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Q&A RAPID CITY ARTS COMMUNITY CELEBRATES SKATE CULTURE Image by Rapid City Arts Council
Image by Steve Babbitt
A canvas doesn’t have to be well, a canvas. The Rapid City Arts Council’s "That’s How We Roll" auction is all about using skateboard decks in the most creative possible ways. Local people from middle schoolage kids to professional artists are given blank decks, and then the finished works are auctioned off. Arts Engagement Coordinator Tyler Read explains how this event has gained momentum over the past four years. Who are some of the artists participating this year? TR: We can't say specific names because the boards aren't available to the public yet, but we get everyone involved. Artists as young as 13, and even a couple in their 70s. Whoever wants to submit a board is welcomed into the show. We see a lot of support from the local tattoo art community, though. They really represent at these. What do people love about this event? TR: I think people love the accessibility of this event. Sometimes art on canvas carries a certain pretentious stigma with it that
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is intimidating. Some people feel more comfortable displaying their creativity on pop culture items that they feel connected to like skateboards or shoes. It takes away the stigma. What’s new for this year’s event? TR: We always have a surprise element to our shows. In the past, we've had things like air guitar battles, or a flash mob style drum line performance (I think we may have barely avoided some heart attacks that year). We have some things brewing for this year, but we aren't showing you our cards just yet. Anything else we should know? TR: This is a free event, and we love seeing the community come out and show their support for the artists involved, and for youth arts education, which continues to take a big hit in funding. This is a fresh event that makes a difference in our community. Being a part of things like this is the funnest and easiest way to be proactive in creating solutions for the things we want and value. That’s How We Roll - Skateboard and Art Auction is September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at The Dahl Arts Center. For more info, visit thedahl.org or call (605) 394-4101.
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