ON DECK VI

Each year the Montana Skatepark Association hosts On Deck a fundraiser combining art and skateboarding. The goal is to help Montana Communities build free, public, concrete skate-parks. I participated in On Deck V which helped raise $4,500 to help Montana communities establish skateboard parks and develop skate-park programming. Sweet right!?

Well its that time a year again and the preparations for On Deck 6 are underway. This is the 6th annual skate art auction to raise money to promote skateboarding in Montana. This year's auction will be taking place at the brink gallery in Missoula, MT.

The opening of the show will be on First Friday in May - May 6 from 5-8 pm. The live auction will take place on May 21.

Here's the Skinny on the Event:

• Each year The MSA puts out a nation wide call to artists.
• Artists interested in being considered for the ON DECK Art Auction submit their name, contact information and a web address that displays their work.
• A limited number of artists are chosen by MSA Board members to participate in the ON DECK Art Auction.
• Chosen artists receive a blank skate deck in the mail to design as they see fit and return to the MSA.
• Online bidding begins in mid-April, prior to the live auction.
• May 6th, 2011 All art decks go on display at The Brink gallery in Missoula, MT for First Friday reception.
• May 21, 2011 ON DECK VI Live Auction is held in Missoula, Montana.

Learn more @ montanaskatepark.org/ondeck

I was among the selected artists again this year and have been patiently awaiting the arrival of my deck...

Today I got home from a long days work and what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a slender cardboard box filled with skate gear!

So I ripped open the tape to reveal my fresh canvas!

I have seen a ton of blank decks of all shapes and sizes but I still get excited every time I get one in. Each one is a little different and right now they're so fresh and clean and just crying out for some love, affection and paint!





Now to get to the prep-work...