#exhibition makers

[mercutio-the-velaryon]

Meljayvik art world AU with painter Mel, sculptor Jayce, and photographer Viktor... yeah!

[fashionbooksmilano]

Tinto Brass Uno sguardo libero

Gangemi Editore Int.Publ, Roma 2016, 128 pagine, 22x24cm, ISBN 978 28 492 3211 0

euro 20,00

email if you want to buy booksinprogressmilano@yahoo.it

Il volume è il catalogo della mostra di Roma (Complesso del Vittoriano, 24 febbraio - 23 marzo 2016). La mostra ripercorre la vita artistica del regista italiano, dagli esordi fino alle opere degli anni recenti.

07/04/24

[u-mspcoll]

New exhibit: Orson Welles as Family Man: Son, Husband, Father

This new exhibit provides a unique glimpse into the actor/director Orson Welles’ private life. Unlike previous U-M Library exhibits that focused on the artist at work, this display shows him in informal and familial environments, revealing a depth and complexity of character that are often overshadowed by his fame and professional achievements. The photographs and documents displayed showcase a variety of emotional tones — warmth, humor, tenderness, and passion. Candid and relaxed more than posed, these photographs are similar to most people's pictures in old family albums.

Culled from the Orson Welles-Beatrice Welles materials that are part of the Mavericks & Makers collection within the U-M Library’s Special Collections Research Center, each photo or letter tells a story of a connection Welles held dearly. The materials included are from two periods: the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Welles was a teenager, and the mid-1950s to early 1960s, during the early years of his marriage to his third wife, Paola Mori. 

Join us for a reception on 12 February at 10am in the Hatcher Gallery to celebrate the installation of the exhibit! The exhibit curator, Phil Hallman, will be on hand to chat about the making of this extraordinary display in the company of warm coffee and refreshments.

[pixelmate-exhibition-co-ltd]

Elevate Your Presence: Horti Asia 2025 Stand Builders

Transform your exhibition experience at Horti Asia 2025 with our expert stand builders. Make a statement with your booth.

Key Highlights

Experienced professionals: You gain from years of experience in the exhibition industry.

Custom stand designs: You will get a stand that shows your brand's essence.

End-to-end project management: We take care of everything from the idea to the finished product.

Seamless on-site support: You can relax. Our team will make sure the setup and dismantling go smoothly.

Proven success stories: Check out our work and read what happy clients say.

Introduction

Participating in a trade show like Horti Asia 2025 is a great chance for international exhibitors to show off your brand and products. To stand out in a busy exhibition hall, you need an eye-catching booth design. Working with skilled Horti Asia 2025 exhibition stand contractors, like Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., can help a lot. They will handle everything from planning to setup. With a well-designed booth, you can engage visitors and generate leads effectively.

Why Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. is Your Go-To for Horti Asia 2025

In the competitive world of trade shows, a good exhibition stand is much more than a simple display. It is an experience. This is your chance to engage with attendees and show your brand story. A great stand will help you make a lasting impression.

At Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., we know how important unique booths and trade show booth designs are. We're not just here to build stands; we are your partners in creating memorable brand experiences at Horti Asia 2025.

Unveiling the Expertise of Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. Team

With many years of experience, Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. has a team of professionals who love turning creative ideas into reality. Our experts know the trade show world well. They make sure your stand fits your marketing goals perfectly.

This devoted team has exhibition booth designers who create beautiful and useful spaces. We also have project managers who handle the entire process. This ensures a smooth and easy experience for you.

When you pick Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., you gain from the knowledge and skills of an agency that wants to help you succeed at trade shows.

Tailoring Stand Designs to Reflect Your Brand’s Essence

At Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., we think your exhibition stand should truly show your brand. Our way of making custom exhibition stands starts with detailed talks to learn about your brand message, target audience, and goals for Horti Asia 2025.

After that, we turn this knowledge into one-of-a-kind and creative stand designs. These designs will catch people’s eyes and clearly share your brand story. From bold graphics to interactive features and smart layouts, we pay attention to every detail. This ensures your stand stands out and connects well with attendees.

The Importance of a Standout Exhibition Stand at Horti Asia 2025

The horticultural industry is growing fast, and Horti Asia 2025 is a great chance to meet important people and potential buyers from around the world. However, in a busy exhibition hall full of competitors, it is crucial to catch and hold attention.

A great exhibition stand can help showcase your brand's image. It attracts visitors and gives them a place to connect with your team and what you offer.

The Role of Design in Making an Impactful Presence

In a competitive world, first impressions are important. Your trade show booth design is usually the first thing attendees see from your brand. A good design is not just about looks. It also needs to work well and understand how visitors move around.

Eye-catching visuals, smart lighting, and a welcoming layout are key to making an experience that attracts attendees to your expo stand. By including your brand elements and main messages in the design, you can create a strong and unforgettable brand experience.

How a Custom Stand Builds Your Brand Experience

Your stand is more than just a trade show booth rental exhibit rental. It reflects your brand as an exhibition stand builder. It’s a chance to show your personality, values, and your focus on new ideas. A custom-designed stand helps you make a space that fits your brand message and connects with the people you want to reach.

By using space wisely, adding interactive displays, and using interesting technology, you can give visitors a great expo experience. This good feeling will leave a mark, helping to turn interested people into loyal fans even after the event ends.

The Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. Process: From Concept to Completion

To create amazing and effective exhibition stands, you need a clear plan. At Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., we use a step-by-step process. This makes sure you understand everything and can work with us at each stage. From the first design idea to the last setup at Horti Asia 2025, our careful project management helps bring your vision to life on time and within budget.

Initial Consultation and Design Brief Understanding

Our process starts with a detailed meeting. We listen carefully to understand your needs and goals for Horti Asia 2025. This meeting helps us gather important information about your brand, the audience you want to reach, and what you hope to achieve from the event.

Next, our design team uses this information to create a clear design brief. This brief will include the proposed concept, layout, materials, and main features of your exhibition stand. This teamwork helps us stay aligned from the beginning, building a partnership based on open communication and a shared vision.

Design Development and Client Approval Cycle

Once we understand your vision, our great designers will start creating custom ideas for new clients' stands. We want to give you creative choices, so we show you several design proposals to think about. Each proposal follows your brand rules and focuses on your important messages. We work to make sure it looks great and works well.

We will help you understand each idea by explaining why we made certain design choices. We want your feedback during this time. This helps us adjust the chosen design until it matches what you expect.

Seamless Execution and On-Site Support

With the final design approved, our team of professionals gets to work. We pay close attention to detail. This way, every part of your stand is done to the highest standard. We handle everything from the graphics to the logistics and the setup at the event.

