Kuma Kub Blue (Glow)

Dead Beat City is the creative alias of Barnaby Purdy, a UK-based artist renowned for his distinctive resin-cast art toys, particularly his signature Kuma Bear figures. Purdy’s meticulous craftsmanship and innovative designs have garnered him a dedicated following among art toy enthusiasts worldwide.  In September 2021, Purdy held his inaugural solo exhibition at the Clutter Gallery in New York, showcasing a diverse array of Kuma Bear iterations, including double-casts, hyper bears, zombies, and the “Off Bear” series. This exhibition also introduced “Malvin,” a new figure developed in collaboration with fellow artist Muffinman. Kuma & Cub is a designer art toy set created by UK-based artist Barnaby Purdy, known professionally as Dead Beat City. The set features two bear figures: Kuma, standing approximately 6 inches tall, and Cub, about 3 inches tall. These figures are celebrated for their minimalist design and have been released in various limited-edition colorways, often incorporating glow-in-the-dark elements and unique accessories. Join us for a weekend filled with artists, exhibitors and all things designed to inspire and engage every kind of designer toy fan. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or simply curious about the world of designer toys, CollectedCon will offer something for everyone. Get up close and personal with some of the most talented designer toy artists in the world, and learn about their creative process, inspiration, and backgrounds. Discover new and rare toys, expand your collection, or simply marvel at the unique and captivating artistry that is designer toys. Our convention is not just about buying and selling toys — it's about fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and community. We are passionate about bringing people together to celebrate the art form that is designer toys, and we can't wait for you to join us. Plus, with Navy Pier as our backdrop, you'll have easy access to some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, restaurants, and attractions. Create your own designer toy adventure, and experience all that Chicago has to offer. Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components.