Island of Misfit Toys

“It’s hard to decide what’s the most intriguing part of this exhibit. Is it the professional artists’ work that shows both their serious side and their approach to a fun, yet challenging new object? Or is it the local children’s reaction to the Munny doll?”—Anderson Turner, Akron Beacon Journal A boat that can’t stay afloat and a train with square wheels are just some of the misfit toys featured in the 1964 Christmas classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer that serves as the inspiration for the Akron Art Museum’s annual Island of Misfit Toys Family Drop In. The event, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this December, invites families to create original works of art out of old, broken toys. In celebration of a decade of misfit toys at the Akron Art Museum, the museum asked local school children and professional artists to transform Munny, blank vinyl toys, into works of art. Artists of all ages have decorated Munny using pens, pencils, markers, paint, femo, clay, feathers, rocks, found objects and other supplies. Art classes and art clubs at Helen Arnold CLC, Our Lady of the Elms, Norton High School, Schumacher CLC, Thomas W. Harvey High School and Hoban High School participated in the exhibition. The concept for this show was developed by Summit Artspace Gallery Director Rob Lehr, who also curated the artist-created Munny toys. “Play is a critical part to any creative process. Munny allows children and adults alike to explore their creative and playful side combining the joys of art making, sculpture and design,” remarks Lehr. This exhibition is sponsored by The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation. Additional support provided by Brouse McDowell, LPA.