You can relax and put your energy into what matters most: connecting with attendees at Horti Asia 2025. Our dedicated on-site support team will be there throughout the event. They will handle any last-minute changes or issues that come up. This helps make sure you have a smooth and stress-free experience.

Success Stories: Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. Achievements in the Exhibition Space

At Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd., we are proud of our history of creating great exhibition stands. We go beyond what our clients expect. We have assisted businesses in different industries to leave a lasting impression at trade shows all over the world. Our portfolio shows our dedication to quality and new ideas.

Highlighting Our Portfolio of Innovative Stand Designs

We invite you to check out our portfolio. You will see a range of exhibition booth design projects that show our creativity and focus on details. We offer both modern designs and unique thematic stands. Our innovative solutions have helped clients get noticed and reach their trade show goals.

Every project in our portfolio proves how well our team turns brand identity and marketing goals into attractive and useful exhibition spaces. We think sharing our past successes gives potential clients a good look at our promise to provide great results.

Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

Don't just believe us - listen to what our happy clients say about working with Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd.. We think that their reviews show how we care about our clients and how we aim to give great results. Our clients often compliment us on our professionalism, creativity, and careful attention to detail. This helps show we are a reliable partner in the exhibition industry. We love building relationships with our clients and always try to go beyond what they expect.

Conclusion

Elevate your presence at Horti Asia 2025 with Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. Our skilled team is good at creating stand designs that show your brand’s true spirit. We want to make sure you have a memorable experience at the exhibition.

From the start to the finish, we work hard to grow your brand with new stand ideas. We have a list of past successes and happy clients. Pixelmate is known in the exhibition world.

Plan now and work with us early. Together, we can create a special stand that shows your brand’s values and goals. See how great design can make a difference. Start your path to an amazing exhibition presence today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. different from other stand builders in Thailand?

As a top exhibition stand design company, we mix beautiful designs with global experience and local know-how. Our strong project management and wide network of local suppliers help us create the best exhibition stand that fits your needs.

How early should I start planning my exhibition stand for Horti Asia 2025?

Start talking as soon as you can! We suggest you begin discussions at least 6 to 8 months before the event. This gives you enough time for good project management. It helps make sure the entire process is easy and relaxed, especially if you join often.

Can Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. help with logistics and setup at Horti Asia 2025?

We offer full logistics support for you. This includes shipping, installation, dismantling, and supervising on-site. You focus on the expo, and we will take care of your stand from delivery to when you leave.

What are the latest trends in exhibition stand design?

Trade show booth design trends change all the time. Right now, brands are focusing on using new technology, eco-friendly materials, and exciting experiences. This shift is changing how they create their trade show booths.

How does Pixelmate Exhibition Co., Ltd. ensure the stand reflects my brand’s values and objectives?

As an exhibition booth builder, we focus on knowing your brand message. We work closely with you and hold in-depth talks. This way, we make sure your booth matches your goals and shares your brand values clearly with your audience.

[asianartsblog]

Support local Asian artists, makers, and businesses at the upcoming Asia North 2024 Makers Night Market!

Meet a few of our local makers: Ameena Fareeda, Book Karnjanakit, Hannah Shaw, and Helena Wu.

Ameena creates works that sheds light onto AAPI cultural and social experiences. She will be selling a variety of art prints, mini screenprints, postcard prints, stickers, keychains, enamel pins, and notepads.

@uhmeanuh

Book is a cartoonist and illustrator from Bangkok, now living in Baltimore. They make cute, silly illustration prints and merchandise, featuring animals and a cozy atmosphere. Every day they are still learning and unlearning about gender, sexuality, environment, and cultural differences. These themes can be found throughout their work.

@koobta.art

Hannah creates handcrafted, one-of-a-kind resin jewelry using wood, flowers, plants and other natural items. She personally hand picks, presses, designs, and creates each item with care. She treats every piece like a mini canvas, highlighting the patterns, textures, colors and beauty found in nature.

@wakeandcreate_

Helena is a Taiwanese American Illustrator that loves working with stylistic nature vibes and colors. When she is not tabling, she is freelancing for work, rock climbing, or out soaking up some vitamin D. She will be offering prints, postcards, stickers, sticky notes, and wood burned keychains.

helena_pocket

Asia North 2024 is co-produced by @central_baltimore_partnership and Towson University’s @asian_arts_and_culture_center

#BaltimoreEvents#DMVEvents#BaltimoreArtist#ThingsToDoInBaltimore#BaltimoreMade#Art#AsianArtists#AsianArt#ArtExhibition#MakersMarket#APIMEDAArtist#AsianArtist#AsianMakersMarket

[alicewisbeystudio]

Drawing with dowels

http://alicewisbeystudio.etsy.com

[theyareweird]

I wish I could go! Thanks for sharing!

I went to the Ib exhibition!!! Here’s some pictures!!!! I couldn’t include everything because tumblr only allows 10 images on mobile only which is a bummer

It was really cool!! Some of the paintings actually moved, and there was a section where we were given VR headsets and got to experience the doll room scene with Garry and the key which was very neat!! Also Garry’s acrylic stand at the gift shop was totally sold out LOL

Part 2 of the exhibition

[himblebo]

*rocking back and forth in the dark anticipating salary renegotiation* you have leverage you have leverage you have leverage

[chibiranmaruchan]

Cute exhibition 11/13.

[bigvolcano]

Short film festival celebrates makers around the world

The Makers Film Festival is ... part of a tour around Australia, New Zealand and internationally – but with only one local screening don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate makers and the art of making from around the world.

Special screening of Makers Film Festival comes to Murwillumbah Still from Tangki, Tjanpi Desert Weavers, fibre art animation, Animator and Director Jonathan Daw. An international short film festival uncovering the traditions, skills and consequences of ‘making’ is coming to Murwillumbah for a special one-off screening at the Regent Cinema on Saturday 23 March. Hosted by the Tweed Regional…

[xpostands]

Exhibition stand designers

Exhibition stand designers are the creative masterminds behind the captivating displays that grace trade shows, conferences, and events worldwide. These talented professionals, often referred to as "Stand Makers," possess a remarkable ability to transform empty spaces into immersive experiences that leave attendees in awe. In this blog, we will delve into the world of exhibition stand designers, exploring their expertise, creative process, and the remarkable impact they have on the success of any event.

The Artistry of Stand Design: Stand makers are the architects of visually stunning and strategically effective exhibition stands. They understand the intricate balance between form and function, aiming to capture the essence of a brand while maximizing its visibility. These designers employ a wide range of skills, including graphic design, spatial planning, branding, lighting, and structural engineering, to create an unforgettable visual spectacle.

