2.25.08


OFF-REGISTER 2008
Foundation Projects presents Off-Register, a traveling group exhibition of experimental printmaking.The Off-Register exhibition will showcase prints by a collection of international artists and graphic designers associated through the professional practice of commercial print design, but that do not consider themselves printmakers.

This exhibition explores the relationship these artists and graphic designers have to printing and how commercial processes may inform more traditional methods of fine art print making. The title, Off-Register, refers to a mis-registered color plate pass during printing, as well as acknowledging the artists and designers experimentation with the various techniques of traditional printmaking. Each artist will present one print, produced in editions, that utilize and experiment with various traditional fine art printmaking techniques: serigraphy, lithography, etching, various transfer, block printing, as well as incorporating unconventional methods and experimental techniques of print impressions.

The first stop on this year long exhibition tour opens February 29, 2008 at Chicago’s newly opened AV-aerie exhibition space, located in the former Open End gallery which previously hosted such
exhibitions as Up Our Sleeves and Tragic Beauty.

OFF-REGISTER CHICAGO
February 29th – March 15th, 2008
Featuring Robin Cameron, Michael Coleman, Justin Fines,
Ryan Giese, Grotesk vs. Lowrider [collaboration], Steven Harrington, Maya Hayuk, Cody Hudson, Evan Hecox, Ben Loiz + Carolina Chaves [collaboration], Geoff McFetridge, Colin Metcalf, Andy Mueller, Michael Perry, Jon Resh, Joel Speasmaker, Todd St. John, Andrew Townsend, David J. Weissberg, WEWORKFORTHEM: Michael Cina + Michael Young [collaboration], and Rory Wilson.

AV-aerie
2000 West Fulton, Chicago IL

OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, February 29th, 2008, 7pm
Music from The Gutterbutter DJs + Never Enough Hope, presented by The Empty Bottle
$5 Admission

EXHIBTION VIEWING HOURS
Saturday, March 1st, 2008 12-6pm

EXHIBITION + PERFORMANCE
Saturday, March 1st, 2008, 7pm
Music from Lightspeed Champion + Never Enough Hope, presented by The Empty Bottle
$10 Admission

ADDITIONAL EXHIBTION VIEWING HOURS
Additional viewings through Saturday, March 15th are by appointment, and may be scheduled directly with AV-aerie or by calling 312.342.6280

The exhibitions continues onto the Riviera Gallery in Brooklyn, June 12th – July 6th, 2008. Off-Register will continue to travel in the United States and abroad through 2008, with additional locations to be announced soon.

2.22.08

10.10.06
You should totally check out Ben Todd of The Lesser Scene doing solo stuff Wednesday, October 25th. I heard he likes people so that means he likes YOU!

8.1.06
If you're in LA check out Derek Erdman's show. I heard he likes to give away milkshakes.

Mister Greg Shirilla goes solo! Someone give the man a smoke or a light or an Old Style, just not an Old Style Light!


5.30.06
Foundation Projects presents:
True + True = Forever
New works by Russ Pope and Tim Kerr

Opening Reception:
Saturday, June 3rd, 2006
26pm preview, 610pm opening reception with the artists
+ musical performance by Ray Barbee

Exhibition Hours : Sunday, June 4th 12-4pm

Featured in the exhibition are new works made by each artist and site-specific installations. AND Foundation Projects is pleased to release a limited edition collaborative silkscreen print with Russ and Tim.

Update 10.10.06
BLAH BLAH BLAH... I deleted a ton of stuff on accident that would be boring to read now anyway. You should do something else with your time if you're still reading this. Seriously.

12.22.05
Hellooooooo friends! Thanks for your support through 2k5! It's cliche, but I'm going to say it anyway...it's hard to believe we've been around for nearly a year now. There, that wasn't so awful. Things to look for in 2006 include new designs from Travis Millard, Whitney Superstar, and Michael Sieben. We're working with other artists as well hammering out details. As always we'll keep things on the edge. We'll also be including more long sleeve shirts and possibly a foray into the world of kids t-shirts. Yeeeehaaawww!

