Friends of Ruston Skatepark will present an art exhibition and fundraiser on May 13 at Ruston Farmers Market from 6-10pm. This event, 50/50 for Ruston, is something new and exciting for our community. It will feature 150+ one-of-a-kind skate decks that were created by artists, musicians, and skaters from throughout the US and beyond. For example, singer-songwriter Gillian Welch is participating, using her song Wrecking Ball as inspiration for her design. World-famous skater Tony Hawk is participating, with a signature and personal note to Ruston on a deck created by artist Joey Slaughter. We will be featuring local talent as well, with donations from Emily Ezell, Vitus Shell, Jake Dugard, and many others.
Another special part of the event is a group of 30 skate decks that were created by Lincoln Parish middle and high school students. Talented Art classes incorporated skate art into their curriculum, with students submitting designs for a competition to be awarded the chance to exhibit at 50/50 for Ruston. Schools represented include Ruston Junior High, teacher Crystal Pye; AE Phillips, teacher Maggie Boudreaux; Cedar Creek, teacher Chase Lenard; and Ruston High School, teachers Erin Hanna and Deana Revels.
All of these items will be available in an online auction from May 1 through May 13. The auction will close at 9pm the night of our 50/50 for Ruston event. In addition to the skate decks, we also have music memorabilia and art, such as signed books, ceramics, and art prints. One highlight includes three Neutral Milk Hotel albums that the band’s founder Jeff Mangum customized with drawing and hand stamping.
50/50 for Ruston will include screenprinting, craft beer from Flying Tiger Brewery, live music and painting from Peelander Yellow, and of course a little bit of skateboarding. Regional food trucks will be on site, with Mi Meza Latin Cuisine, Cheese Louise Gourmet Grilled Cheese, and Peach City Rolled Ice Cream. Come grab dinner, view the art, place some bids, hear good music, and enjoy this wonderful community event that will directly benefit building Ruston Skatepark. The event is free, with food, drink, and items available for purchase.
All of the skate decks that will be on display are art objects, rather than decks to be used with wheels, so we encourage art lovers to be sure to attend this amazing show. Similar to the concept of Art on 45 and the Puppy Project, there’s something wonderful about artists starting at the same point and ending up in wildly different places.
Beginning May 1 you can see all the skate decks at 32auctions.com/5050ruston. You can keep up with the event by following Friends of Ruston Skatepark on Facebook. You can find out more about Ruston Skatepark plans at rustonskatepark.com.