At first, I thought this was a candy shop because of the name but after doing some research, I discover it was more like a art gallery that sell cool things ranging from affordable to not so affordable. I went in hoping to find a gift for a friend and I was able to snag a cute cup for $ 15. Not bad especially since I thought everything was going to be a lot more expensive. The store is filled with cool artwork, stationary and books, pins, tees, and other cool things. The owner was also super nice. He asked if the cup I’m getting is a gift and when I said it was, he went back to get some tissue papers for me. A+ in customer service!
Alexandra G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manhattan, NY
Amazing shop with very unique and hard to find prints, originals and more! We loved that the shop owners are involved in their product and are super knowledgeable of the artists they carry. We were told that their print sale was this weekend only and sadly we were short on spending cash but rest assured we will return to make some stellar purchases. Prices ranged from $ 5(yes you read that right) to upwards of $ 100. All very very reasonable for what the pieces were. We trust that Cotton Candy Machine will be the place to go to adorn the walls of our new apartment soon!
Gabriel T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
One of the most interesting places in Williamsburg, showcasing an array of hugely-talented artists with dark, pop, punk rock pretensions, and a great selection of books and magazines to match the vibe. Here only till December(cause everything wonderful can’t keep up with the rents) it is worth your time.
Nadia Z.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
The Cotton Candy Machine, you are a sweet treat for all creative senses. From art, to books, from gifts to whimsical merchandise, from poster prints to graffiti on the walls to t-shirts — you can find a little bit of everything here. I love it all and I am enchanted by prints that were on display the day we visited. It is truly quality work — great art and amazing inspirations, all in one place. Owner is pretty awesome to chat with — and super helpful. Love casual and simple atmosphere too — no pressure, no pretense. This is how all galleries should be. Stop by, you will not be disappointed.
Cydney M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Tucson, AZ
Rockin’ art shop in the middle of Williamsburg. Their staff members are really cool enthusiastic people who are willing to track down a print no longer in stock if you really want it. Their larger prints get pricy depending on the illustrator, but their T-shirts and small prints are definitely affordable. My boyfriend and I went in to scope the place out just before closing just to see if there was anything interesting(Yes we were just those people. Guilty). Everything from the merchandise to the gallery display is vivid with color and life– even some of the to darker pieces related to social issues. Definitely a place we’ll be returning to with more time and money on our hands. The staff members were sweet enough to let us stay 5 minutes past closing. They made small conversation with us about music, art, and their upcoming show on Friday June 17th before sending us to the sweet dive bar directly next door for some delicious and affordable quick food. In the end it made us returning customers to that neck of the neighborhood.
Scott L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
Cotton Candy Machine is an aptly named neon pink incubator of illustrative street artists hawking wares from graphic novels starting at $ 15, original artwork including prints and paintings starting around $ 200 as well as T shirts and vinyl figures. Think edgey, with varying nods to subversive, violence and fantasy worlds, like Mayan goddess as robot, and film stills of childhood cartoon characters with an adult twist. The bleach blonde retro new wave gothic redux chick, Grace, at the register was helpful and fun. «These street art stores are too few and far between.» I said lamenting the closing of some Kid Robot stores. «Yeah, we are struggling to keep up with the gentrification in Williamsburg» she lamented. «As a matter of fact if you’re ever gonna buy something, nows a perfect time.» Walls are grafittied out with each new show . which change every 3 – 4 months.
Stevie R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
This place rocks. Love browsing their art selection. Nice, friendly people.
Shila B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vancouver, Canada
Tara McPherson is one of the most underrated artists, however, in the rock poster community, her work is the most recognizable, imaginative and here pallet for colors is amazing. I was turned onto her art a few years ago and have picked up many books, coloring books and other non picture works of Tara. Sadly her original silk screens go for a A LOT of money, however, managed to pick up some minor works here and there over the years. I have met her back in the day before she shot to fame. She is a really nice and awesome person. The best poster that she has done has been the poster for the Melvins.
Andrew B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
This place rocks my socks. Sean and Tara are awesome, friendly people that really want to share their love for cool art with you — not sell you $ 10,000 worth of it. Speaking of which they have tons of affordable, awesome art. From killer t-shirts, to band posters and screenprints. They also sell original pieces for absurdly cheap. I have a killer Queens of the Stone Age tour poster by Tara, some creepy small pieces and an original Piece by Wizard Skull which is just awesome! Come here, bring a friend, look at the awesome stuff on the walls. Maybe buy something, but it is worth the trip.