Some of the older designs are on sale in the store so snatch 'em up before they're all gone. Look for Travis Millard's design to be available in mid/late January. eThos' interview will be up soon I promise. During 2006 we'll keep you informed of our artist's whereabouts and hopefully we'll get back to adding to the Stuff section soon. We welcome your writing submissions (interviews, reviews, short stories, etc). Contact us at info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

Have a great New Year!

12.13.05
The Coctails are playing at Rotofugi on Thursday, December 15th. I guess it's a release party for some Coctails action figures Archer Prewitt designed. I'm not sure why you would want a Coctail action figure, but Rotofugi is the place to go if you do.

You still have time to get in orders before Christmas so get cracking.

12.1.05
Hey there! We've put some of our older shirts on sale just in time for Christmas. What says I love you at Christmastime better than some skulls with a t-bone steak or a snarky Shut Your Mouth Up tee? Get your orders in now so you're not scrambling to find Uncle Vic that perfect Sun Ra shirt at the last minute! New long sleeve t-shirts from eThos also. They're like the other ones, but longer in the sleeve!

SH artist Nevada Hill has an upcoming show at Art Prostitute titled, "Line Of Confusion". If you're around the Denton, TX area check it out or visit Art Prostitute after December 6th to purchase pieces online.

As always, we are accepting artist and writing submissions. Send to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com for consideration. Let your friends know!

11.17.05
Garden Fresh has an opening this Friday featuring work by SH artists Greg Shirilla and Jeremiah Ketner as well as Burtonwood & Holmes , Michael John Hofer, Alain Douglas Park, and Andrew Rigsby. Opening reception: Friday, November 18th 6pm ­ 10pm. Show continues through Saturday, December 17th. Hours are Saturday Noon - 5pm or by appointment.

11.11.05
Secret Handshake was recently bought out by Nike so you're going to see some changes. First, Greg and I are finally filthy rich. We always knew it would happen we just weren't sure when. I've always thought of myself as a sellout and now I can wear that tag proudly as I purchase my new Hummer in cash money. We're not sure if Nike is keeping the current roster in tact, but we did hear that Lebron James was recently spotted dabbling in water colors. Team photo at the Dischord house?

So yeah, Nike didn't actually buy us, but I think I saw one of their ads recently. As always Brett and Whitney Superstar have been working like crazy on new paintings. I swear they add 10 new ones a week and I love every one.

If you're bored go here. If you're hungry head here and bring me back something. If you need something to read go buy this book from Joe Meno. In fact buy a lot of stuff from Punk Planet becasue they're in a bind since their distributor Indy Press Newsstand Services is not able to pay for magazines that hit newstands months ago. This is threatening to put them under. Help keep them alive by buying a subscription or two.

Did you know that Anton Maiden was found dead 2 years ago today? Check out the MP3's. "Run to the Hills" is especially choice. Read some of the comments. It's funny how so many metal heads are pissed off by his recordings. Like he disrespected Maiden by being a teenage fan or something? BEWARE: listening to these songs more than once gets really boring.

Have a swell weekend kids.

10.24.05
Come hang with Secret Handshake November 3rd @ Darkroom!
Secret Handshake will be hosting another fun filled evening at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago Ave.) on Thursday, November 3rd and this is gearing up to be our biggest event yet with four bands and two new designs to introduce. New shirts by artists Thom Lessner and eThos will be presented, along with past designs by artists Tim Kerr, Jeremiah Ketner, Greg Shirilla, Brett Superstar, Nevada Hill, and Abby Friedman. Music by Gil Mantera's Party Dream, Jah Safe (featuring Vitamin D), Eva Destruction and Her Big Band (SH recording stars), and P155 (debut performance of SH hombre, Greg Shirilla's new band). This event will also mark the cd release of Gil Mantera's newest record, "Bloodsongs." Everything kicks off at 9:00 and is only $8.

