411: Toying for Japan

As owners of Rotofugi, the designer toy store and gallery in Lincoln Park, Kirby and Whitney Kerr have become friends with several Japanese artists and toymakers and felt inclined to do something to help in the wake of the recent natural disaster. Rotofugi’s Big Muscamoot Charity Auction for Japan, which ended Sunday, raised $1,286.55 for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Raising this money with just three hand-painted figures on eBay for five days, Kirby says the auction far exceeded his expectations. “I’m floored. I had quietly hoped to myself that maybe we would get around $600 for the three figures but it went well over $1,000. People have been so generous.” The three “Big Muscamoot” figures auctioned off were designed and sculpted by Chris Ryniak and painted by Squibbles Ink’s Joe Somers and Rotofugi’s Kirby Kerr. Kerr says he has connected with all of their friends, artists and toymakers in Japan and everyone is fine; most are located safely in Tokyo and only experiencing aftershocks. Kerr plans additional fundraisers. (Nancy Wolens)