*Assembly Required

*Assembly Required is one of the nation’s only event series dedicated exclusively to independent designer toys, bootlegs, customs, and pop-surrealist collectibles. Launched in 2019 in Asheville NC by artist Matthew J. Casale, the event has grown into a beloved gathering for artists and collectors from across North America. Focused on community, authenticity, and DIY culture, *Assembly Required offers a curated platform for original creators to share bold, unconventional work — not buried behind corporate booths or pop culture mega-brands, but front and center. In 2025 the event expands with The Designer Toy Art Festival in Philadelphia, a weeklong celebration of art toys featuring over 100 indie brands, exhibitions, artist talks, live music, food, and a main event at the historic 23rd Street Armory. With deep roots in street art, punk, and pop culture, *Assembly Required is more than a show. It’s a movement where art, community, and subculture collide.