Click HERE to buy advance tickets.

10.21.05
Don't forget about Rotofugi tonight! Fun With Dead Bodies, an Exquisite Corpse show, named after the old surrealist parlor game where multiple artists would complete one drawing by taking turns drawing, then folding a sheet of paper so the next artist couldn’t see the complete work. The resulting surreal bodies, landscapes and whatnot were often spectacular. Show curator eThos has lined up an amazing array of painters and illustrators to participate in our modern version.

10.17.05
No Barry McGee is not doing a design for SH, but he is speaking at the Art Institute of Chicago on Wednesday at 6:00.

10.14.05
SH made the Chicago Reader's cover story, Made in Chicago: Twenty-six Designers who are Making Local Fashion Matter. Ha! It's just a short blurb on us and they refer to Thom Lessner's Danzig design as Andrew WK, but I guess we'll let that slide since they're both kinda greasy (Danzig and the WK that is... not Thom, he's just bearded). They call our shirts "a little bit hesher, a little bit art school". I just think it's funny that they used the word hesher. You can read the whole article here. Just to warn you, it will open as a pdf file.

Garden Fresh has an opening tonight from 6-10 featuring work by Melissa Ebbe and Lisa Kuppinger, two artists probing the boundaries between animal and human interaction. Get down there and see what it's all about. 840 W. Washington. 2nd Fl Chicago, IL

Hey LA folk! Don't forget to go to eThos' opening tomorrow! Right Place, Wrong Time. Opening is October 15th from 6PM - 9PM

10.7.05
Tim Kerr has a solo show opening tonight Friday, October 7th at End of an Ear record store in Austin,TX. Check it!

Look for a new design from eThos in the next couple weeks. If you're in L.A. next weekend check out the show he's curating at Transport Gallery, Right Place, Wrong Time. Opening reception is October 15th from 6PM - 9PM and runs through November 20th.

I just found out about a photography show that opens tonight at April Sevens from 7-10. It's right next door to Rotofugi so you can stop in and buy a SH shirt while you're in the area. heh heh. Speaking of Rotofugi, they have a show coming up on October 21st that was also curated by eThos and features a couple current SH artists along with some others we will be working with in the future. Some of the names include eThos, Thom Lessner, Cody Hudson, Andy Jenkins, Travis Millard, Michael Sieben, and plenty more. This is going to be HUGE so mark yr damn calendar now.

Update: Join our friend Dustin Mertz tonight at Estelle's in Chicago to view some of his new paintings that will reside there for...um I'm not really sure how long so we'll just say awhile. Impromptu party starts at 9:00 and ends??? Isn't this place open all night? Hold onto your barstool kids.

Oh yeah, did I mention that eThos is a dork?

9.30.05
Brett and Whitney Superstar have a show opening on October 13 at Local 35 in Portland, OR. You really have to see their work in person to fully appreciate it so if you're around Portland check it out.

Check out these awesome photos from Tim Kerr's show at Needles and Pens in San Francisco. I love the "do you skate, or are you just wearing those shoes" because Tim asked those same words of me at his Delilahs' opening in Chicago. Thankfully I didn't have to explain how I bought my VANS at Hot Topic.

9.29.05  
Check out Eva Destruction and Her Big Band tomorrow night Friday, September 30th at Uncommon Ground.  Eva and Gary step up to the mic at 9:00 and it's FREE!  They always pack the house so show up a little early and sing along to your favorite punk classics.

Thanks to Todd Kephart for snapping photos for SH this past week.  Now when you click on a design you can leaf through images to get a better feel for how our shirts look.  In other news, we have a couple new artists we are working with and have a new shirt slated for an October release.

