LA originals: Mattel, Gary Baseman, and Toby!

BORN in LA. Did you know that Mattel was founded in Los Angeles by Harold Matson and the husband-and-wife team Ruth and Elliot Handler in 1945? The brand name is a combination of Mr. Matson’s last name and Mr. Handler’s first.

Mr. Baseman was born on Sunset Boulevard, resided in Boyle Heights his first few months, and grew up in the Fairfax district attending the public schools in the area before going to UCLA.

Toby was also born in LA. Like Baseman, he is a seasoned traveler who has been to over 50 countries. And he always comes home to Los Angeles.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

Baseman’s special collaboration with Mattel, plus Art as Toys, Toys Inspired by Art: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Group Exhibition (March 15-April 19, 2025).

Click HERE for the stop motion video of Toby is Swell and UNO

Click HERE to hear Baseman talk on 3/22/25

Click HERE for Good Day LA interview with Koco McAboy on 3/19/25

Above: Artists Luke Chueh, Gary Baseman and Onch at 3/29/25 talk at Art as Toys, Toys Inspired by Art at Corey Helford Gallery (Photo @birdmanphotos)