PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Oct. 21, 2005 -- Hasbro, Inc.'s MY LITTLE PONY brand, a favorite among girls and young adults, breaks into the New York City art world this month with the debut of The Pony Project, an exhibition featuring one-of-a-kind MY LITTLE PONY creations by nearly 50 of today's leading and up-and-coming artists. For the Pony Project, a collaboration between Hasbro and Thunderdog Studios, the artists were asked to paint and adorn an 18-inch pony figure using their preferred medium: graffiti, fine art, photography, fashion and more.
The result is a fascinating collection of unique MY LITTLE PONY figures from Betsey Johnson, Junko Mizuno, Lori Earley, Sas Christian, Lisa Petrucci and many others. The figures will be on display at the Milk Gallery in New York City from October 21 through October 25. Fifty percent of the proceeds from pony art sales during the 5-day exhibition will be donated to The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, a non-profit organization uniting a family of camps dedicated to serving children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions.
"The MY LITTLE PONY figures, with their signature flowing hair, large eyes and distinctive shape, provide a great canvas on which to create incredible designs," said Michelle Field, director of marketing for girls at Hasbro. "We are thrilled to have top artists and designers participate in this creative program and charitable effort."
"An exhibition like the Pony Project is a great way to introduce the iconic MY LITTLE PONY brand into the world of art and pop culture," said Sarah Bronilla, media director of Thunderdog Studios. "The international popularity of MY LITTLE PONY coupled with the extraordinary talents of participating artists and designers lends itself to a unique showcase of art."
The MY LITTLE PONY brand, first introduced to young girls in 1983, made its way into the hands and hearts of a new generation of girls with its reintroduction in 2003. The pony resurgence also resonated with young women who fondly recalled MY LITTLE PONY from childhood. Since the brand's re-launch, more than 20 million ponies have reached the U.S. marketplace and eight million MY LITTLE PONY books have been sold. Today fans of all ages can enjoy the world of pony through lifestyle channels that include toys, publishing, home entertainment, apparel, health and beauty aids and more. Additional information about MY LITTLE PONY can be found at www.mylittlepony.com.
About Hasbro
Hasbro Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the United States, its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
About the Association of the Hole in the Wall Camps
A non-profit organization supported only by contributions, Hole in the Wall Camps are the world's largest family of camps for children with serious illnesses and life-threatening conditions. To date, nearly 100,000 children throughout the United States and 31 countries have attended free of charge. Paul Newman started the first Hole in the Wall Camp in 1988 and continues to be the driving force behind the organization.
About Thunderdog Studios, Inc.
Thunderdog Studios is a Brooklyn based Creative Agency, pushing the boundaries of creative exhibitions by exploring the concept of toys influenced by art and art influenced by toys. Thunderdog Studios is in the heart of the designer toy movement and has become a leading influence on international pop culture trends. Celebrating all art forms, from graffiti and design to fine art and designer toys, they are globally recognized as an exhibition program, merging popular modern culture and mass media trends to help form new Pop Art movements.