Future SH artist eThos is curating a show in L.A. at Transport Gallery titled, Right Place, Wrong Time featuring work from himself, Angela Boatwright, SFaustina, Mel Kadel, Craig Mertzger and others.  Opening reception is October 15th from 6PM - 9PM and runs through November 20th.  If you're in L.A. you should definitely grab your friends and represent.

   9.14.05 
Garden Fresh has opened a gallery space in Chicago’s West Loop area at 840 W. Washington 2nd Floor.  Among the directors of Garden Fresh are SH Co-Owner/Artist Greg Shirilla and SH artist Jeremiah Ketner.   Their first exhibit “The Wrestlers Show” opened on September 9th and continues through October 8th featuring the photography of Justin Schmitz.  The building collectively schedules openings on the second Friday of every month so be sure to stop by while hitting up other galleries in the area.

Tim Kerr has an opening on Saturday, September 17th at Needles & Pens in San Francisco, CA.  The show titled "Elevation" features Tim, photographer Bill Daniel , and film maker Vanessa Renwick and is part of the Mission Art Walk.

9.1.05 
I've been reading the news every day since Katrina hit and am floored by the devistation and the lack of immediate response from our government. It may not be much, but Secret Handshake will donate $4 per shirt sold online in September and October to the Katrina Disaster Fund.

Click Here to listen to an amazingly intense interview with the Mayor of New Orleans.

8.25.05 
Some people have asked me what Secret Handshake is all about. Well…basically we’re here because we’re fans. We respect the artists we work with and are trying to help promote their work while running a business. Greg and I come from the DIY esthetic of the 80’s when people began creating so they could have a voice. The fan zine is a true testament to this. Bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys and Big Boys are a true testament to this. Randy “Biscuit” Turner passed away recently, but he and Tim Kerr said it best during Big Boys live performances—“start your own band”. Seriously, do it. Start your own t-shirt company and we’ll link you to our site if you’re in it for the right reasons. The underground art/music scene is all about giving back. Your opportunity to contribute is now!

8.25.05 
Let's see...if you're in Chicago the Minutemen documentary, We Jam Econo , opens at the Gene Siskel Film Center tomorrow. I cannot wait to see this film and cannot say enough about the band. They didn't care about fashion or what others thought. They just made music that they liked and no one has since come close to topping their originality.

The Crutch recently posted an excellent review of the new Eva Destruction and Her Big Band cd. This was "released" by Secret Handshake and we highly reccomend buying a copy. Buy it direct from Eva and Gary here.

8.18.05 
Sunday, August 21st SH will be selling shirts at the Eve's Parlor Burlesque show at The Note (1565 N Milwaukee). Jesus and the Devil are playing along with Corporate X. There's a bunch of other stuff going on also, but I'm kinda outta the loop on this one. All I know is that there will be scantily clad girls dancing and that's good enough for me. Show starts at 9:00 so come on down!

8.12.05 
Visit Jeremiah's site at www.smallandround.com

8.06.05 
Tim Kerr's show opens tonite at Camp Fig.
Click here to check out the mailer.

New design from Thom Lessner will be back by the end of the week.

8.05.05 
If you know what's up we'll see you at Foundation Gallery tonite for the opening of You Are Beautiful.

Also, SH designer Tim Kerr has a show at Camp Fig in Austin, TX opening on Saturday. Show some love and support some good people.

7.28.05 
The You Are Beautiful 'You Are I Am' books that have been traveling the world, will be on display at Open End Gallery (Chicago, IL) this Saturday, July 30th from 6-10. The exhibit will then move to Foundation Gallery (Chicago, IL) where it will stay from August 5th - 21st. This will be Foundation's last exhibit in Chicago before they move to Los Angeles. We'll miss you! For more information on You Are Beautiful check out our STUFF section.

If you're around Wicker Park on Sunday check out Reigning Sound. They'll be playing at the Wicker Park Summer Fest at the corner of Damen & North. They're one of the best live bands out there and I promise you wont be dissapointed.

