DesignerCon Art & Design Mega-Show Returns to Anaheim Dec. 15-17
By Staff Reports
Today, art, design, and collectibles mega-show DesignerCon (DCON) announced it will return for its 18th annual convention, spanning December 15-17, 2023 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. DesignerCon celebrates all things collectible toys, customs, and designer apparel, featuring the latest in urban, underground, and pop art design. The 2023 convention will welcome 600 vendors and over 350 artists and designers for a diverse array of programming and products, including the return of DCON fan-favorites: MEDICOM TOY, Tokidoki, POPMART, SHEIN X, MightyJaxx, How2Work, Good Smile, 3DRetro and many more. Tickets for DesignerCon 2023 are on sale now at https://tickets.designercon.com/tickets/siReMG4Wpspk90tDTY2m2tnm4pGrHQ0zqkvH
“It’s a huge privilege to be celebrating our 18th year at DesignerCon. We have continued to build out our network of artists, collaborators, sponsors, and visitors with every passing year, and this one is sure to be our best yet. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has come together to make this convention possible and look forward to seeing you all at the Anaheim Convention Center on December 15th,” said Ben Goretsky, founder of DesignerCon.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Hollywood Sign Trust, The City of Los Angeles and Evolution, joins forces with DesignerCon to provide an engaging fan experience.
The Hollywood 100 Art Show, curated by Carmen Acosta, will feature 100 local and international artists, each of whom will customize and display a Hollywood Sign figurine designed by Onch. All 100 unique and individually-stylized pieces will be displayed at the event, ahead of their 2024 presentation at the heart of Hollywood Boulevard as part of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to honor the history and enduring legacy of the Hollywood Sign.
“As a long-time resident of Hollywood for 15 years, I am deeply honored to curate the prestigious Hollywood 100 Art Show. What makes this opportunity even more special is the fact that many of the artists involved are not only dear friends but also esteemed past participants of the renowned DesignerCon art show. After six years of curating the DCON art show, I can confidently say that this show holds a unique place in my heart, and I am incredibly proud of it,” said Carmen Acosta.
Adding to DCON’s 2023 theme of Hollywood, the event will also feature a Hollywood Pavillion, in collaboration with several companies to produce limited edition items for sale. Vendors like Tokidoki, artist Michael Kalish, renowned designer ONCH, among others, will be included in the Pavilion setup.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with DesignerCon on this exhibition,” said President and CEO Steve Nissen. “What better way to celebrate the centennial of the most well known sign in the world than with 100 original pieces of art depicting the heart of Hollywood itself.”
The December 15-17th event will also feature a myriad of iconic collectibles and limited edition releases to the public. Corey Feldman, the multi-talented actor and musician, is collaborating with FUNKO for the release of two exclusive Corey FUNKO Pop! figures in his likeness. Feldman will be onsite to sign and sell his limited edition Pops with a DesignerCon exclusive sticker.
“I was honored to collaborate with FUNKO on a Pop! that is a tribute to my music,” said Corey Feldman. “It was always a dream to have my own Pop! I can’t wait to meet my fans in-person at DesignerCon and share this exclusive with them. This will be the first-time my Pop! Is available in person to be signed by me!”
Additionally, Japanese designer toy brand MEDICOM TOY will return to DCON, the only event MEDICOM TOY participates in the United States. The company will also be releasing a new and exclusive line of its trademark BE@RBRICK collectibles at this year’s show. Other returning fan-favorite vendors will include POPMART, MightyJaxx, How2Work, Good Smile, The Hundreds , OBEY, Punk Drunkers and 3DRetro among many others. Artists in attendance include names like Tristan Eaton, OG Slick, Tokidoki, THUMBS, The London Police and more. Additional special guests, announcements, and exclusive releases will take place throughout the weekend.
In a touching tribute, DesignerCon will also host a commemorative exhibit on the work and accomplishments of beloved American graphic artist Frank Kozik, who passed away earlier this year. Kozik helped revitalize rock poster art in the late 1980s and 1990s and was a founder of the modern art print scene. The tribute show titled “Kozik” will be open to all attendees and is curated by Frank Kozik’s friends and fellow acclaimed artists, Jermaine Rogers and Scott Tolleson.
DesignerCon’s myriad of exciting programming for the 2023 convention will take place on its main stage. Programming highlights will include a welcome and event kickoff from DesignerCon founder Ben Goretsky, Frank Kozik tribute show curators Jermaine Rogers and Scott Tolleson, a celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop with live DJ performances, and an exhilarating 3v3 team Paint Battle hosted by Secret Walls. Fan giveaways will take place throughout.
For further information, please visit designercon.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @designercon.