Creating Memorable Experiences: Stand makers go beyond merely constructing structures; they craft immersive experiences that resonate with attendees. By carefully considering the target audience, objectives, and brand identity, these designers transform a booth into a vibrant world that engages and captivates visitors. From interactive installations to sensory experiences, they incorporate elements that leave a lasting impression and forge meaningful connections between brands and potential customers.

A Collaborative Journey: The process of designing an exhibition stand is a collaborative endeavor between stand makers and their clients. It begins with thorough research and understanding of the brand's goals and values, followed by brainstorming sessions to conceptualize unique ideas. As the design takes shape, the stand maker combines their expertise with client input, resulting in a harmonious fusion of creativity and practicality.

From Vision to Reality: Once the design is finalized, stand makers spring into action, meticulously bringing their vision to life. They oversee every aspect of the construction, ensuring that the materials, lighting, graphics, and technology work seamlessly together. With an unwavering attention to detail, they transform the blueprint into a tangible masterpiece, ready to be unveiled on the exhibition floor.

Success Amplified: Exhibition stand designers understand the pivotal role their creations play in the success of an event. A well-designed stand not only attracts attention but also serves as a catalyst for generating leads, fostering brand awareness, and enhancing overall event experience. Stand makers leverage their artistic prowess to amplify a brand's message, leaving a lasting impact on visitors and making the event truly memorable.

Conclusion: Stand makers are the unsung heroes behind the captivating exhibition stands that turn heads and leave lasting impressions. Their artistic prowess, technical skills, and ability to merge creativity with strategic thinking make them invaluable in the world of event marketing. So, the next time you attend a trade show or conference, take a moment to appreciate the intricate work of these talented professionals who shape the way we experience brands and their stories.

[bishiedoll]

Dolls by Junichi Nakahara from an exhibition he held in 1932, when he was 19 years old, and which led to him being scouted by an editor of the magazine "Shoujo no Tomo" to become an illustrator for the magazine.

From: An interview given to Nakahara Rikako in 2020, titled "デビューは、人形作家" ("Debut as a doll maker").

[dailyrothko]

No, the Popularity of Abstract Art is Not the Result of a CIA PsyOp

If you are unlucky enough to move around the internet these days and talk about art, you’ll find that many “First commenters” will hit you with what they see as some hard truth about your taste in art. Comments usually start with how modern art is “money laundering” always comically misunderstanding what that means. What they are saying is that, of course, rich people use investments as tax shelters and things like expensive antiques and art appraised at high prices to increase their net worth. Oh my god, I’ve been red-pilled. The rich getting richer? I have never heard of such a thing.

What is conveniently left out of this type of comment is that the same valuation and financial shenanigans occur with baseball cards, wine, vacation homes, guitars, and dozens of other things. It does indeed happen with art, but even the kind that the most conservative internet curator can appreciate. After all, Rembrandts are worth money too, you just don’t see many because he’s not making any more of them. The only appropriate response to these people who are, almost inevitably themselves, the worst artists you have ever seen, is silence. It would cruel to ask about their own art because there’s a danger they might actually enjoy such a truly novel experience.

When you are done shaking your head that you just subjected yourself to an argument about the venality of poor artists plotting to make their work valuable after they died, you can certainly then enjoy the accompanying felicity of the revelation they have saved to knock you off your feet: “Abstract art is a CIA PsyOp”

Here one must get ready either to type a lot or to simply say “Except factually” and go along your merry, abstract-art-loving way. But what are the facts? Unsurprisingly with things involving US government covert operations, the facts are not so clear.

Like everything on the internet, you are unlikely to find factual roots to the arguments about government conspiracies and modern art. The mere idea of it is enough to bring blossom for the “I’m not a sheep” crowd, some of whom believe that a gold toilet owning former president is a morally good, honest hard-working man of the people.

The roots of this contention come from a 1973 article in Artforum magazine, where art critic Max Kozloff wrote about post-war American painting in the context of the Cold War, centering around Irving Sandler’s book, The Triumph of American Painting (1970). Kozloff takes on more than just abstract expressionism in his article but condemns the “Self-congratulatory mood”of Sandler’s book and goes on to suggest the rise of abstract expressionism was a “Benevolent form of propaganda”. Kozoloff treads a difficult line here, asserting that abstraction was genuinely important to American art but that its luminaries, “have acquired their present blue-chip status partly through elements in their work that affirm our most recognizable norms and mores.”

While there were rumblings of agreements around Kozloff’s article of broad concerns, it did not give birth to an actual conspiracy theory at the time. The real public apprehension of this idea seems to mostly come from articles written by historian Frances Stonor Saunders in support of her book, “The Cultural Cold War: The CIA and the World of Arts and Letters” (New York, New Press, 2000). (I have not read this 525 page book, only excerpts).

The gist of Ms. Saunders argument is a tantalizing, but mostly unsupported, labyrinthine maze of back door funding and novelistic cloak and dagger deals. According to Saunders, the Congress for Cultural Freedom (CCF), an anti-communist cultural organization founded in 1950, was behind the promotion of Abstract art as part of their effort to be opinion makers in the war against communism. In 1966 it was revealed that the CCF was funded by the CIA. Saunders says that the CCF financed a litany of art exhibitions including “The New American Painting” which toured Europe in the late 1950s. Some of this is true, but it’s difficult, if not impossible, to know the specifics.

Noted expert in abstract-expressionism, David Anfam said CIA presence was real. It was “a well-documented fact” that the CIA co-opted Abstract Expressionism in their propaganda war against Russia. “Even The New American Painting [exhibition] had some CIA funding behind it,” he says. But the reasons for this are not quite what the abstract art detractors might be looking for. After all, the CCF also funded the travel expenses for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and promoted Fodor’s travel guides. More than trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes, it was meant to showcase the freedom artists in the US. enjoyed. Or as Anfam goes on to say, “It’s a very shrewd and cynical strategy, because it showed that you could do whatever you liked in America.”

For what it’s worth, Saunders’s book was eviscerated in the Summer 2000 issue of Art Forum at the time of its publication. Robert Simon wrote:

“Saunders draws extensively on primary and secondary sources, focusing on the convoluted money trail as it twists through dummy corporations, front men, anonymous donors, and phony fund-raising events aimed at filling the CCF’s coffers. She makes lengthy forays into such topics as McCarthyism, the formation and operation of the CIA, the propaganda work of the Hollywood film industry, and New York cultural politics—from Partisan Review to MoMA to Abstract Expressionism. Yet what seems strangely absent from Saunders’s panoramic history, as if it were a minor detail or something too obvious to require discussion, is the cultural object itself: The complex specifics of the texts, exhibitions, intellectual gatherings, paintings, and performances of the culture war are largely left out of the story.”

