When you open the door to Spaghetti Project, you are given an experience that is usually found after many turns down hidden side streets from a subway stop in New York or Paris. A small storefront on Brook Road in the heart of our gallery district houses an extremely unique offering of art and merchandise. The counterculture lifestyle boutique’s candy-shop explosion of color radiates through the windows, filling the visual appetite of its patrons.
Edgar Munoz’s enthusiasm for pop surrealism and his passion for collecting limited-edition vinyl toys and other specialty artwork quickly grew into a mission to bring local exposure to the lowbrow art movement. After a visit to one of Edgar’s favorite shops in New York, his wife Arlene saw the need to open a store locally. As the couple planned the reality of the business, they realized that they were defining more than just an independent shop with specialty merchandise. They were bringing an experience that one might only come across in SoHo or the Haight. And they needed a name.
This class project-style experiment would encompass diverse avenues of creativity and celebrate the style of the Italo-Western sub-genre, which made those movies far from mainstream. From these ideas, the Spaghetti Project was born.
From its inception, the Spaghetti Project’s mission involved more than just their storefront. They have a passion for creative collaboration and for fostering a positive effect on the community through art. During their first year of operation, show collaborations included the famous sneaker customizer Mike “TTK” Harris, the in.fa.mousIKB’s wearable art, Toy2R’s custom Quee figure show, and Urban Decay’s custom vinyl and lowbrow art showcase. Paired with fundraising events for local nonprofits such as the food bank, these collaborations led Spaghetti’s excitement to network with more local and national artists to continually grow.
After spending their first year in the conservative Old Town area of Fredericksburg, Edgar and Arlene knew that in order to grow their Project, they would need to make a move to an affordable city that fostered creative collaboration. After extensive research they decided to bypass DC and head to Richmond. With their supporters buzzing about Richmond’s evolving creative class, they checked out a First Friday’s event and felt an immediate connection. Richmond was the city where they would grow their creative roots.
While the selection of their merchandise is very methodical, the duo understands the importance of appealing to the entire spectrum of price ranges. The Project’s walls house limited vinyl exclusives from Kid Robot, Toy2R, Strangeco, MINDstyle, Medicom and many others, as well as unique wearables from Rebel8, Freshjive, Imaginary Foundation, Upper Playground, The Hundreds, and ChiefRocka Industries. They also carry innovative books and specialty magazines that encompass a range of artistic styles, including a strong representation of the graffiti movement. They keep their stock fresh and ever-changing.
Currently Spaghetti is working on creating their own brand of merchandise that will range from wearables to collectibles. Just recently, Kuso Vinyl contacted them to collaborate and design a special colorway of their toy, Fahrenheit, which will be available exclusively through Spaghetti.
Being new to our city, the duo encourage everyone to experience Spaghetti. Whether you’re a die-hard vinyl collector looking for a rare piece, or are in need of new inspiration and have a little lunch money, Spaghetti has something that will satisfy your creative appetite.
WHAT: Spaghetti Project
WHERE: 321 Brook Road
CONTACT: 804 643 TOYS
When you open the door to Spaghetti Project, you are given an experience that is usually found after many turns down hidden side streets from a subway stop in New York or Paris. A small storefront on Brook Road in the heart of our gallery district houses an extremely unique offering of art and merchandise. The counterculture lifestyle boutique’s candy-shop explosion of color radiates through the windows, filling the visual appetite of its patrons.
Edgar Munoz’s enthusiasm for pop surrealism and his passion for collecting limited-edition vinyl toys and other specialty artwork quickly grew into a mission to bring local exposure to the lowbrow art movement. After a visit to one of Edgar’s favorite shops in New York, his wife Arlene saw the need to open a store locally. As the couple planned the reality of the business, they realized that they were defining more than just an independent shop with specialty merchandise. They were bringing an experience that one might only come across in SoHo or the Haight. And they needed a name.
This class project-style experiment would encompass diverse avenues of creativity and celebrate the style of the Italo-Western sub-genre, which made those movies far from mainstream. From these ideas, the Spaghetti Project was born.
From its inception, the Spaghetti Project’s mission involved more than just their storefront. They have a passion for creative collaboration and for fostering a positive effect on the community through art. During their first year of operation, show collaborations included the famous sneaker customizer Mike “TTK” Harris, the in.fa.mousIKB’s wearable art, Toy2R’s custom Quee figure show, and Urban Decay’s custom vinyl and lowbrow art showcase. Paired with fundraising events for local nonprofits such as the food bank, these collaborations led Spaghetti’s excitement to network with more local and national artists to continually grow.
After spending their first year in the conservative Old Town area of Fredericksburg, Edgar and Arlene knew that in order to grow their Project, they would need to make a move to an affordable city that fostered creative collaboration. After extensive research they decided to bypass DC and head to Richmond. With their supporters buzzing about Richmond’s evolving creative class, they checked out a First Friday’s event and felt an immediate connection. Richmond was the city where they would grow their creative roots.
While the selection of their merchandise is very methodical, the duo understands the importance of appealing to the entire spectrum of price ranges. The Project’s walls house limited vinyl exclusives from Kid Robot, Toy2R, Strangeco, MINDstyle, Medicom and many others, as well as unique wearables from Rebel8, Freshjive, Imaginary Foundation, Upper Playground, The Hundreds, and ChiefRocka Industries. They also carry innovative books and specialty magazines that encompass a range of artistic styles, including a strong representation of the graffiti movement. They keep their stock fresh and ever-changing.
Currently Spaghetti is working on creating their own brand of merchandise that will range from wearables to collectibles. Just recently, Kuso Vinyl contacted them to collaborate and design a special colorway of their toy, Fahrenheit, which will be available exclusively through Spaghetti.
Being new to our city, the duo encourage everyone to experience Spaghetti. Whether you’re a die-hard vinyl collector looking for a rare piece, or are in need of new inspiration and have a little lunch money, Spaghetti has something that will satisfy your creative appetite.
WHAT: Spaghetti Project
WHERE: 321 Brook Road
CONTACT: 804 643 TOYS
