# Collaborative Celebrity Art Shows ‘This Is Not a Toy’ Got a Little Aid From Pharrell By Janelle Savel | Published 2014-03-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celebrity-art-shows References: [lostateminor](http://www.lostateminor.com/2014/02/26/toy-toy-exhibition-opens-canada/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:) & [urdesign.it](http://www.urdesign.it/index.php/2014/02/12/this-is-not-a-toy-exhibition-opens-at-the-design-exchange/) Celebrity art shows benefit up-and-coming artists by giving them exposure and notability that’ll attract the support of unsuspecting patrons. This week the Design Exchange in Toronto opened the first [large-scale display](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-of-the-brick) dedicated to [designer toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monsters-by-monsters-now-and-then), which is also co-curated by Pharrell Williams. The show, titled ‘This Is Not a Toy’ will run until May 19, 2014 and features a range of life-sized and small scale toys. The vibrant candy-colored space features creative, whimsical and imaginative creations. Some of the figurines on display include iconic diversified Kidrobot displays and [vinyl toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arr-x-kaws-sesame-street) from other noteworthy artists like Frank Kozik (creator of the Labbit) and Huck Gee (Dunny Dolls). Some of Pharrell’s most-prized collection pieces are also showcased throughout this exhibition. Along with being aesthetically pleasing, This Is Not A Toy convention aims at showcasing the art of vinyl and the construction of these customizable toys. These figurines are meant for collectors who have a sense of wonder and appreciation for eccentric, unusual designs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Celebrity Art Shows:** Celebrity art shows continue to popularize and democratize the art world, providing exposure for up-and-coming artists and inspiring new forms of creativity. - **Designer Toys:** Designer toys are gaining recognition as a legitimate art form, and the collectors market represents a growing opportunity for artists and entrepreneurs alike. - **Curated Exhibitions:** Curated exhibitions that combine the aesthetics of pop culture and fine art are a trending way to attract new audiences, while creating unique experiences for patrons. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Art and design industries that embrace innovative materials and techniques for creating limited edition collectibles are poised to dominate the designer toy market. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry, including music and film, can benefit from collaborations with pop culture artists and designers to create unique merchandise and experiences for fans. - **Retail:** Retail businesses that incorporate designer toys and other pop-culture themed merchandise into their product offerings can attract new customers and generate additional revenue streams. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md) - [Collaborative Designer Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-like-heaven-art-exhibition.md) - [Artist-Designed Toy Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-toy-series.md) - [Toy Collectible Conventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designercon.md) - [Designer Pop Culture Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kkplus.md) - [Plushie-Inspired Art Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brent-estabrook-smiles.md) - [Artful Collectible Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fisherprice-little-people-x-andre-saraiva.md) - [Art-Focused Retail Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattel-2.md) - [Childlike Characters Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childlike-characters-art-exhibition.md)