7.25.05 
Look for a new design from Thom Lessner within the next couple weeks.

7.19.05 
Who: Walking Bicycles and The Tax
What: Discount t-shirts, live music, and drink specials
Where: Darkroom 2210 W. Chicago
Why: (not) it's only 5 bucks!
When: Thursday, July 21st 9:00

Thanks to everyone who bought shirts at Intonation. You're our new best friends!

7.12.05  If you're in Chicago you should hit up Intonation this weekend and check out DEPART-ment since we'll have our shirts on sale for only 20 bucks.  I'll be the guy walking around with warm beer and a Crisco-sized tub of sun tan lotion.  It'll probably be 112 degrees out so remember to rehydrate. If you follow this diagram you should be all set. Just remember to pack two spoons, a measuring cup of water, some rehydrator (in powder form) and a spare hand (since you will obviously have none). Can you tell that I have the internet back and some time to kill?

Also, if you have pictures of yourself in any of our shirts send em to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com and we'll make you almost famous.  You know something like this, but maybe you could pose somewhere cool like here.

I know it's hard to find a good noodling movie soundtracked by that guy from the Flaming Lips, but I think Greg finally found one. Go RENT THIS now!

7.7.05  It's time to party once again with Secret Handshake Designs at Darkroom (2210 W. Chicago) Thursday, July 21st.  Secret Handshake will have their latest and greatest artist-designed t-shirts on sale for $20 while The Tax and Walking Bicycles provide the rock n' roll.  Shake it to the garage-psych beat of The Tax—one part Rod Stewart pre "Maggie May", a smattering of Dave Davies' "Preservation Society", and a dash of Keith (Richards or Moon—your call).   Just when things are about to boil over, Walking Bicycles will bring their sonic attack featuring the moody vocals of Jocelyn Summers.  Think Joy Division meets Pretty Girls Make Graves served with a slice of key lime pie.  Everything kicks off at 9:00 for only $5.  Free air conditioning!   $2 bottles of High Life, PBR, and Old Style.

7.5.05  Check out this cool piece the good people at Crown Dozen wrote on SH. In case you are not familiar with Crown Dozen, they are a super "kool with a k" online magazine featuring reviews of your favorite toys, cd's, movies, magazines, etc.   Plus they have some excellent interviews with cool artists like Above, Gary Baseman, and Jeff Soto. 

This fun designer toy store/magazine Super7 out of San Francisco will be carrying our shirts in the near future.  You can also find SH at Rotofugi in Chicago, IL and at Art Prostitute in Denton, TX.

Look for us at the Intonation Music Festival July 16th and 17th.   DEPART-ment will be setting up shop there so we will be hawking our wares.

SH will be throwing another party at Darkroom on Thursday, July 21st. The lineup looks like Walking Bicycles and The Tax. Fun for all!

6.20.05  Sorry for the lack of news, but no internet = no updates. Luckily I found that this bar near my place has free wireless and $2 PBR. Plus they're playing Nirvana's, “Bleach”. Anyway, my life is now complete (I think).

If you haven't noticed already we have a new shirt in our store. This rad dude Mr. Nevada Hill designed it for us and it's pretty bitchin’ if I do say so myself. He works for Art Prostitute and Foundry Press Foundry printed this one for us and Art Prostitute are carrying our shirts in their gallery so we think they're both pretty swell.

Abby Friedman recently designed a shirt for KEXP radio out of Seattle. I think this is actually the second one she's done for them. We like Abby, you should also.

I wrote some crappy reviews that will be posted along the left-hand margin on the site and in the stuff section. Maybe these will compel you to write something better and submit it to us at info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

Update: Holy hell Husker Du just came on in the bar. I love this place!

Double Update: Green Eye shut off the Indians game in favor of the White Sox, I lost my internet connection, and they started playing Jamiroquai Ugh!

