Yes—reservations are free but required; space is offered first-come, first-served and limited to four spots per reservation.

Where do I enter the store?

Enter through FAO Schwarz's front doors at 30 Rockefeller Plaza and check in on the second floor near the giant dance-on piano.

Can I buy items at the event?

Yes—you may purchase pieces from the Animal Afternoon collection after the Q&A and have them signed by the artists.

Photos are allowed but limited to one per group during signing to keep the line moving.

Are children allowed?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the event.

What languages are available?

The live guide language is English; the artists will speak primarily in English.

Meet the Makers: Andrea Kang and Sad Salesman at FAO Schwarz NYC | Events | Workshop

At FAO Schwarz—30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan—a Q&A with Brooklyn artists Andrea Kang and Eric Althin turns the toy store's second-floor dance-on piano into a stage for stories, sketches, and signed collectibles. This event at one of New York's most iconic retail landmarks offers a rare chance to meet the creators behind Wonder Club and Blonks, small-art characters moving between gallery walls and pocket-sized toys. Arrive fifteen minutes before the listed start time and enter through FAO Schwarz's front doors at 30 Rockefeller Plaza; check-in happens near the giant piano on the second floor. A world-famous Toy Soldier will moderate the conversation, guiding questions about artistic process, design decisions, and the playful impulses that shape Kang's dreamlike characters and Althin's open-ended Blonks. After the talk, attendees may purchase items from the new Animal Afternoon collection and have them signed—an intimate memento of contemporary collectible culture. Andrea Kang's work blends soft nostalgia and subtle emotion; Wonder Club's creatures hint at quiet discoveries. Eric Althin, known as Sad Salesman, translates a simple, lovable silhouette into a toy that invites customization and imagination. Together they make an unobtrusive but powerful case for why collectible art toys matter: matter: they're personal, tangible connections to artists who often exist only on screens. This experience is notable for its setting as much as the artists. FAO Schwarz, founded in 1862, has been a New York fixture for generations, and its piano—immortalized in film and in front of tourists and locals alike—provides a theatrical backdrop unlike any gallery loft. Being in Rockefeller Center places this conversation within a living urban cultural complex, where public art, seasonal skating, and international visitors shape the audience. Practical notes: reservations are free but limited; book early to secure up to four spots per reservation. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and photo opportunities are limited to one per group to keep lines moving. This event suits collectors, families, and anyone curious about how small-format art translates into objects people live with. Why go? Beyond the signatures and selfies, this Q&A is an accessible way to watch artists translate concept into product, to hear about material choices and studio habits, and to leave with a signed piece of Brooklyn creative culture. For travelers who time it right, pairing the event with a visit to the Top of the Rock or a walk through Rockefeller Plaza turns an afternoon of shopping into a close-up lesson in contemporary toy-making and urban art. Expect a mix of local fans and visiting collectors; questions range from color palettes to production runs, and the artists often share sketchbook pages or anecdotes about studio experiments—small details that turn a toy into a story you can hold in your hands.

About FAO Schwarz

FAO Schwarz is an iconic toy store located in New York, New York. The flagship destination offers immersive, family-focused experiences and curated shopping moments inside the store's landmark setting.

Visitors can choose from a range of guided and private experiences that combine personalized service, live entertainment, and hands-on interaction with toys and displays. Signature offerings include the Toy Soldier Dinner, featuring a guided tour, a piano-side meal, a live magic show, and private after-hours shopping with assistance from Toy Soldiers; the Toy Soldier Experience, which provides before-hours access, a behind-the-scenes tour, dancing on the grand piano, and tailored gift recommendations; and VIP and Express Personal Shopping sessions that deliver private access and expert recommendations.

FAO Schwarz also hosts themed experiences such as the Jellycat Diner Experience, where guests enjoy freshly prepared meals and collectible plush items, and the FAO-Abulous Boutique Deluxe Beauty Experience, which lets young guests create custom makeup kits and receive a mini makeover. Seasonal programming includes the FAO Schwarz 5th Annual Halloween Spooktacular with early access, trick-or-treat activities, and a costume contest.

Each experience is staffed by trained team members and includes curated takeaways or shopping assistance. FAO Schwarz emphasizes memorable in-store events, private shopping options, and family-centered entertainment. Located in New York City, FAO Schwarz provides multiple ways for visitors to plan visits, reserve tickets, and select private or public experiences that fit different group sizes and interests. Reservations, private bookings, and shipping arrangements are available through FAO Schwarz.

Meet the Makers: Andrea Kang and Sad Salesman at FAO Schwarz NYC

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