Another problem with the book seems to be that Saunders is an historian but not an art historian. For me, I sensed an overtone of superiority in the tale she’s spinning and most assuredly from those that repeat its conclusion. The thinly veiled message of some is that if it were “Real art” it would not have had be part of this government subterfuge. The reality is very different. For one thing, most of us know it is simply not true that you can make people devoted to a type of art for 100 years that they would sensibly hate otherwise. Another issue is that it’s quite obvious none of the artists actually knew about any government interference if there was any. Pollock, Rothko, Gottlieb and Newmann were all either communists or anarchists. Hardly the group one would recruit the help the US government free the world of communism. Additionally, this narrow cold war timeline ignores a huge amount of abstract art that Jackson Pollock haters also revile and consider part of the same hijacking of high (Frankly, Greek, Roman, or Renaissance) culture. If you look at the highly abstract signature work of Piet Mondrian and observe the dates they were painted, you’ll see 1908, 1914, 1916. This is some of the art denigrated as a CIA PsyOP, 35 years before the CIA even thought about it. Modern art didn’t come from nowhere as many would have you believe to discredit its rise. There was Surrealism, Dada, Bauhaus, Russian futurism and a host of other movements that fueled it.

Generally, people like to argue. On the internet, “I don’t like this” is a weak statement that always must be replaced by “This is garbage” or my favorite, “This is fake.”

It’s hardly surprising that the more conservative factions of our society look for any government involvement in our lives to explain why things are not exactly as they wish them to be, given the (highly ironic) conservative government-blaming that blew up after Reagan. In addition, modern fascists have always had a love affair with the classical fantasy of Greece and Rome. Both Mussolini and Hitler used Greece and Rome as “Distant models” to address their uncertain national identity. The Nazis confiscated more than 5,000 works in German museums, presenting 650 of them in the Entartete Kunst (Degenerate Art, 1937) show to demonstrate the perverted nature of modern art. It featured artists including Marc Chagall, Max Ernst, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee, among others. The fear of art was real. It was the fear of ideas.

To a lot of people on the internet just the mentioning a “CIA program” is enough to get the cogs turning, but as with many things, the reality of CIA programs and government plots is often less than evidence of well planned coup.

The CIA reportedly spent 20 millions dollars on Operation Acoustic Kitty which intended to use cats to spy on the Kremlin and Soviet embassies. Microphones were planted on cats and plans were set in motion to get the cats to surreptitiously record important conversations. However, the CIA soon discovered that they were cats and not agreeable to any kind of regulation of their behavior.

As part of Operation Mongoose the CIA planned to undermine Castro's public image by putting thallium salts in his shoes, which would cause his beard to fall out, while he was on a trip outside Cuba. He was expected to leave his shoes outside his hotel room to be polished, at which point the salts would be administered. The plan was abandoned because Castro canceled the trip.

Regardless of your feelings on this subject or how much you believe abstract art benefited from government dollars, Saunders herself quotes in her book a CIA officer apparently involved in these “Long leash” influence operations. He says, “We wanted to unite all the people who were writers, who were musicians, who were artists, to demonstrate that the West and the United States was devoted to freedom of expression and to intellectual achievement, without any rigid barriers as to what you must write, and what you must say, and what you must do.” Hardly the Illuminati plot we were promised.

In 2016, Irving Sandler, author of the book that started Kozloff tirading in 1973, told Alastair Sooke of The Daily Telegraph, “There was absolutely no involvement of any government agency. I haven’t seen a single fact that indicates there was this kind of collusion. Surely, by now, something – anything – would have emerged. And isn’t it interesting that the federal government at the time considered Abstract Expressionism a Communist plot to undermine American society?”

This blog post contains information and quotes sourced from The Piper Played to Us All: Orchestrating the Cultural Cold War in the USA, Europe, and Latin America, Russell H. Bartley International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society, Vol. 14, No. 3 (Spring, 2001), pp. 571-619 (49 pages) https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20161004-was-modern-art-a-weapon-of-the-cia https://brill.com/view/journals/fasc/8/2/article-p127_127.xml?language=en https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/learn/schools/teachers-guides/the-dark-side-of-classicism https://www.artforum.com/features/american-painting-during-the-cold-war-212902/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/modern-art-was-cia-weapon-1578808.html https://www.artforum.com/columns/frances-stonor-saunders-162391/ https://www.artforum.com/features/abstract-expressionism-weapon-of-the-cold-war-214234/ Mark Rothko and the Development of American Modernism 1938-1948 Jonathan Harris, Oxford Art Journal, Vol. 11, No. 1 (1988), pp. 40-50 (11 pages)

[u-mspcoll]

1984, 40 Years After: Rediscovering a Pivotal Year in American Independent Cinema

Join us on the 6th floor of Hatcher next Thursday, 18 April between 4-6p for our next Third Thursdays at the Library event!

Students in FTVM 435 have spent this semester engaged in studying the films and documents of the Mavericks & Makers Collection with a keen eye toward those films made in 1984. Students will share documents found within the archival boxes and present poster boards designed to explore specific thematic concepts. Films include "The Brother from Another Planet," "Choose Me," "Stop Making Sense," "Swing Shift," and "Secret Honor" (filmed on the U-M Campus at the Martha Cook Building.)

Poster session presentations will begin at 4:15 pm. Join us in the Special Collections Research Center on the 6th floor of the Hatcher Library.

And be sure to check out the other Third Thursdays at the Library events, with selections from International Studies and the Clark Library!

[chlorinecake]

☆ ☆ ☆ You’re All Skin n’ Bones, Baby

— ⊹ ⛓️ 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ♯ Trouble Maker!N.RK x Good Girl!Reader 🍴

⛓️ 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 ♯ When your father, a.k.a the dean of your university, sets you on a quest to help the troubled transfer student from your art class rewrite the rebellious narrative staining his character, you two find yourselves falling for each other, discovering a new art of taking chances, making mistakes, and getting messy...

⛓️ 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦 ♯ Swearing, Awkward Situations, Riki Vandalizes Your University with Graffiti, Name-Calling (Flirting), Kissing (With Tongue), Hickeys (Kinda), Riki Has A Tattoo, Lingering Touches (Nothing Below The Belt), Suggestive Jokes, Reckless Behavior, Some Fluff and Angst if You Squint

⛓️ 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 ♯ 4.2k ──── 「 生きがい 」

Friday, The Dean's Office,  3:32 p.m.