Amala S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
As I was browsing through the other reviews I realized my review is from one who isn’t too familiar with Taras work or the store. I had heard the name through friends and siblings, and needed to get a graduation gift. When I walked in I was a little over whelmed and not sure where to start or even where to look… That’s when Grace walked up to me. She guided me through the store very patiently and told me all the different things they had. She worked with my budget to create a perfect gift and I’m so, so happy with how wonderful her customer service is as well as her knowledge about literally everything they had in the gallery. Very impressive and beautiful art!
David B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
A StreetArt lover/Graphic Artists’ paradise. From unique, one of a kind canvases, to limited numbered prints to collectables, they’ve got it all! I love this spot & don’t have much more to say, just check it out if this kind of thing interests you in the slightest. Update: Sean asked if I mentioned him by name, I didn’t. Now I will. Sean is cool too.
Molly D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
Created by two of the coolest folks around, this is the go to place for rad art. I usually stop in every month or two to pick up some new prints. I love the shirts/pillows/collectible toys, but the prints will always grab my heart first. I stopped through a few months ago with a street artist friend from the South who installs ceramic chicken heads all over the world, and after talking to us for a while, Sean let him install one of his chicken heads up on the front of the gallery! So, so nice!
Vanessa M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Auckland, New Zealand
I love this place! I had so much fun here chatting to Sean about, in particular Tara’s art, but just about everything in general. He’s always keen for a chat, as evidenced by all the people wandering in and the many conversations that took place during the hour that I was in there. He loves what he does, and it’s so cool to see. Definitely a must see if you’re in Brooklyn. We picked up a couple of prints and a coffee-table book to take home to NZ.
Kay C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
Sean is one of the owners of this cool store. He is friendly & a great person to have a conversation with while you shop. If your into art with a sick twist, come & check this place out. They have prints, original artwork, t-shirts, books, playing cards & more.
Ruth C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Washington, DC
Tara McPherson is strongly featured since it’s her home base, and let me tell you: she pours every girl’s broken heart out onto her canvases. As a bonus, lots of other great artists are also represented, with art shows scheduled to feature their eye-catching mixed-media work. Sean is a super cool dude telling awesome jokes and stories. Don’t let the grungy floor of this medium-sized shop fool you, the series, prints, cards, shirts, books, figurines, stickers, buttons, mugs, and phone cases will override your wallet’s complaints. I dare you to browse and not say«this is awesome» at least once.
Carolina S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
This is truly one of my favorite NY art galleries/boutiques! The founder is the very talented artist, Tara McPherson! Her husband, Sean is always providing a friendly atmospere. Whenever I come, there is an incredible art show on the walls, a collection of art books, t-shirts, prints and toys for purchase at affordable prices. Last month’s art show, «The Tiny Trifecta» was full of talented artist and all pieces were $ 100. There was a great energy at the show. And I have to mention there is a wonderful mural, provided by the gallery on Rivington by the artists, L’amour Supreme, Buff Monster and Bone Thrower. Warning: Closed Mondays
Bri H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Philadelphia, PA
I always stop in here when I’m in the area. There is just so much to look at in a relatively tiny space! The artwork, toys, books, shirts… you could actually spend a long time looking through all the great stuff. The best thing about this place are the people who work here(owners?). They are super friendly, not pretentious or too-cool in any way. They’ll engage you in conversation and happily answer your questions. No need to feel intimidated, even if you’re not super knowledgeable about pop art.
Shi T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Oakland, CA
Was here for Camilla d’errico’s show in Oct. of last year. Great store. Love it! East coast and female version of ZeroFriends. Tara’s work is awesome!!! The customer service was great(The guy even gave me some tips on good eats and local spots to hit.) Love Tara’s work that I couldn’t leave with enough of it. Seriously, who can pass up great impulse buys of dope art? Not me… says the chick that lugged that shit all over the tube with fierce pride.
Alf O.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Long Island City, NY
This place is radical. Good selection of pop art, art books at fair prices. The guy working here is cool.
Charlie C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Irvine, CA
This place is the bomb!!! Shout out to Sean! Hella dope dude. Dont let the name of the store fool you they do not have any candy for your stomach, but they do have fantastic eye candy to decorate your home with. Great pieces of art work. I totally love this store. I was able to get a portrait of Dr. Dre and an Arcade Fire poser. Both are numbered and limited in production! For sure I will make time to visit this place every time I am in NY.