Masi: Man of Mystery
By Jenny Wilkins
You could call Vince Masi a great many things: artist, promoter,
Yinzer and an aficionado of the
hipster lifestyle - but the man is nothing if not dedicated.
And if anything, that’s an understatement. So dedicated is Masi that he turned down a chance to chill with Hugh Hefner (and moreover, Hef’s companions) so he could still attend this weekend’s Sundae Market. No lie. The back story is as follows: Masi has long been associated with the nation-wide phenomenon
Down & Derby, a roller disco skating party that first originated in Pittsburgh. Its popularity did not go unnoticed, as Masi recently got a call from the producers of the TV show “
The Girls Next Door” to run skate rental at a roller party in the Playboy Mansion. Unfortunately, the playmates’ party falls on the same day as Sundae Market (August 30), so Masi instead asked a West Coast comrade to go in his place.
“I’m obviously committed,” Masi said.
Masi initially got involved with Sundae Market as a vendor. The first time he went was right after he had moved back to Pittsburgh from New York City in 2008. “I was trying to figure out what I was going to do here,” said Masi.
Self-described as “the Jack of all Trades and Master of Nothing,” Masi’s popular collection of goods range from t-shirts and jewelry to 80’s and 90’s items pulled from the back of the closet. The t-shirts he designed for Sundae Market are always in demand, but a staple at his table are his
Pittsburgh Pirate-inspired “
Yinzer” shirts.
“I get so much satisfaction just by creating the designs. Most of the time, I’m just making it for myself, but I enjoy making it available to others and seeing the effect it has on them,” said Masi. Not only is Masi a vendor for Sundae Market, but he has a huge role in promotions as well. “I’m basically the feet on the street,” said Masi. His biggest focus is to keep it fresh for the main base that has been attending every market, yet attract and continue to bring in the 70% of attendees that are newbies.
“Originally, Sundae Market was about artists showcasing their work. Now, it’s expanding - people pulling out their old 80’s gear from the closet or going into the garage and pulling out their old bicycles. Sundae Market is becoming more of a hipster flea market than just artists selling their work. And it’s really about getting everyone in the community involved,” said Masi.
Masi has already set goals for the Market’s future. “For short term, I want to give more options to the buyers and vendors and get a wider array of things to buy or sell,” said Masi. “For the long term, I’d really love to get in some live production vendors; artists who can silk screen right on the spot, or someone who has custom designs or paints bike frames or
mopeds.” Masi and Sundae Market have helped local artists gain exposure. Masi cites that local artist
Art by Arlo and
Tugboat Pringshop have become very successful off the opportunity the market has given him. It goes without saying that Masi is incredibly focused on enriching the social scene in Pittsburgh. He has his sights set on promotional work with many local non-profits to attract and nurture talent in Pittsburgh, and would like to produce some free events as well. He describes Pittsburgh as incredibly artist friendly, and says the vibrant
Pittsburgh community was the biggest thing that caused him to pack his bags and leave New York City. “I just wasn’t enjoying New York anymore,” Masi explains. “I started to hate everything: going to the bank, the lines at the post office, having to drive in the madness, paying enormous rent! I feel like there’s just more involvement in
Pittsburgh, and I love the community. New York City social life is stale. Pittsbugh’s scene is being reborn, it’s so fresh.”
For Masi, home is more than where you hang your hat and lock up your fixed gear. “I’m trying to plant my roots here,” said Masi. “I’m settin’ up shop.”
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