The Cotton Candy Machine

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The Cotton Candy Machine

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The Cotton Candy Machine is a fine art archival print publisher for select contemporary artists, founded by Tara McPherson and Sean Leonard in 2011.
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We began as a storefront gallery and art boutique from 2011 to 2016 in a former fire department in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn NY, where The Cotton Candy Machine held a variety of art exhibitions, workshops and events by a plethora of contemporary artists, all curated by Tara McPherson. It then transitioned into a thriving online store and print publisher in 2017, and Tara McPherson's official print shop. Publishing archival fine art editions, and selling limited edition archival art prints, posters, apparel, books, toys and more. All the while holding onto its roots and continuing to do pop up shops and events all over the world. Some of the artists we have worked with include Alex Pardee, Buff Monster, Daniel Danger, Miss Van, Esao Andrews, Junko Mizuno, Dave Cooper, Aya Kakeda, Skinner, John Baizley, Arik Roper, L'Amour Supreme, Lindsey Way, Dime Drjuchin, Diana Sudyka, Travis Louie, Jermaine Rogers, Paul Romano, Jessica Addams, David M Cook, Scott C, Lori Nelson, Mike Egan, Michael Koehler, Jeremy Hush, Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville, Glenn Barr, Jay Ryan, and many more! Our name takes its inspiration from the main element in paper and apparel, cotton. Next mix it in with artistic creativity for some captivating eye candy. Then finally the play on words comes together just like the sweet namesake's magic making machine, and we have... The Cotton Candy Machine!

09/26/2026

We are thrilled to announce the official release of Tara McPherson’s newest fine art print edition: ‘Precarious Position’.

Tara McPherson explores a cosmic perspective of creation capturing a goddess giving form to the universe through the lens of deep space chemistry as she is weaving raw matter into existence. At the heart of the piece lies a fascinating interstellar phenomenon: Trihydrogen cations (pronounced cat-eye-ons), formed deep in interstellar space when cosmic rays collide with hydrogen molecules. These positively charged ions are the most abundant molecular ions in the universe and carry immense power, and in their destruction they spark the creation of water, complex carbon molecules, and pure light.

Precarious Position captures that delicate, awe inspiring threshold where the simplest element in the universe, driving the cosmic engine of creation, becomes a foundation for all life.

See more at the link in our bio.

09/21/2026

Mastodon thanks so much for the monster show! Getting to see you all rocking through this crazy world is really something special. John Dyer Baizley is bringing some magic for these epic shows. Brann Dailor William Kelliher Darren Sanders Nick Johnston thank you so much for the love, unforgettable night! The kids had a blast too!

08/16/2026

ONNA BUGEISHA by Tara McPherson
Archival Fine Art Print
Moab Moenkopi Unryu Paper
8.5” x 11”
Edition of 100
Signed and Numbered

This new artwork is inspired by the Onna-bugeisha, the legendary female warriors of feudal Japan. On her first trip to Kyoto, Tara brought home an epic Ukiyo-e woodblock print of a female warrior holding a flaming stick in her mouth and brandishing a sword. She has always wanted to create a piece of art inspired by that beautiful print and the tenacity of these warriors, this new drawing captures the spirit of these amazing women.

Printed with a ‘split fountain’ gradient of green, blue and purple, this fine art print showcases the delicate graphite mark makings of an early drawing as it builds it’s own world.

Years in the making, Tara has waited for the perfect project to introduce this gorgeous Moenkopi paper to her collectors. This award winning museum grade paper is crafted from eco friendly natural mulberry (Kozo) and h**p fibers using centuries old traditional Washi techniques, created in partnership with the historic Awagami Factory in Tokushima, Japan. Literally translated as ‘cloud dragon paper’, Moab Moenkopi Unryu Paper is made by adding long course fibers to a wet layer of Kozo (mulberry) fiber on the mold. Because of the organic nature of handmade Washi paper, the subtle fiber textures give each individual print in this limited edition its own uniquely beautiful tactile character.

04/22/2026

We are also incredibly excited that our very own Sean Leonard has been invited to host the official Art Panels at Collected Con!

