Plys with Purpose – Prove Gallery
by Sergej Vutuc
Prøve Gallery, Damage Boardshop and the Carlton County Skatepark Association are to open the exhibition
“Plys With Purpose”
on November 14
at Prøve Gallery, 21 N Lake Ave, from 7-11pm, with music by Jaw Knee Vee at 9:30pm.
This skateboard influence exhibition, silent auction, and skateboard-film premiers are all in support of raising money for the ongoing efforts to build a public, concrete skateboard park in Cloquet, MN. As always, events at Prøve Gallery are free and open to the public.
40 artistically crafted skateboard decks by regional, national, and international artists will be on exhibit and silent auction throughout the month of November. “Plys With Purpose” closing reception will be December 6 from 7-11pm, providing the opportunity for final bids. Open hours for Prøve Gallery are Thursday – Saturday 3-7pm, or by appointment. Contact Taylor Kline, taylor@provegallery.com or (320) 979-0483 for appointments. Proceeds from the silent auction and other donations will go to The Carlton County Skatepark Association.
Coinciding with the exhibition, three skateboard-influenced short films are to premier opening night. Josh Stewart, New York City, NY (Static Video Series), will be exhibiting a silent film about skateboarding in New York City. Jacob Durham, Minneapolis, MN, will be premiering Rift Co.’s Double Crossers. Mike Rapiach, Duluth, MN, will be premiering Charismatic. Notable artists/contributors include: Jerome Campbell (UK), Mark Foster (UK/Los Angeles), Benjamin Gore (San Fransisco), Ryuta Nakajima (Duluth), Andrew Reynolds (Los Angeles), SkateRadioh (Duluth), & Sergej Vutuc (Germany).
Attached artwork is of participating artists Chris Owen, Duluth, MN (The Living Art Studio), Todd Bratrud, Grand Forks, ND (Send Help Skateboards), Jahmal Williams, Brooklyn, NY (Hopps Skateboards), and Jack Hegerle, Minneapolis, MN.
At its common denominator, a skateboard deck is seven plys of wood pressed together, creating a wooden toy. This simple toy has developed into such complex cultures that have spread across the entire world. Skateboard culture has no boundaries or race while paving its way into all aspects of the arts – music, photography, filmmaking, literature, and design. “Plys With Purpose” demonstrates how a skateboard has influenced artists in our local community, while inviting artists and skateboarders that are nationally and internationally recognized to be apart of our community. Collectively we share the goal of bringing a skateboard park to Cloquet, MN. To donate or learn more, visit the Carlton County Skatepark Association website http://www.cloquetskatepark.org/
Prøve Gallery 21 N Lake Ave. Duluth, MN 55802
sergej vutuc 