Checkered Elf

Stranger Factory is the newest branch of the Circus Posterus family tree, a unique highly visible gallery located in Nob Hill just off the historically famous Route 66 (Central Ave) in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico and is dedicated to bringing a new style of art to the area. With their worldwide network of talent, Stranger Factory will bring many incredible names in the post modern, pop surrealist and “lowbrow” art community for the very first time as well as offering aspiring art collectors the opportunity to begin their collections with original works and editioned releases at reasonable and retail-friendly prices. Stranger Factory is the official flagship retail outlet for all Circus Posterus goods including original artwork, limited edition prints and books, sculptural editions and apparel as well as other gifts, novelties, designer toys, and curious objects of beauty and wonder! Miss Mindy creates in her home studio/mushroom house in Eagle Rock, CA. She is believed to be an elf or witch by most of the neighborhood children, due to her fondness of cooking spells & toy making. Her affinity for bizarre humor resonates within her paintings, shadow boxes, and fluid ink drawings. Born into a family of artists and designers, Miss Mindy was always surrounded by creativity. Her grandmother worked as an ink and painter at Disney in the 1930’s, while her grandfather was an illustrator, muralist, and puppeteer, with no bellybutton. Her mother, Linda, being an accomplished mask maker and artisan of all things wonderful... had a daughter named Candace (or CJ if you will)... that was the first to pop out into our circus family. Miss Mindy, second in line-- popped out as well, 4 years later, to join her sister in the big bad world to create some art havoc. Miss Mindy has been working as a professional artist for the last 10 years while curating and participating in numerous gallery shows. Mixed media tends to refer to a work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a "mixed media" work. When creating a painted or photographed work using mixed media it is important to choose the layers carefully and allow enough drying time between the layers to ensure the final work will have integrity. If many different media are used it is equally important to choose a sturdy foundation upon which the different layers are imposed. Many interesting effects can be achieved by using mixed media. Often, found objects are used in conjunction with traditional artist media, such as paints and graphite, to express a meaning in the everyday life. In this manner, many different elements of art become more flexible than with traditional artist media. Calling all carnies: the next gig to roll into town is Circus: Folke, a two-person exhibition by California-based ‘artist sisters’ Miss Mindy and CJ Metzger. An exploration of the Circus, its characters and all associated nostalgia, Circus: Folke will undoubtedly offer us a peek into a most spectacular tent. Both artists hail from Los Angeles. Mindy an inker, painter, illustrator and sculptor, her growing list of clients includes Warner Brothers, Hard Rock Café, Mindstyle and Nickelodeon Animation. Metzger’s iconic painting, illustration, design and writing has been sought out by such brands as Neiman Marcus, Hot Topic, Fred Eric, Baby Tattoo Books, and the LA Times. Uniting their passion for characters and storytelling with their unique design sensibilities, the sisters create an uber-artistry that leaves a lasting impression.