Research? In art school?

Believe it or not, doing art requires a lot of research.  This can include book research, to find artists archived in the DAAP library, or other library.  It can include internet research, which I often do, surfing blogs, Facebook pages, finding artists through other artists.  What I like to do, is network.  My main networking source for my art?  My good ol' buddy, Bill Winger, the owner of Daddy Katz.

Bill Winger at his store, Daddy Katz.

Bill owns Daddy Katz, a Kustom Kulture sensory overload.  This store is not only a vintage store, but a local art dealer/gallery, tattoo shop, car garage, and cruise-in central!  Daddy Katz is home of the Thursday Night Cruise-In, starting in March and going into October.  This guy has helped me get in touch with other retro-automotive artists, as well as given me opportunities to  show my work at some of his art events.  He is a huge supporter of local art.  If you have something cool, bring it over to him!  Let him know!  The cool thing about Bill is how open he is to new artists and cool..well, cool anything.  He likes the unique, he likes the retro style.  Visit the Daddy Katz Website.

How exactly has this store and it's bizarre owner helped me with my research?  He helped me solidify my interest in cars and vintage pieces.  He opened a door into this new world, with connections to everyone, from Daniel Brown's art, to the Cavalcade of Customs car show, to local pinstriping artists at his Panel Jam art events.  He has a connection to everything.  I even buy my furniture and decorative pieces from him!  Because he knows all these awesome people, he helps get me started with my research of these artists, as well as other opportunities in this subculture.

The cruise-in's at Daddy Katz taught me cars, pin-ups, even got me in contact with a vintage hair stylist.  If you are ever in Dayton, have Cherry Lee herself do your hair at her salon for "Classy Broads and Fancy Fellas!" Check her out on Facebook, at Cherry Lee's.

It's always nice having a buddy in the biz to help you with research and finding opportunities otherwise unknown.  Let me tell you, I have been going to the Daddy Katz cruise-ins and the store for over 3 years now.  This is a place you can't miss.  Meet Bill, buy some art, buy some vintage decor, or just go to have a good time.

Daddy Katz store.
Borrowed from the Daddy Katz website.