Some weird dude just handed me a business card of some girl he's stalking and asked me if I could find her online. I'm so outta here.

5.27.05  Long overdue update:
Brett and Whitney Superstar have been busy making insanely cool new paintings and selling them on the streets of Portland the first and third Thursday of every month. You can also look for them at random art fairs around the town this summer. Brett had one of his designs selected to be featured on a limited edition pint glass for Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. Brett still likes bacon. In fact he loves bacon!

Tim Kerr is learning the Irish Button Accordian and needs lessons so if you know anyone that plays he'd love an e-mail. He also has a show coming up in August at Camp Fig down in Austin, Texas. Rich Jacobs will also be in the show among others. Also look for new records from The Monkeywrench and Total Sound Group soon. Tim is also going to Croatia, Ljubliana and Scottland to record. This guy is amazing!

Greg Shirilla and the Die Kase Hause clan have a show opening at Foundation Gallery June 3rd right here in Chicago. Artists are coming in from around the country so it should be a good time for all.

I'm in the middle of moving so who knows when I'll have the internet again. I feel the withdrawl already. Go to myspace and look up Secret Handshake kids. Greg hates Myspace, but I may be a little more of a stalker. Ha! New shirts soon! Later daze friends.

5.20.05  Summer has finally made its way to Chicago and a couple new designs will be here soon to help celebrate. New artists will include Witchbeam and one from Art Prostitute's, Nevada Hill. We plan on putting together some more events soon so check back. In the meantime come shed a tear over the final Monday night at Lava Lounge May 23rd. Greg, Dustin, Justin, and I will be spinnin cover songs all night while sippin whiskey and suckin down beers. It's sure to be a drunkin blast for all.

5.13.05  Thanks to to everyone for making Thursday so rad and an extra special thanks to Darkroom, Euphone, Stag Party, and DJ Foulmouth.

Don't forget that we're still looking for more artist submissions. Send any work or links to your work to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

5.07.05  Heading down to DEPART-ment in a little bit to help out. Greg worked the register last night and I guess it was insane. I'm hoping for a cushy bag boy position. DEPART-ment runs through Sunday so be sure to stop by.

Don't forget about the Darkroom party this Thursday featuring Euphone, Stag Party and DJ Foulmouth. It kicks off at 9:00 and is only $5. 

5.02.05  Thanks to Edmar and company for making Version so rad this year. We kicked back with Foundation and Mark and Nevada from Art Prostitute. If you're ever in Denton, Texas swing by AP's gallery. A girl in an American flag dress handed out fries with mayonnaise all day Saturday and we ate at Johnny O's multiple times. I got a hot dog, fries and a coffee for $1.60. Greg's thinking of moving next door.

Check out Crown Dozen for a cool piece on the Die Kase Hause art collective.

Secret Handshake will also be at DEPART-ment this weekend hosted by Open End Gallery. Stop by and bring cash because there is sure to be a lot of good stuff for sale. That's it for now.

4.30.05  http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com. http://versionfest.com.

4.26.05  I was just flipping through March's issue of Arthur Magazine and came across a few of Tim Kerr's paintings in Byron Coley and Thurston Moore's review section. Tim made the list of 80 Goddamn Good Things of 2004 and rightfully so.

4.25.05  Secret Handshake will be at Version 05 this weekend Friday - Sunday selling our shirts and supporting our friends. For more information visit http://versionfest.com.

We're also throwing a party May 12th at the Darkroom. It'll be a night of kick-ass music with Euphone and Stag Party as well as a possible set from DJ Foulmouth.  Nice!  We'll have more details on this soon.   It's gonna be a blast kids.

4.20.05  Attention writers: Secret Handshake is currently looking for writing submissions to include on the site. CD/book/gallery opening/show reviews, interviews, short stories, etc... whatever floats your boat. Are you interested? Submit to info@secrethandshakedesigns.com. Keep the design submissions coming in also. Maybe you'll end up on the SH roster! Check out the Contact page for more information.

