On Monday, January 31, 2011, Royal/T—Culver City’s vibrant 10,000-square-foot art exhibit space, Japanese “cosplay” maid café, and retail store—kicks off a new month-long pop-up shop with playful animated character Mr Toast and his posse of foodie friends. Serving up a retail “menu” of original Mr Toast paintings, plush toys, pins, and books, the latest guest in the dynamic pop-up space reflects Royal/T’s love of Japanese Kawaii (cute) culture, and will also house a surprise artwork installation by Mr Toast creator and Los Angeles native, Dan Goodsell.

“Our inspiration for this new Mr Toast pop-up shop is Royal/T’s original mission, which is to make art accessible for everyone,” says Owner Susan Hancock. “By offering affordable works of art for purchase, we hope that people will leave ready to start their own collections. That’s why we are so excited to partner with Mr Toast and Dan Goodsell again, who also had a piece in our 2009 ‘Three Apples’ Hello Kitty 35th anniversary exhibit.” Mr Toast products available in the pop-up store through Monday, February 28 will feature a variety of original paintings and drawings (prices will vary), in addition to a limited-edition original Royal/T-inspired cupcake character that was created specifically for this partnership.

Additional items will include:

Assorted Mr Toast and Friends Plush Toys ($10)

Mr Toast “Superheroes” Comic ($2)

Assorted Mr Toast Pins ($2)

On Wednesday, February 2, fans of the food-themed comic characters can raise their glasses to toast the new pop-up shop at the “A Toast for Mr Toast” opening party. From 6-8 p.m. at Royal/T, the public reception will welcome Mr Toast himself, sidekick Shaky Bacon, and Goodsell, who will be available to sign products purchased in the store, answer any questions, and pose for pictures with fans. The Japanese maid café will be open and serve a full menu in addition to Mr Toast-inspired items, such as Pressed Toast Sandwiches ($5-10 each), and a special “Japanese 75” cocktail with Soju, Champagne, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup ($5) to toast the edible star of the evening. WHEN:“Toast and T” pop-up shop: Monday, January 31 – Monday, February 28, 2011

Open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

“A Toast for Mr Toast” opening reception: Wednesday, February 2 | 6-8 p.m.

COST: Mr Toast items start at $2 each

Opening Reception: Free and open to the public

Mr Toast-inspired food and drinks cost $5-10 each

**Full café menu also available from 6-8 p.m.

WHERE:Royal/T 8910 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 310.559.6300www.royal-t.orgMR TOAST: Created in 2007 by Los Angeles artist Dan Goodsell, the multimedia world of Mr Toast follows the life and adventures of Mr Toast and all of his food and kitchen-inspired friends, including Lemonhead, Shaky Bacon, Mope the Onion, and his best friend, Joe the Egg. From humorous web animations, comic books, and handcrafted artwork, to plush dolls and accessories, Mr Toast reaches an audience of all ages with his wit and signature straight-faced expression. Every year, Mr Toast can be found at national shows such as the San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con, and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. For more information, please visit http://theimaginaryworld.com/page3.html.