“Simply put, Riki is a very misunderstood youth, and you, _____, so happen to be one of the few people who sincerely understand him.”

You stared back at your father, who sat in his leather chair at his desk, a dumbfounded expression upon your face as you crossed your arms. “And you're telling me all of this because of what again?”

“Because I need your help,” Riki butted in from where he sat beside where you stood on your feet, drawing your attention back to his casual disposition.

From the way his long legs extended lazily before him to the way his black combat boots hit the ground with loud thumps every time his foot bounced out of boredom, the poor kid was just as big as his behavioral problems...

That is, roughly 187 centimeters worth...

However, in spite of his large stature and occasional bouts of clumsiness, Riki Nishimura was lighter than a feather on his feet when it came to dancing, a.k.a., one of the few things in his life that he found joy in, aside from you, his family, and the comfort of his bed...

Looking back at your father, he gave you a pleading look, hoping that he would somehow soften your heart without the use of any more words.

And it’s not that you didn't want to help Riki...

I mean, he was one of your closest friends, and you otherwise would've leaped at any opportunity to spend more time with him, so long as it wasn't under such circumstances.

In the past, your father never really approved of your friendship with Riki, simply because he had a track record of rebellion according to the other universities he attended and ended up getting kicked out of.

'A homeschooled delinquent,' some would call him, but you preferred sweeter names for him—names that described the real him.

It's just that the whole idea of having you, the “perfect student,” coach a more troubled peer seemed like a poor excuse of a publicity stunt.

Riki was much more to you than that... he deserved better than to be scrutinized like some sort of criminal just for being his authentic self.

And the odd reality was that you and the other kids at your university with allegedly clean records were no different from Riki.

All misguided and all a little reckless here and there...

Taking risks was part of being young, last time you checked.

The only difference is that Riki wasn't as good at hiding those parts of him like the rest of the students at your university were...

They were either forced or pressured to hide behind a mask that resembled good grades, perfect attendance... stuck within a cookie-cutter framework, and exhibiting perpetual compliance to the ways of the academic world—

“Fine,” you sighed, straightening your posture to appear more obliging than you were actually feeling, “but only if you promise not to make this some sort of project, Dad... Riki's my friend, not some charity case to make you look good.”

Your father scoffed at your insulting words. “What do you take me as, some kind of crook? Such a thought never even crossed my mind, _____,” he corrected sternly before continuing, “My concerns for Riki come from a good place and have nothing to do with what I can gain from you agreeing to help us-”

“Fix him, right?” You interrupt, making a shy smirk tug at the corners of Riki's mouth at the awkward tension in the room now.

“Honey, you know that's not what this is about,” your father sighs, getting up from his seat and straightening out his suit. “Riki is not a broken lamp that he should be fixed... but a lost soul in need of positive redirecting.”

“And who better to help than a fellow peer?” Riki winks at you, making you roll your eyes at him.

“Precisely,” the dean finishes, pushing his chair under the desk before making his way to the office door. “I expect you two to run into hurdles on this journey, but hopefully it's a process that helps you both grow... together...”

You shake your head, uncrossing your arms from over your chest as your father’s eyes flicker between you and Riki now.

“Oh, and one more thing, ____... this young man may be troubled to some degree, but he can certainly teach you a lesson or two on respect.”

Slam.

The office door closed slowly, but with its habitually loud locking sound, making your insides shake a bit.

You look back at Riki, who only had a shrug to offer you, though you knew your father was expecting you and Riki to see yourselves out of his office.

So y’all did, all the way to your separate homes, where you would dread the following Monday when Project: “Positively Redirect” Riki would commence!...

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Next Monday, ART Room 8080, 5:30 p.m.

The bottom of your ass was stinging given how long you had been sitting in the uncomfortable desk chair.

Your back had also started to burn with a similar pain, and the only thing that seemed to delight you amidst the lengthy "Elements of Art" lecture was once again the tall boy sitting beside you.

The voice of your instructor faded away in your ears as you observed Riki holding an ink pen, gliding its ball-tip against his skin in careful lines.

“You suck at drawing,” you whisper to him.

“And your mother’s a cow,” he retorts plainly, despite the smirk curling at his mouth.

From what you can tell, he was drawing a spiderweb in the shape of a heart on the inside of his wrist; The same romantic spiderweb design that was graffitied on your university's parking lot pavement a few days ago.

You always found it endearing how Riki's right wrist would be full of inky doodles by the end of each lecture, thanks to him being left-handed.

Though, other people found his habit to be odd… immature, even... and you never understood why those people even felt the need to speak—

“You’re really making an effort at this character development thing, aren’t you, babes?” You ask sarcastically, tilting your head at him now.

“Yup,” he answers matter-of-factly, eyes still trained on the inky design staining his pale skin.

You took in the expression on his face—the way his lips often poked out slightly like a duck whenever he focused on something.

It was a sight that always made you giggle inside… mostly because you found cute things to be humorous, but also because Riki had a way of making you feel all giddy for reasons you didn't fully understand—

“Wanna kiss ‘em or something?” He asked, looking you dead in the eye with his own piercing ones.

“E-excuse me?” You scoffed with both confusion and feigned disgust.

“I mean these,” he said, showing you the doodle of a skull on his wrist that had big, red lips to match the crimson bows at each pigtail. “Heard you like it juicy,” he continued, raising his eyebrows at you flirtatiously.

“Shut the fuck up,” you swear, shoving his shoulder slightly.

And with that, the class was concluded, and students were loading up their textbooks into their backpacks in every which direction—

“You’re really not that different from me, y’know that?” He said in a mocking tone, “Especially not with that raging potty mouth of yours...”

“I was provoked to use such language, you dick.”

“Then you have very poor emotional regulation skills for your age.”

...

“I’m leaving,” you say, getting up from the seat and slinging your bag over your shoulder, “have fun making out with your new dOodLe sKuLl giRLfriEnD... Heard you like ‘em skinny, anyways…”

“Pfft... Where’d you hear that crap?”

“Around,” you lied, knowing that Riki wasn't the type of guy to have weight preferences when it came to girls...

He only had personality preferences, and so far, you were his absolute favorite person yet, crumby attitude and all.

“Whatever,” he said, in between your brief voyage to the campus lockers where you put your things away. “Also,” Riki began again, leaning against his locker while looking at his reflection in the mirror, “should I... change?”

“What, your diaper?”

“No, my outfit, stupid. Unless you don’t mind being seen with a guy who looks like me these days...”