In other super cool news, our favorite designer toy store, Rotofugi will be carrying Secret Handshake in the very near future. If you're in Chicago visit them at 1953 W. Chicago Ave.

4.19.05  Welcome to the new Secret Handshake website. Take a look around and let us know what you think.

If you happen to be in Cleveland right now you should check out the Four09 show at Buzz Gallery. Act fast though because it closes April, 23rd.

4.16.05  Cool things to do tonight:
1. Miss Norah and her label Shit Sandwich are throwing a party at Cal’s (400 N Wells). Check out this cool feature the Reader did on Norah.
2. Shellac is playing twice today at Martyrs’. I think they played brunch this morning for the old fogies like me.
3. Spring cleaning. My house just got the smack down. It smells like key lime pie.
4. Get drunk with these people. Good luck finding them.

4.12.05  Damn, so slackadaisical lately. One week between posts already? Well guess what? Superstar's shirt is finally back. It looks pretty damn sweet too. Army green just in case you want to blend in with some pete moss or buddy up with the psycho guy from your local surplus store.

In other n ews, our friends, Eva Destruction and Her Big Band are helping Greg and I pretend like we have our own record label. That's right, SH will be releasing, "Sing Along With Eva" some time in early May. Think Stiv Bators meets Nancy Sinatra. Nice.

4.05.05  Our friends at Foundation Gallery will be speaking tonight at Interrupt Media Group and Subsystence's next installment of their monthly INFLUENCE night at Sonotheque. The focus is on the local art and design community. The evening begins at 8pm with a discussion about the state of the Chicago creative scene. For more information visit http://interrupt-media.com/influence/

4.03.05  New shirts on the way! Brett Superstar's should be back within a week and look for one from Jeremiah Ketner later in the month. That's it for now.

4.01.05  So someone stole my damn Huffy right outta my garage. I mean come on, I was gonna totally use it to cruise over to the mini mart to buy some Thundercat stickers. Oh wait, that was 21 years ago and it was my sister that took it. She hid it all good and stuff—you know, behind the garage. Damn April Fools Day! On another random note...all hail daylight savings! I'm looking forward to more drinking while it's light out.

3.29.05  Thanks to everyone who came out last night to support Secret Handshake and Bail! I've never seen Lava so crowded on a Monday. If you wanted a shirt yesterday, but didn't have the cash, buy one on the site or shoot us an e-mail and we'll meet you out somewhere. Look for SH at Version 05 the last week of April. We'll have a table set up and a couple new shirts for sale by then. We'll also be throwing a party at Darkroom in May so stay tuned. I'm gonna kick back and read my new issue of Bail now. Later.  info@secrethandshakedesigns.com

3.25.05  Looking for a press release or high res pics? Click here. Useless fact: I hate onions, but love onion rings.

3.24.05  Hey there people. If you're one of the few I've spoken with that won't be seeing Slint this weekend here's a couple other cool things to do.

If you haven't checked out the Tragic Beauty show at Open End Gallery you better get of your ass because it closes on Saturday. Pit Er Pat, Icy Demons, and Baby Teeth will be playing on Friday, and I think it's a measly ten bucks.
If you're in the mood for something different, and a WHOLE lot of fun, check out Gil Mantera's Party Dream at the Empty Bottle Friday night. I guarentee you'll cry with laughter.

Don't forget Monday at Lava Lounge. Greg's busting out his old speed metal records (hello Celtic Frost) and Mr. Coleman and I will be spinning old skate rock and punk. Remember The Faction and McRad? We do. It'll be a blast! Bail and SH will have shirts and magazines for sale and there will be free raffles, beer specials, and more! What more could you ask for on a Monday night?

Extra special thanks to Todd Kephart for snapping the new photos on the site. More will be posted in the Store soon so check back. Thanks to Sara, Shelia, and Kev-e-Kev for drinkin' beer and posing (he he...posers). Later.

