(CLAIR) – Last weekend, the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, skateboarding, and music, drawing attendees of all ages to the much-anticipated “Skate and Create 2024” event. Held at The Simi Town Center, this two-day extravaganza, spanning from February 3rd to February 4th, offered a unique blend of workshops, classes, and contests led by a roster of well-known professionals from the skateboarding community and beyond.
- Diverse Range of Workshops and Classes: The event offered an expansive array of classes, from graphic design and skate deck artistry to musical performances and bonsai design, making it a comprehensive celebration of creativity.
- Participation of Skate Professionals: Notable figures like USA Olympian Bryce Wettstein and professionals from Hawk Clothing shared their expertise, providing hands-on guidance and inspiration in skateboarding and art.
- Interactive Bonsai Design Class: A unique highlight was the Bonsai Design class led by Bonsai Master Jordan Farar, offering an immersive experience into the traditional art of bonsai, demonstrating the event’s diverse range of creative workshops.
- Integration of Art and Skateboarding: The event creatively merged the worlds of skateboarding and art, notably through workshops where participants learned to prepare and create painted skate decks, symbolizing the fusion of physical activity and artistic expression.
- Support for the Skateboard Museum: All class fees contributed to the Skateboard Museum, showcasing the community’s commitment to supporting a local institution that fosters skateboarding culture and history.
The event kicked off on Saturday noon, bustling with activity until 9 pm, and resumed on Sunday, offering a more condensed schedule that wrapped up by 5 pm. Participants were treated to a wide array of affordable classes ranging from graphic design and skate deck artistry to musical performances and bonsai design, with class fees varying from free to $50, all contributing to the support of the Skateboard Museum.
Notable artists and skateboarders such as Ryan Winn, Matt Lorentz, Raven Cruz-Fadden, and Chistian Barrowclough shared their expertise on preparing and creating art on skate decks. Meanwhile, USA Olympian Bryce Wettstein and Logan Earth Ski’s Kelley Apanowicz took to the mini halfpipe, offering both inspiration and hands-on guidance to aspiring skateboarders, culminating in a fun-filled skate contest judged by Apanowicz and San Diego Padres ambassador Padre Libre.
The event also provided a platform for attendees to engage in quick sketch sessions led by premiere portrait artist Peter Whitley, alongside art jams focusing on pencil drawing techniques. Music enthusiasts had the opportunity to learn from seasoned musicians Steve Steadham of Citizen X and Chris Armes of Agent 51, with limited spots available for drum and guitar classes.
A highlight of the weekend was the Bonsai Design class taught by Bonsai Master Jordan Farar, offering an immersive experience into the meticulous art of bonsai. Singer and songwriter Bryce Wettstein hosted a songwriting class, emphasizing the joy of collaborative creativity and musical expression.
In addition to the workshops and classes, “Skate and Create 2024” featured the Johnny Rad’s Blue Tile Lounge Art Show and other installations, with opening night receptions attracting art lovers. Skate photographer Freddie DeSota led a photography workshop, capturing the essence of skateboarding through the lens, while DJ Blake Sterger introduced attendees to the art of DJ-ing.
The event concluded with comic book artists Danny Miki, ZanderComix6, and Matt Lorentz offering insights into character design and storytelling in comic art. The weekend was a testament to the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum’s commitment to fostering a community of creativity, inspiration, and skateboarding passion in Simi Valley.