His words sting you for some reason, and you know exactly what he was trying to imply with that comment.

The other day, Riki heard your father complaining to an instructor in his office about student's not 'abiding by standards of clothing apparel,' and of course, the poor boy assumed the comment was specifically directed towards him-

“You look fineee, Riki,” you reassure him, closing your locker before caressing the side of his arm gently. “Besides, I'd never feel ashamed walking beside you... ripped jeans, piercings, and all...”

His mind paused for a second, focusing a little too hard on the way your touch somehow warmed him from both the outside and within.

“Hey,” you started, your voice pulling him back from his thoughts, “Earth to Riki...?”

“Y-yea, right... Earth,” he stammered, running a shy hand through his hair before adjusting his backpack over his shoulder.

“Let's get out of here, then,” you chuckled, walking down the hall now as he followed closely behind you.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Later, On Some Unknown, Majestic Path, 6:17 p.m.

You two made it to a bridge—the crossing road where you and him expected to straighten out the crooked mess of rumors and past infamies plaguing Riki’s reputation.

“You got the letter, right?”

The letter, he heard your words replay in his mind...

The very letter in which Riki divulged a sincere handwritten apology to the Dean of your university discussing his declining academic performance, poor behavior, aptitudes to improve, and blah fucking blah...

Anyone with a good head on their shoulders could tell that Riki was a fantastic artist, but every rose had its thorn, with Riki's impulsive creative side often getting the best of him...

Aside from going against the dress code and skipping classes, Riki recently vandalized school property with a spontaneous mural of skulls, spiderwebs, and other edgy doodles on the parking lot pavement.

Nobody knew he was responsible for it aside from you, and you had no intention of ratting him out for it...

Yes, it was an unusual design to see every morning at the center of such a prestigious university, but regardless of all that, you figured the graffiti looked pretty cool, actually...

Besides, it was an art school for crying out loud; weren't students supposed to express themselves here?

Or perhaps you only felt that way because Riki was responsible for it, but I digress.

“Yeah, I double checked before we left,” he said plainly, looking down the brick road ahead. “Oh, and uh... I know I've never showed you, but my place is actually the small one right over there… with the candle-like furnace on top... you see it?”

“Yeah, I see it,” you smile softly, just as you catch on to him walking ahead of you and down the right path instead of the left one.

“Hey, the dean's office is this way, remember?”

“Uh huh... and it’s still gonna be there when we get back.”

“Bro, where’re you going?”

“Bro, nowhere,” he replied mockingly, still walking away from you, “I just need to clear my head before sending this stupid letter… just in case I run into the dean or something...”

“And would that really be so bad?” You pressed, “I swear, it’s like everyone views my dad like a scary monster just because he’s doing his job...”

Riki felt himself internally gag at the reminder that you were in fact the deans daughter.

“Since when do you, of all people, defend your dad?”

“Hey, I may be a disrespectful fart towards him at times, but that doesn't mean I can't stand up for him.”

“Uh huh,” Riki nods skeptically, “he must be giving you extra brownie points and allowance for that shit or something...”

“Yeah, actually, he is! And I don't plan on sharing any with you, either... not my brownies points NOR my petty cash...”

“Good,” he retorts playfully, mirroring your bratty behavior, “my piggy bank likes being empty, anyways... PLUS, I’m trying to cut back on sugar these days...”

“Well, good luck with that then... citrus helps, though… with the sugar cravings, I mean.”

“I know... that’s why I’m hanging out with you... duhhh!”

“Oh, so you’re implying that I'm sour, now?”

“If the shoe fits,” he shrugs, and a few moments pass before you’re walking through a front door, through his living room, and eventually onto a balcony.

The house was so dimly lit that you couldn’t make out much of anything while inside, other than the smell of tea and leather cleaner.

“What d’you think?” Riki asks, spreading his arms out to show off, “Gnarly landscape, am I right?”

“You’re so right,” you agree, walking over to the ledge and observing the large pasture that made up his backyard. “It’s beautiful here.”

The two of you look over the edge for a while, folding your arms over the stone balcony until you catch him looking off to the other side, something about him immediately catching your attention.

“Woah?” You exclaim, finding your hands in his hair as you turn his head, examining the thing that caught your eye.

“Woah what? Is there a bug on me or something?” Riki asks, bending his knees slightly so you can reach him better.

“No, it's a tattoo.” You clarify, “I didn't know you had any real ones...”

“Oh yeahhh… I uh... I got that one a while back when I was in high school... I have another one, too, but it's under my clothes, so I can't show you until we're marri-”

“What's it say?” You ask with a whisper, examining the fine textures of inky Japanese characters staining the ivory skin behind his ear.

The tattoo in itself was relatively simple, but you believe that's what made it all the more stunning...

“Ikigai...” He answers with a deep voice, looking in your eyes with his own piercing ones, which makes you retreat your touch from his hair, “it refers to something that gives us our sense of purpose... our reason to live...”

The silence is so loud after he says that that the sound of distant birds and wind-chimes fills your ears as if you were wearing headphones.

That's when you hear a door hinge creak in the distance—

“Riki?! I don’t have my glasses on, but your bedroom looked oddly tidy and you never tidy your room, so now I’m worried—”

“In a minute, Grams!” Riki called out in a deep voice, resting his hands at his sides as he looked back at you, the elderly woman having stayed outside, keeping to herself.

Despite her few wrinkles, she was a perfect shadow of Riki, from her similarly fierce eyes, the long legs she stood on, to her plump, duck-like lips—

“What’s the deal with your face right now?” Riki asked, drawing your attention back to him.

“Oh, you mean my beauty?” You returned sarcastically.

“No, the other thing,” he corrected, “…made your eyes go all big and bright.”

“Oh… Possibly shock, then?”

“But from what cause?”

“Grams,” you repeated, looking over the balcony at the same shed-door the woman just came from. “I didn’t know you lived with anybody…”

“I don’t; she lives with me,” Riki continued, flicking a mosquito off his arm. “She’s kind of mental, so I gotta take care of her like she took care of me.”

“That’s sweet,” you murmur quietly to yourself, but he hears you anyway-

“What’d you say?”

“Nothing…”

“You definitely said something.”

“No I didn’t?”

“Haven’t I ever told you how terrible you are at lying?”

“No, actually,” you respond plainly, “But you have told me that you think I’m beautiful... well, indirectly, but it still counts.”

He furrows his brows at you. “When did I say that?”

“Literally a few seconds ago?”

“Seriously?”

“Damn… Now I'm starting to think you didn't mean it.”

