Griptape gallery nearly doubles artist participation
After being pleasantly surprised at the turnout to last year’s Griptape Gallery — the first of its kind — the organizers were further surprised by the number of artist submissions to this year’s gallery.
The Griptape Gallery is an idea by the Butler Area Skatepark Association, which last year invited people to paint and decorate the undersides of skateboards to display at an art show that raised money for renovations to the skate park at Father Marinaro Park.
Ken Clowes, president of the BASA board of directors, said the first Griptape Gallery had about 60 submissions from artists. The one taking place this Friday, Nov. 13, received about 101 entrees.
“We've already doubled our artists, which was one of our goals from last year,” Clowes said. “If you counted everyone who came in last year, we had 350-plus.
“We're hoping to possibly double that, too. If we could see 600, 700 people in here that would be amazing.”
The Griptape Gallery takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Butler Art Center & Gallery, 344 S. Main St. Butler. There is no cost for admission. However, there is a $5 suggested donation.
Clowes said the association has gotten good traction in the Butler community and beyond, having hosted events including the Party in the Park in June. The Griptape Gallery will feature more than just skateboard art — there will be basket raffles, live music and guests can win some of the boards on display in the gallery.
This Griptape Gallery will probably be the last event of the year for the association, which plans to look for grants and sponsorships to help pay for renovations to the skatepark next year, according to Clowes.
“The awareness is there and I think the drive for the community to see this new skate park is there,” Clowes said. “We have some people on the board for grant searching … Working with the city and trying to get the county on board with grants, we're still hoping for in two years to make some changes.”
For more information on the Butler Area Skatepark Association or its Griptape Gallery, visit Butlerskate.org.
