Mystery Cadaver (Cadaver Twins)

FOE Gallery was founded to showcase art, create connections and share ideas. We partner with artists local to international with a focus on vinyl figures, subculture art and illustration. The beautiful space located in downtown Northampton Massachusetts brings people together for openings, music, video, interviews and presentations. FOE is owned and operated by Nicole and Jim Shea. Stop in! They love to talk art, community and possibilities. We build relationships and share art and ideas. Splurrt is the moniker of Joe Merrill, a distinguished figure in the designer toy scene, celebrated for his intricate and often macabre soft vinyl (sofubi) creations. Drawing inspiration from vintage American toys, Rat Fink, pop culture, and Japanese kaiju, Merrill has cultivated a unique aesthetic that resonates with collectors worldwide.   Among his notable works are the “Cadaver Kid” and “Uncle Steve” figures, which have become iconic within the art toy community. These creations exemplify Merrill’s penchant for blending grotesque elements with a touch of nostalgia. 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.