“No no no, I meant it!” Riki says, raising his voice slightly, “P-probably...”

“Well, thanks anyway,” you return, looking back over the balcony at the sight of his grandmother roaming their garden.

“I think you're beautiful, too, Riki.”

A silence swarmed between you two now.

Not an awkward silence, but a silence nonetheless.

A pleasant peace…

Riki bit his lip to keep himself from smiling, but you had already noticed his expression by now, poking a finger at the apple of his slightly rosy cheek, making him swat your hand away playfully.

“Stop that or I'll bite you,” he threatens.

“But babyyy… you look so cute when you're blushing,” you teased, making the poor boy feel like he was just seconds from internally combusting because of you.

Riki never got worked up over compliments like this, but then again, you proved to have a stronger effect on his emotions… one that even you father could see.

“I seriously will bite you, ____,” he warns again through a contagious chuckles, grabbing a hold of your wrist at the same time your hand gripped his bicep, making him stop in his actions.

You two shyly meet each other's eyes now, faint smiles present on both your faces until you release your grip on his arm, his touch still remaining at your wrist.

“Riki.” You speak quietly, and for reasons you don’t understand at first… but that’s when he decides to speak up instead—

“I wanna show you one more thing,” he starts, still holding your wrist as he steps up with a strong lunge onto the balcony ledge, resting his foot on the wooden plank attached to it.

“Riki, get down from there!” You shout.

“Not until you join me first.” He reasons with a smirk.

Judging from the way he briefly peeks down at the ground beneath him, you can already tell that he wants you to jump with him.

“Riki… I’m not doing that... I-I can't… and I can’t let you do that, either.”

Funny thing is, you said all of this while doing a lunge yourself, joining the tall boy on the balcony ledge and holding his hand tightly as you let your feet find the wobbly plank next.

“Why not?…” He presses.

“Because… you’re all skin and bones, baby,” you sigh nervously, feeling your heart rate increase with every passing second. “I’m afraid that I’ll either hurt you or that you’ll hurt yourself.”

Riki gives you a shady look now. “You have no idea how insulting that is to me, do you?”

“Be careful, asshole!” You shriek, his strength having tugged at your hand, making you tread even further down the plank now.

“Geez, would you relax, drama queen? I’m doing fineee, see? We’re fine… Just don’t let go of my hand until I say so, okay?”

“H-how am I even supposed to trust you in a state like this?” Your voice comes out just as wobbly as you feel in your knees, being sure not to look down as that would only make things worse for you.

“Hmm… not sure,” he shrugs, “But maybe it would help if you stopped policing me for like... one fucking second?”

“Fine. A second has passed, now can we PLEASEE go back to the bridge—ahhh!”

Riki jumps first, but because you were holding hands, you fall with him, tumbling into the grassy pasture before landing on top of him.

“That was fun, right?” Riki asks while scanning your face, wind knocked out of him; he's panting slightly beneath you, chest rising and falling given the rush of adrenaline he just received.

“Are we even alive right now?” You ask back, seriously not being able to believe that you both survived such a fall... everything around you seemed light, and you weren't sure if that had something to do with your head spinning or something worse. “Please tell me this isn’t heaven.”

“Not unless you really think that’s what being on top of me feels like…”

You gave him the deadliest side-eye you could muster—

“Shut the fuck up,” you curse him, making a light chuckle rumble in his chest.

For a brief moment, you look up, just now realizing that Riki’s backpack was scattered among the grass with all of his school supplies decorating the landscape.

Sighing, you planted your palms on the ground before trying to get up, only for the strength of Riki’s arm to keeps you down, fusing your body’s together.

“Riki, the dean's office is gonna be closing soon, we gotta get going-”

“And my future can wait, ____,” he said, looking into your eyes, “just let me enjoy this moment in the present for a little longer, alright?”

You wait to answer before eventually nodding, watching his chest heave slower now, but still in a rising and falling manner.

“You're nervous about something,” you whisper, even though it was more like a question to him.

You felt your stomach flutter at the way his hand was secured at your waist now, trailing up to the side of your face with his other hand.

“I am,” he says plainly, voice deep and vulnerable, “so please, just... don't say anything or else you'll make this worse for me, okay?”

“You're not about to try and kiss me, are you!?” You ask, screwing your eyebrows at him.

“And just like that, you made it worse for me,” Riki sighs, not being brave enough to meet your eyes anymore.

His hands leave your body, falling beside him as if he were about to start making snow angels in the bed of grass.

“You think you deserve a kiss—of all things—after almost getting us killed just a few seconds ago?”

“I meannnn,” he starts, looking back at you now before repositioning his hands behind his head with latticed fingers, “one kiss wouldn't hurt, right?… Maybe even just a few…”

No words are exchanged from this point.

It just becomes a moment of you two looking at each other, your hands roaming up his torso now as you sit up to straddle him, keeping him pinned to the ground with your weight before placing a kiss on his cheek.

“You're a very odd boy, Riki Nishimura,” you say, watching a smile spread across his face as his skin still tingled where you kissed him.

Your hands find his that were tucked beneath his head and put them back around your body like they were before.

“I may be odd, but the least you can do is kiss me normally,” he whispers, taking hold of your face and crashing his lips into yours, eyes fluttering shut at the blissful contact.

And it feels too good to say it's your first time... It feels too right...

You tilt your head to deepen the contact, making him hum beneath you at the sudden way you took control again, feeling his hand gently cradle the nape of your neck.

“Please,” he says breathlessly in between, catching on to the way your body shuddered when his touch went under your shirt, resting at the dip of your waist, “Don't make me stop yet...”

And all you can do is pant in response, feeling your heart rate increase with the passion as his tongue just barely comes into contact with yours, making you melt into the warmth of his lips even more.

But his delicate fingers are cold as they touch you, not necessarily wandering, but inching their way up from your waist to the side of your ribs, only to pull you closer as your bodies meshed into a sprawl of flustered feelings.

“You just can't get close enough to me, can you?” You ask him through a quiet breath, making him chuckle slightly as your catty question.

“Don't rub it in, dweeb,” he replies with a raspy voice, just as a low groan slips past his pretty lips, and you're just now realizing that you were kissing along his jawline, his head thrown back against the grass as your soft lips kept peppering his skin, “I'm actually enjoying what you're doing to me for once...”

And his last sentence comes out so quietly, you otherwise would've missed it if you weren't right by his neck, humming with each kiss you placed against him, making his grip at your waist tighten slightly until you abruptly pulled away, looking back at him with your own fuzzy vision...

