The news from Japan continues to be more and more devastating. The effects of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami have resulted in over 10,000 missing or presumed dead, 450,000 people displaced and in shelters, entire towns being swept away by the ocean, and the Fukushima nuclear reactor leak that has not yet been fully contained and that already exceeds the worst-case-scenario design specifications for US reactors.

We’ve been in touch with friends in Tokyo… although they are relatively safe compared to places hardest hit in Japan, they are still being affected by things we sometimes take for granted. Our friend Heisuke Kitazawa sent us reports of rolling electrical blackouts and hour long lines at the market for food and water. A friend of his has been directly affected- displacing him, his wife, and his two kids (4 years old and 7 month old) in a shelter… not even knowing if they have a home to go back to.

I want to share some ways artists are involved and how you can support Japan relief and individuals directly… including the family I just mentioned. If you all can share more ways to support, please do.

Learn more and donate at hypehopewonderland.com to help personal friends of Heisuke Kitazawa who were directly affected.

Mike Perry is giving proceeds from his online shop to Japan Relief.

Option-g.com is giving to Global Giving with the purchase of this special print by Cole Gerst.

Max Erdenberger of Wk Studio has designed a Japan earthquake and tsunami relief poster.

Cole Gerst, one of our Poketo for Target artists, is by far one of the coolest, most prolific, most humble people we’ve met. It’s an honor that he is part of Poketo and we were super stoked to get a sneak peek into his home and studio. There we discovered what inspires him, checked out his impressive collection of folk art, and got a rad taste his own art. Enjoy!

Cole has made gig posters for bands like Built To Spill, Tokyo Police Club, Death Cab For Cutie, Fleet Foxes, Stereolab, The Shins, Vampire Weekend…. and too many more to list.

Cole’s family has its fair share of birdwatchers. He loves birds–here is a sampling of his collection of unique birdhouses, some of which are made from found objects.

Keep a little bit of Cole wherever you go. Check out his Poketo for Target piece here. I put this on my bag, use it as a zipper pull, and on my keys…. I got a bit of sweet California with me always.

More from Cole Gerst at Option-G.com

We’ll be having a fun filled closing party on Saturday May 22nd, from noon to 4pm. Everything must go! In market fashion, get ready to put your haggle face on and come and get some great vintage art pieces for the home and select Poketo stuff at a special 15% on this day only! If you have not seen the show yet, May 22nd is your last opportunity.

Not only that, but, we’ll be putting on the first ever “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” Ping Pong Tournament. That’s right, come out and enjoy the sun and play some PING PONG in the Space15Twenty courtyard with us. Sign up to compete and be prepared to earn ultimate bragging rights of being The Los Angeles, I’m Yours Ping Pong Champion! Winner will not only be the envy of friends, but, great prizes and a very special trophy will be awarded. SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE!

Here are some pics of just a few things you’ll find. Come and don’t miss the closing, this Saturday, May 22nd!

Tent by Steven Harrington. There were 9 to begin with, quite a few have sold, so get them before they are gone!

Welded rail stakes by Eric Trine

Neil LaBute’s Golden Rabbit Candle and hand written story, courtesy of Significant Objects.

A treasure chest of “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” tee shirts!

Leah Chun’s painted hat boxes.

Chris Bettig‘s hand painted vases.

Crates full of art. Saelee Oh, Jared Andrew Schorr, David Brown of Driftwood, and Tom Vadakan, Marco Zamora, and Linda Hsiao’s succulent sculptures.

Take home vintage wood crates!

Random vintage thermoses

Framed art… pictured here, Hannah K. Lee, Ashkahn, Cole Gerst, and Mark Todd, and Austin Sellers + Portugal. The Man.

Art here by Erin Burrell, Los Cremators, Ye Rin Mok.

DVD and limited edition white vinyl and tote bag by Coconut Records.

Skateboard travel kit by Scott Barry.

Gary Baseman and his ceramic hand.

You can bring this life size astronaut made by Brian Wade Scott home with you!!

See this sign that Joshua Porter is painting… you could make it yours.

Come say Hello and Goodbye!

Poketo & Kitsune Noir present
Closing Party and Ping Pong Tournament, “Los Angeles, I’m Yours”
When: Saturday, May 22, noon to 4pm
Where: Space15Twenty, 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Our good friend and artist, Cole Gerst is opening his solo show on April 3rd at Ghetto Gloss. Cole runs his design firm and brand, Option-G here in Los Angeles and has a long history in making art for music having done show posters for Elliot Smith, The Fleet Foxes, Death Cab For Cutie, Vampire Weekend, Beck, and so much more.

Cole was one of the first artists and brand owners we met when we started Poketo. A super cool guy, very humble, extremely talented, and just all around rad. Check out the interview we did with him on our blog, right around the time we collaborated on a Poketo wallet together. Looking forward to seeing his new work on Saturday. Opening night will have a live performance by Dangerbird Record’s, The One A.M. Radio.

If illustration weren’t enough, here is some animation Cole did for The Submarines and Yo Gabba Gabba!