Sean will be leading deep dive conversations with some of the industry’s most influential artists and creators. If you’ve ever wanted a “behind the curtain” look at the process of toy design, the evolution of pop surrealism, or the business of independent art, these panels are can’t miss sessions.

Panel Schedule 🥳
We are so excited to have Artist Panels this year for CollectedCon LA ☀️ April 25th & 26th
We know all the artists will be in great hands with Sean of as our Host!
✔️
Saturday:
Gallery Work

Character Design

Resin & 3D Printing
lostlings

Sunday:
Sofubi

Toy Production

Sticker Movie

04/21/2026

Get ready, Los Angeles! 🐰👩🏻‍🎤

Tara McPherson and The Cotton Candy Machine are heading West for this epic designer toy weekend. We are thrilled to be part of the inaugural Collected Con LA, and we’re bringing a curated selection of art, exclusives, and cosmic vibes with us.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to the world of designer toys, come say hi, grab some new art, and help us celebrate the new home of Collected Con in the heart of California!

The “Bunny Rider” Resin Figure Release

The wait is officially over. We are proud to announce the exclusive release of the brand new Bunny Rider resin art figure!

Produced in collaboration with Strangecat Toys, this piece brings Tara’s signature Bunny Rider to life in stunning 3D. Featuring a cosmic explorer riding her giant space bunny through the stars. This figure is a masterclass in transforming an iconic painting into a collectible figure.

Release Date: April 25, 2026
Edition Size: Limited to 50 pieces (Blue Edition)
Retail Price: $275
Signed: in person at Collected Con LA
Dimensions: 8.25” tall x 5.75” wide

03/27/2026

These aren’t just sketches; they were the final, essential step before Tara began her painting process. Each piece captures the emotion and precision that defined her most impactful solo exhibitions.

THE DEATH OF BOTO DRAWING

Graphite on Bristol
Image: 13 x 9.5 inches
Framed: 20 x 17 inches
Signed, lower right: “McPherson”
Message us for availability

Hailing from the Amazon River basin, the legend of the Boto Cor-de-Rosa tells of a magical pink river dolphin with the power to shapeshift into an irresistible, handsome man. Under the glow of a full moon or during festive celebrations, he emerges from the water to charm and dance with the local villagers, always wearing a large hat to conceal the blowhole still visible on the top of his head. As the first light of dawn breaks, the enchantment fades, and he is forced to retreat to the river’s depths, shifting back into his aquatic form and vanishing once more into the murky currents.

In Tara McPherson’s The Death of Boto she explores the melancholy side of this myth. Her interpretation often touches on the intersection of ancient folklore and the modern world, using the Boto to represent the fleeting nature of attraction and the mysterious, sometimes tragic, connection between humans and the natural world.

03/26/2026

It’s Bunny Season! Well… it’s always bunny season around here! The sun is staying out longer, Easter is creeping up on the calendar, and we have the perfect piece to match the energy of the season. Introducing a new limited edition print of ‘Bunny Girl’ by Tara McPherson. Originally a standout oil painting from her legendary Bunny In The Moon exhibition, this print is a joyful celebration of a girl and her bunnies. It’s an image that captures pure playful affection and reminds us to find our joy and hold it tight.

03/24/2026

THE WATER NEBULA DRAWING by Tara McPherson

There is a unique magic found in the final graphite lines before they are translated into oils. Today, we are thrilled to offer a very small, curated selection of original drawings that served as the definitive blueprints for some of Tara McPherson’s most recognizable paintings.

Graphite on Bristol
Image: 10 x 12 inches
Framed: 22 x 25 inches

In this mesmerizing study, Tara explores the intersection of myth and the deep sea. The drawing features a serene female protagonist emerging from bioluminescent waters, flanked by two Umi Bōzu mysterious sea creatures from Japanese folklore known for appearing in calm waters before a storm. The composition captures a moment of supernatural connection, where the boundary between the figure and the glowing, starlit tide begins to dissolve.

Email for price and availability. Thanks for the love.

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Address

692 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA
15228

Website

http://www.thecottoncandymachine.com/

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