An impressive collection of work from some of the region’s most respected visual artists.
Concrete is a fundraiser that takes the form of a silent art auction to support Fredericton Skate Park Inc.’s campaign to raise $500,000 to build a world-class skate park at the Fredericton Exhibition Centre in memory of Isaac William Miller (1999-2014).
Currently on display in the Fredericton Playhouse annex gallery in association with Connexion ARC, the event consists of artwork created by over 50 Atlantic Canadian artists on used skateboard decks.
Used decks were collected from several area skateboarders and shops and distributed to interested artists.
“I know just about every skater in town,” said FSP Inc.’s Mark Landry. “I just contacted as many friends as possible to donate old decks. The artists loved the idea of creating on a new surface. They seemed excited to all be a part of the project.”
Concrete includes work from many Fredericton area artists both accomplished and emerging including Ann Manuel, Andrea Brewer, Jared Betts, Stephanie Weirathmueller and more.
“There were a few surprises,” said Landry. “I was really surprised by Ann Manuel’s work as well as Maya Wilms painting. I gave a deck to Maya on a whim and she painted it within three days. Also, Adam Jeffries blew me away too. I received two boards when I wasn’t expecting any and I received three boards from Neil Svenson. Two of his boards were tributes to the old TNB/Playhouse days. They reference what used to be there and the good times we had at a simple spot. When we had the space by the Playhouse, we had a place to meet and develop our own community. We didn’t have coaches or parents hanging around and we progressed at skating independently. That was the beauty of it all.”
Work will be on display at the Fredericton Playhouse from May 7 2015 – June 3, 2015.
Final bids can be made in person at the closing event on June 3, 2015 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Fredericton Playhouse. There is also an online bidding gallery located on the Facebook event page.
For more information please visit the event online. You may also contact Deanna Musgrave at dmmsgrv@yahoo.com; or Marc Landry at Marc.landry@nbed.nb.ca
