Small Gift Miami Next Stop on Sanrio's 50th Anniversary Celebratory Tour

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanrio Inc. continues their 50th Anniversary celebration with their debut during world-renowned Art Basel-Miami 2010.  Artists have long been inspired by Sanrio characters, led by the beloved iconic Hello Kitty®, and now art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to pay homage with this 4-day tribute designed for Sanrio fans of all ages.  Small Gift Miami will open to the public on Thursday, December 2 and runs through Sunday, December 5.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100908/LA61362LOGO)

Over 100,000 people have visited the 10-day Small Gift Los Angeles event, and a similar crowd is expected as Sanrio brings a variety of medium to life during Art Basel. Small Gift Miami will inhabit an 8,000-square foot custom designed space in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District, and the Small Gift mobile pop up shop, which has been bringing the celebration to fans in cities across the country since October 23, will also make an appearance at Small Gift Miami.

Highlights of Small Gift Miami will include:

• Art Exhibition -- curated by Roger Gastman and Zio Fulcher of R. Rock Enterprises, this group exhibition is the cornerstone of Small Gift Miami.  Fifty internationally-recognized artists were selected to create original works of art in their signature medium, showcasing their favorite Sanrio characters.  Shepard Fairey, Niagara, Jason Alper, Adam Wallacavage, Mark Mothersbaugh, Richard Colman, Mike Shinoda and Seonna Hong are just a few of the artists whose work will be on display, in addition to a selection of limited-edition prints. All artwork will be for sale; with a portion of the proceeds going to Hands On Miami.  Hands On Miami is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that brings hands-on community support to individuals & families throughout Miami-Dade County.
• Wall Murals – Small Gift Miami will showcase three stunning 35-foot wall installations created by artists CRASH, POSE and Anthony Lister. Also on view will be a 35-foot visual timeline of the history of Sanrio.
• Live Tattoos – a tattoo shop will be set up at the event featuring artists Charlie Roberts and Grant Cobb from iconic L.A. tattoo studio, Spotlight Tattoos.  Charlie and Grant have developed over 50 custom tattoos featuring Sanrio icons Hello Kitty®, Badtz- Maru®, My Melody®, Kuromi®, Tuxedo Sam™ and many others.  Guests can select their art & receive a FREE sitting with these artists!

Inspired by many of the elements that have made Small Gift Los Angeles a breakout success, Small Gift Miami will dazzle fans with an assortment of new features such as the Sanrio Sweet Counter, selling Hello Kitty/Sanrio candy, custom neon installations of favorite Sanrio characters, framed vintage Sanrio ephemera, live magic tricks by the house magician, beats by DJ Elle, and photo set ups, featuring character mascots Hello Kitty, Chococat®, Keroppi, My Melody and Badtz-Maru.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase specially created and selected commemorative products in the Small Gift Miami pop-up shop.  Sanrio's 50th Anniversary marks the first time that many of the characters have appeared together.  There are a variety of must-have, collectible pieces including iPhone and laptop cases, tote bags, t-shirts, tin lunch boxes, bobbleheads, plush, a commemorative 50th Anniversary book and much, much more.

For a detailed description of participating artist and works, please contact Angelique Groh/Charm School (213)273-6373/[email protected].

For more information on Small Gift Miami, or Sanrio's 50th Anniversary, please contact Dyann Hawkins/Sara Pollock at Orsi Public Relations (323)874-4073 or [email protected]/[email protected].

About SANRIO

SANRIO, best known for global icon Hello Kitty® and home to many more endearing characters including Chococat®, My Melody®, and Keroppi®, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.  August 2010 marks the golden anniversary for the worldwide lifestyle brand that was founded on the "small gift, big smile®" philosophy -- that a small gift can bring a big smile to people of all ages. Today, over 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are sold in over 70 countries around the world. In the Western Hemisphere SANRIO character-branded products are sold in upwards of 12,000 locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 95 Sanrio boutiques. For more information, please visit www.sanrio.com.

SOURCE Sanrio