The Friday Five

The Rube Goldberg exhibit at the National Museum of American Jewish History honours the life and work of cartoonist, sculptor, and inventor. The Museum's chief curator, Josh Perelman, talks with Toy Tales about the exhibit and explains why Goldberg's work remains relevant decades after the artist's death.

The Strong in Rochester, New York announced an expansion in 2018. Its CEO and President, Steve Dubnik, talked to Toy Tales about the importance of play and the role of the Museum in its surrounding communities.

Mitchel Wu has a passion for artistic expression and storytelling that's led him from a career at Disney to work as a professional toy photographer. Wu talks with Toy Tales about his path to a career in toy photography and shares his advice for budding toy photographers.

Legendary toymaker, Mego Corporation, is rebooting after shuttering in 1983. Company CEO Marty Abrams talks with Toy Tales about Mego's return with the "Marty Abrams presents Mego" line and what consumers can expect from the revitalized organization.

Tony Reich is president of the Toronto-based Canadian Toy Collectors' Society, a not-for-profit organization serving individuals with a passion for toy collecting and a desire to preserve Canadian toy history for future generations. Reich talks about the mission of the Society and the appeal that toy collecting has for adults.

As CEO of the ICTI Ethical Toy Program, Carmel Giblin's mission is to create positive change in an industry sometimes called to task for violations of worker's rights. Giblin explains how the program protects workers, buyers, brands, and consumers worldwide.

Candylab Toys applies a mid-century modern aesthetic to vintage-inspired, wooden toy cars. Through crowdfunding, Candylab Toys has experienced a success that may not otherwise have been possible in today's world of cheap, cookie-cutter manufacturing. Co-founder Vlad Dragusin talks with Toy Tales about his inspiration, crowdfunding experience, and lets us in on what's in store for the future.

Benjamin Woo is Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. His new book, Getting a Life: The Social Worlds of Geek Culture, examines the communities that thrive within geek culture.

Sean Kenney is an award-winning LEGO artist and one of only 19 LEGO Certified Professionals in the world. In fact, Kenney worked with the iconic brick manufacturer to create the LEGO Certified Professionals program, which supports the work of LEGO artists to produce awe-inspiring works of art. Kenney tells Toy Tales how his childhood fondness for LEGO evolved into a career and gives insight into his internationally renowned exhibit, Nature Connects.

Marvel: Universe of Superheroes exhibit. Exhibit curator, Brooks Peck, tells us what fans can expect to see and hear at this first-of-its-kind installation.