3.18.05  An early warning for those in Chicago::
Secret Handshake/Bail Magazine Release Party
Lava Lounge - Monday, March 28th 8:00-2:00
Check out our spankin’ new shirts and issue 04 of Bail Magazine, featuring all things cool in skateboarding culture. Greg and I will be spinning skate rock, punk rock, and metal all night. Discount prices and giveaways!

3.14.05  Found this cool photography site if you're interested. Thanks to the Cleveland folks who bought shirts during my short stay.

3.10.05  Looking for something to do this Friday between 6-10PM? Why not head over to Foundation Gallery for the opening of Ascenders/Descenders, an exhibition of works based on typography featuring Robin Cameron, Lukas Geronimas, Ben Loiz, and Sighn. Ascenders/Descenders, draws together artists whose work is influenced by typographic experiments from graphic designers and whose work does not simply exist as artists utilizing text in their artwork. Words become objects that range from beautiful, to ugly, gritty and awkward to seamlessly clean. 700 North Carpenter Street Chicago, IL

If you have any questions about Secret Handshake e-mail us at info@secrethandshakedesigns.com.

3.07.05  Tim Kerr will have a few pieces in Rich Jacobs' latest installment of his ongoing group show, "Move". This is the thirteenth show he has curated in this series and it will kick off March 17th (o' holy day of drinking) at Clementine Gallery in New York, New York, and runs through April 16th. Tim and his wife Beth will be attending the opening so if you're in the area you should drop by and say hello. He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I swear.

3.06.05  The Daily Vanguard (Portland, OR) recently ran this article on our friend's Brett and Whitney Superstar. The Superstars' have also put together an on-line gallery to display their most recent work. Look for Brett's Secret Handshake t-shirt soon.

3.04.05  If you're in Chicago you should totally go to The Funny Club opening at Rotofugi (1953 W. Chicago Avenue) tonight. This is the first full showing of The Funny Club Show 2005, a traveling art exhibition of customized toy figures that includes over 140 different artists. At the Rotofugi showing there will be approximately 50 additional hand-customized figures commissioned by the toy store primarily by Chicago-based artists. Secret Handshake's very own Greg Shirilla is one of these artists along with others such as: Jeremiah Ketner (upcoming S.H. designer), Jay Ryan, Mat Daly, Dianna Sudd (all three of Birdmachine), eThos, Revize CMW, Justin Goh, Paul Nudd, JoJo, Vaugnda Johnson, Holly Holmes, Joey Potts & Krista Peel.

You should also check out the Tragic Beauty opening at Open End Gallery tonight feraturing work by Juan Chavez, Mike Genovese, Cody Hudson and Chris Silva. And if you happen to be around Milwaukee at at all this month be sure and check out Jeremiah Ketner's solo show at Hot Cakes Gallery. Enjoy!

3.01.05   The secret is out! Giant Robot #36 hit stores today and we have our first ad running in it. Not sure who the features are on yet, but it's gotta be good--it's Giant Robot! While you're at it, check out our friends page for links to other cool stuff. Update: The latest issue of GR features the insanely talented Ryan McGinness.

2.27.05   Welcome to Secret Handshake Designs. No matter how you stumbled upon us, we’re glad you’re here, and thrilled to have the website up and running. A lot of time has gone into getting things rolling so we hope you’re happy with the result.

Secret Handshake was launched to help promote our friend's artwork in a fun and affordable way. Artist-designed t-shirts turned out to be the perfect fit. Ideas were thrown around, shots of Jaeger and Jameson tossed back, and before we knew it designs were on the way.

We have a long list of people we want to work with, and hope to add more designs soon.  All shirts are limited in quantity so you’ll want to grab one now because once they’re gone that’s it—no reprints.  If you have any questions visit our contact page.

Thanks for stopping by.