SKATE IT OR HANG IT!?

The Evolution of Skateboard Art will examine the visual aspects of skateboarding, a sport important to contemporary youth culture since the 1970s, by presenting a broad range of styles, imagery, and visual expression in skateboard art.

With a broad focus on skateboard graphics - in particular the styles and methods used to embellish skateboard decks - the exhibition will appeal to a broad range of skateboarders, designers, and artists, as well as to Atlanta’s youth in general.

Visitors will come to understand skateboard graphics in a variety of ways, as the exhibition will include:

• A survey of skateboard art from the 1970s to the present day featuring over 175 iconic skate decks.

• Series boards highlighting the fundamental shift in skateboard art from “skater-based” to “company-based” imagery.

• Interviews with VCJ and Jim Phillips, along with personal appearances and original art by Sean Cliver, Andy Howell, Wes Humpston, Lance Mountain, Steve Olson and Michael Sieben.

• Original installations by Atlanta-based artists Alex Brewer (aka HENSE) and Charlie Owens.

• Educational activities in which children are invited to design and create their own skateboard decks.

• An exhibit demonstrating the steps by which skateboard decks are manufactured.

• A 9 foot interactive skateboard sticker exhibit - all ticketed attendees will be given a sticker to “slap on the board” for future time lapse video.

• Interactive video highlighting skateboard tricks and street tagging.