As many of you know, Saturday was our grand re-opening, and boy was it grand. The day had already been busy. Because of the Cherokee Street Open House we had customers walking in by the dozens. A bunch of stuff was sold, and crazy cool people were met.

Matt Cipov joined us for his totally awesome opening in the basement at 7 o’clock, complete with Dj Robot Rock and his visuals, and the sweetest belly dancer! Plus, Lauren (Stimulus Baking Company) made the yummiest vegan cupcakes I have ever tasted.

Matt is the nicest guy ever, and besides being so outgoing and easy to talk to, his art is beautiful. It has this effortless and simple quality while still looking complete, like you wouldn’t add a thing to it. Matt’s characters are lovable outcasts. Monsters, robots, space creatures, animals that can’t decide if they want to be human or not… They’re serious, but we smile at them. There was a boy at the show who was standing in the same place for the longest time, at least a half an hour, looking at a couple of drawings. I really got a kick out of it. Later he explained that he was observing their unique personalities. He was sticking around so he could remember how Matt’s creations made him feel. The most affecting art is the kind that you have trouble walking away from.

Besides the amazing quality of his work, his prices are affordable! The prints start at just $6, and the average cost for them is probably about $20. His originals are a bit more expensive, but not at all outrageous. Also, he’s all about spreading his vision wherever he can. As he said to me: He’d rather sell six pieces for $25 than one piece for $150. I have great respect for artists like that. So, if you can’t live without something and it’s a little too expensive for your pockets, barter with us! And as long as it’s fair and we know you’re sincere, you’ll be in luck.

If you don’t live close enough to Cranky Yellow to grab some of Matt’s goods you should check out his store and purchase from there. In addition, he has many lovely photos on his Flickr page for you to browse/drool over.

Thanks Matt! We loved having you. Drive down from Milwaukee to visit us anytime.