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Thumbprint Gallery presents The Toy Shop, a new toy art exhibition opening December 5 in La Jolla. Curated by artist and toy-maker Zard Apuya, this show celebrates the creativity and imagination of the toy art world. Every piece in the exhibition is a toy, created through mediums such as resin, sofubi, vinyl, clay, wood, ceramic, plastic, and more. With more than 40 artists participating, The Toy Shop invites visitors into a playful, workshop-style wonderland that highlights just how limitless toy art can be.
The roster includes talented toymakers Apuya has met throughout his journey in the toy art community, along with new creators making their debut. The show also features work from students at Westview High School in Poway, where Apuya has been a recurring guest speaker for their toy customizing project in the graphic design class. Their participation highlights how welcoming and accessible the toy art world can be for new and emerging artists.
Designer toys often come from independent creators and small studios who sculpt, cast, carve, paint, and customize their pieces by hand. Materials like sofubi and resin allow artists to explore color, texture, and form in playful and unexpected ways. This mix of techniques and mediums is a big part of what makes toy art so exciting. No two artists approach their work the same way, and the results are full of personality, charm, and creativity.
Adding to the holiday season, The Toy Shop embraces the spirit of toymaking and celebrates the joy of collecting, creating, and supporting artist-made toys. Visitors can expect a colorful lineup of characters, creatures, custom figures, and sculptural toys that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly original.
“Customizing toys opened the door for me to keep growing as an artist and explore new mediums. It also introduced me to an incredible community of creators who share the same passion for crafting unique art. I am excited to bring everyone together for a show that celebrates that creativity and connection.” — Zard Apuya
Why It Matters to the Community:
The toy art scene continues to grow worldwide, and exhibitions like The Toy Shop help bring visibility to artists who blend craftsmanship, storytelling, and pop culture in inspiring ways. The show encourages visitors to discover a vibrant community that values creativity, collaboration, and the joy of making things by hand. It also gives aspiring artists, including youth and first-time creators, a chance to see that toy art is a space where anyone can experiment, learn, and find their artistic voice.
