To the *Assembly Required Community,

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In 2019, Jenni and I founded *Assembly Required with a simple belief: the independent toy and art community deserved to be celebrated, protected, and elevated. That vision became the Designer Art-Toy Expo in Asheville, North Carolina.

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What we found was far more than an event. We found a passionate, generous, and creative community filled with artists, collectors, makers, and supporters who genuinely care about one another and about independent art.  Through seasons of celebration, seasons of challenge, the trials of COVID, and the devastation of Hurricane Helene, this community continued to give life back to us. It has been one of the great honors of my life to help create spaces where independent creators could come together, showcase their work, and feel seen.

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There are many people to thank. The artists who trusted us. The vendors and exhibitors who invested in the vision. The attendees who traveled, supported creators, and brought energy into every room. The volunteers, friends, and supporters who helped *Assembly Required became what it is today. This community exists because people believe independent creators and their work matter.

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In 2024, conversations began about bringing the spirit of *Assembly Required to Philadelphia, a city close to our heart. I reached out to my longtime friend Steve Forde of GoHero & POP Solutions. In many ways, it felt like a full-circle moment, because Steve was the person who first introduced me to the independent toy scene back in 2004.

 

What followed was the first Designer Toy Art Festival – an event that proved there was incredible momentum and opportunity growing throughout the Northeast. It became clear that something larger was forming: not simply another event, but a stronger platform for independent artists to connect, grow, and expand into new spaces where their art matters.

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As plans for 2026 developed, I had the privilege of attending Toronto Toy Riot, an event whose organizers have described Assembly Required as one of its inspirations. It was an amazing experience and an important reminder that this community is filled with passionate leaders making exciting moves to help independent art continue to evolve and thrive.

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It was also at this time that my family entered a season that now requires more of my time and focus. And honestly, seeing the health, passion, and future of this community at the Toronto Toy Riot gave me peace and confidence about what comes next.

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It is with deep gratitude to and for the community that I step back as event producer and transition into a new role as advisor.

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With this transition, *Assembly Required will enter a period of sabbatical. For nearly a decade, it has been my privilege to steward this organization, and this season feels like the right time to allow it to rest during this transition.

 

I am proud to share that Steve Forde, Anastasia Forde, Jae Martin, (Fine artist and owner of The Space Lab), and the support of a newly forming Advisory Committee composed of leaders who care deeply about our community, are in the early planning stages of the next Designer Toy Art Festival, anticipated to be in 2027.

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What began as a conversation about bringing the spirit of *Assembly Required to Philadelphia quickly became something unique unto itself. Through their leadership, investment, and commitment to independent artists, Steve and Anastasia helped establish a strong foundation for the community and the opportunities it continues to create for creators throughout the Northeast and beyond.

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As the Designer Toy Art Festival continues to evolve, I am excited to see where their vision takes it next. The values at the heart of *Assembly Required, community, creativity, and support for independent artists, remain very much alive, and the center of this mission. I am grateful to know they will continue to be championed by people who care deeply about this community.

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The goal moving forward is not simply to host events, but to continue creating innovative ways for artists to showcase their work, celebrate their creativity, learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and expand into new places where independent art deserves to thrive.

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*Assembly Required was never just about a show. It was always about people. It was about creating a place where independent creators felt welcomed, valued, inspired, and supported.

Thank you for the years of support, friendship, trust, creativity, and encouragement. Thank you for believing in independent art. And thank you for continuing to support the artists and creators who make this community so special.

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This is not an ending.

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It is the beginning of a new chapter, with the same mission, but with greater opportunities.

 

With appreciation and love,

Matthew & Jenni Casale

Founders of *Assembly Required