMPERT (visualartscollective.com, samuelstimpert.com)
CURRENT BID: $300
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Samuel Stimpert is the co-owner, talent buyer and curator for Visual Arts Collective in Garden City, Idaho.
ARTIST: KENDALL VADER (facebook.com/kendallvader)
CURRENT BID: $150
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My name is Kendall Vader and I spend my days at the greatest place on earth, Inkvision Tattoo. I work with my best friends who continue to push me and inspire me every day. Tattooing takes up a majority of all my time and when possible I will attempt painting, drawing on shoes, and in the last year I have been experimenting on sculpting using anything that I can find.
ARTIST: FILIP VOGELPOHL (boiseartglass.com)
CURRENT BID: $200
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Filip Vogelpohl, born in Progue, Czech Republic, fled to America in 1987. He grew up in Boise, Idaho, taking art classes in Jr. High and High School. After graduating High School, Vogelpohl visited Eugene, Oregon, where his instant attraction to glassblowing sparked. In 1997, Vogelpohl began flameworking in his garage. The first two years involved much torch time and guidance from Robert Mickelson, Kevin O’Grady and Casare Toffolo.
A portion of Filip’s work revolves around spheres; exquisitely large ones. Vogelpohl is known for his unique vortex marbles. He was the first to create a five inch borosilicate vortex marble. Sculptural and functional glass also play a big role in Vogelpohl’s lampworking career.
“There is so much satisfaction working with this medium. I have no doubt that I will never stop learning and forever be inspired,” he says.
Vogelpohl’s art is displayed in many boutiques and galleries throughout the United States, Japan and in his own gallery in Boise, Boise Art Glass.
ARTIST: JOHN BLAS WARFEL (halfbasquejob.com)
CURRENT BID: $75
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Warfel, a half-Basque man (note unique middle name), is a North End resident and works by day as the Graphic Design Manager at a large local employer. In order to get his hands dirty with art in his spare time, John likes to draw, paint and make prints. In his case, spare time is usually the quiet late night hours when the family is asleep and the beer is especially tasty.
To view more of John’s art and design work, visit halfbasquejob.com.
ARTIST: MIKE WIENSZ (facebook.com/mike.wiensz.9)
CURRENT BID: $100
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
Artist Statement: This is my little black metal Kommandoo! Made with sharpies and cigarettes! Inkvision Uber Alles!!!
ARTIST: SEAN WYETT (blackcatboise.com)
CURRENT BID: $200
EMAIL YOUR BID HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sean Wyett is the owner and day laborer at Black Cat Tattoo (blackcatboise.com). Despised by many, misunderstood by all. Support brick and mortar businesses. Now BID!
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ABOUT GO LISTEN BOISE
After touring nationally with her band Hillfolk Noir and having the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas, in the spring of 2008 for SXSW, Ali Ward decided that it was due time for a local music collective in Boise. Geographically, Boise has some challenges – being the most isolated city of its size in the Lower 48 makes careers for our resident professional musicians particularly difficult, because it is not all that easy to travel and play in a wide variety of communities or big cities on a regular basis or “circuit”. Therefore, our city needed a self-sustaining local music scene if we wanted our musicians to be able to live here and sustain themselves and their families. In addition, it was time to change our reputation that, at that time, was often communicated among local musicians as well as to touring bands — that Boise was not a music town. This was simply not true, and Ali felt that it would be a great time to make some changes in our attitudes and the accessibility of music in our community.
Go Listen Boise was formed under the basic premises of generating support and fostering communication between Boise-area musicians, listeners, event planners, and venue owners. Through talking with one another and brainstorming, we identified some of the barriers and issues we were having as an arts community. In the years to follow, Go Listen Boise began experimenting with hosting special events, presenting shows, and coordinating live music on behalf of other organizations. Soon after these experiments started came the creation of a website that contains, among other things, a local music calendar and a comprehensive database of active local bands and venue booking information. After 4 years of establishing partnerships throughout town, the simultaneous and symbiotic creation of Radio Boise, and the many live music events planned and supported by others, it is possible to discern a positive change in our local musical fabric.
The time and honesty with which the committee members have helped mold those initial ideas into action is incredible, and Go Listen Boise will continue to help create a more prosperous, self-sustaining, infectiously positive local music scene in the Boise area for many years to come. This group has a fiery energy that has been embraced and appreciated by countless people and organizations, working collaboratively with other engaged individuals and businesses to create access to higher quality shows; a more sustainable lifestyle for musicians; better engagement with event planners, venue owners, and promoters; and increased attendance and enthusiasm at shows from the general public. In the spirit of amplifying our local music scene, “Go Ahead, Get an Earful!”