Despite that, you could still make out the lovesick expression taking over his gorgeous features, both his heart and mind in a haze as he looked back at you, purity dancing in his eyes.

“W-why'd you stop?” He stammers, almost pouting as a smirk tugs at the corner of your mouth now, your own cheeks being dusted a rosy hue given the blood rushing to your face.

“Because,” you say plainly, crawling off of him now as he lets out an exaggerated sigh, sulking at the missing warmth of you straddling him, “that's all you deserve for the day.”

“And tomorrow?” He presses, eyes half-lidded.

“I'll tell you after we deliver this letter to the dean,” you say, looking up at the window to his house, “and when your grandma isn't watching us...”

“Wait, she's what?”

Riki sits up now, whipping his head almost instantly in the direction of his house to see what you were still blushing about, and it was none other than his grandmother, clapping in the distance at the sight of you and Riki laying beside each other on the grass.

“So that's why you've been tidying up recently; you've met a pretty girl,” she says in an old voice, making him hide his face with his hands while groaning with embarrassment. “Awww, don't be shy; she just had her lips all over you... Oh, and I'm his grandmother, by the way!”

“Nice to meet you,” you say while giggling, watching Riki practically crumble to pieces, knowing that his grandma had just seen everything.

"Well, make sure you two don't stay out too late... it's getting dark,” the woman warned, even though it was still relatively sunny outside.

Must be her vision, you thought to herself.

“Got it, Grams,” Riki sighed, sitting up now with a forced smile as he waved his grandma off, the door creaking behind her as the sound of her television program faded off with the melody of her laughter.

“You good?” You ask, catching on to the way Riki's sight pans off now, a certain thought rising to his mind as he took a few shaky breaths.

“Y-yea, I'm alright,” he answers, not meeting your eyes until he asks, “You didn't bite me, did you?”

His fingers find his neck now, grazing over the light pink spot where you had kissed him, but it was only that color because of your lip balm, not because you bit him.

“I might have nibbled, yes...” You start timidly, trying to hold back a smile at the way his eyes widened now, worried that you might mark him. “Don't blame me though when you started it.”

“No, I didn't, you blood thirsty vampire,” he scoffs with over-exaggerated offense. “There's a mark on me now, isn't there?”

"No, you idiot... Besides, I wouldn't want your grandma to have a hickey as her first impression of me,” you correct, getting up from the ground now to collect his scattered school supplies from around the yard.

Your words lingered in his mind for a bit.

A girl like you leaving a bad first impression? The thought seemed foreign to him, but at the same time, comforting...

He was finally starting to see things the way you saw them. You and him really weren't all that different—just two people from different walks of life, upholding varied reputations, but still and all with kindred spirits.

Spirits for fun and adventure... youth and romance...

“Wasn't even worth it,” you mumbled to yourself, picking up the envelope that was now stained with a bit of dirt given the fall.

“What wasn't worth it?” He repeated, looking over his shoulder to find you on your knees in the grass, hair slightly disheveled from all the action.

“Jumping, first of all... and second, kissing you...”

“Right,” he says while drawing out the syllable, side-eyeing you with his legs crossed, “Because I definitely told you to get on top of me and kiss all over my neck like a human mosquito.”

“Trust me, I regret doing that.” You tease, fake gagging, to which he chuckled at you, “Your lips tasted weird, anyway...”

“Pfft... weird how?”

“Sour,” you poke, making him look down in his lap, smiling at the memory of you two in the hallway earlier.

Eventually, he gets up to help you gather the rest of his textbooks, pencils, notes, and chocolate bars that fell from his backpack, holding it open as you loaded it up and set trail back up the hill you just jumped off of.

“And you're sure this whole letter thing is still a good idea?” He asks, adjusting the strap to his backpack over his shoulder as you two walked beside each other.

You take a second to glance at yourselves, taking in the light of your messy clothes, blushing faces.

"Oh, you’re definitely still sending that.”

“Cool… But should I revise it at all since we have extra time?”

“Maybe tomorrow,” is all you say, taking his hand in yours as y’all walk side by side...

⛓️‍💥 AUTHOR'S NOTE — I've had this fic collecting dust in my drafts since July of this year, but @microwvdstrawb3rri3s reminded me that my blog has been long overdue for a new Niki fic, so I decided to post it finally.... Also, I'm adding a special tag here for @bambangan because I REALLY feel like she‘ll enjoy this fic (considering how Niki's character is pretty similar to how I wrote for him in my Flirty TSA Series a while back 🤭)...

tysm for reading this quick lil fic !! ✗⚬ﾒ𝟶 a/n ℓօⓥe always ⋆⋆⋆ and feel free to check out my masterlist for more !!

𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ( 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 💌 ) @squoxle @nishiimuranights @wonbinisbabygurl @ashgonedash @yourmomscuntis2tighy @watamotee33 @addictedtohobi @microwvdstrawb3rri3s

[asianartsblog]

Join us next week to celebrate the closing of Asia North festival and the end of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month at the Asia North Makers Night Market!

Read on below and swipe through the photos to meet some of our amazing vendors and their goods. Check out their instagrams and come out to support them on May 31:

Jade Feng Lee is a nonbinary Taiwanese-American printmaker and cartoonist. Jade's work seeks to parse the gauzy boundaries between the read and imagined, inspired by their experiences in nature. They will be vending a variety of prints, keychains, handmade notebooks, comics, and more!

@dumplingowl

DURIANPUNK collects the artmaking of Margaret Huey, a Thai-American artist & educator based out of Baltimore. She strives to make work that is tough, tender, and thoughtful in equal measure, drawing influence from anime, metal music, and heritage. Come see her at the market where she will have screenprinted apparel, prints of various types and knicknacks like buttons, pins, zines, and stickers.

@durianpunk

Sun makes American traditional tattoo inspired designs on clothing, bandanas, tote bags, stickers, prints, patches and more. These designs keep everyone in mind, with the intention create space in traditional tattooing for marginalized people.

@sun.pokes_

Priyanka K is an illustrator and printmaker from Kolkata, India. Enjoy her zines about AAPI food and celebrations like Diwali and Thai mother's day, hand-made sketchbooks, risograph prints, hand block-printed tshirts and apparel, stickers, postcards.

@priyankakay

MAKERS NIGHT MARKET

Friday, May 31, 5 – 9 p.m.

Egyptian street food by @kosharycorner

Outdoors in front of the Historic North Avenue Market, 12-30 W. North Ave.

INFO: towson.edu/asianorth

Asia North 2024 is co-produced by @central_baltimore_partnership and Towson University’s @asian_arts_and_culture_center