SHOP: Custom Skateboards for Sale
This past weekend, the Soapstone Gallery in midtown hosted over 30 artists who transformed raw skateboards into one of a kind works of art. All pieces are on sale with a portion of each sale donated to Autism Speaks. All the boards are located here: ACROSS THE BOARD. Prices range from $100-600 depending on the artists. I selected some of my faves that are still available in the gallery below. I wish I knew how to skate cause I would soooo buy one of these.
“Across The Board” Artists For Autism Awareness was organized and conceptualized by my friend, Laurie Markiewicz, based on her love for skateboarding, art, and most of all her child, Jack. At 2 years of age, Jack was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (a non-specified type of autism). It has been Laurie’s mission to raise autism awareness and advocate for more programs and services for families within the NYC autism community. “Across The Board” is one way of achieving her goal. Featuring artists such as Miguel Paredes, One9, BlusterOne, TooFly, Alice Mizrachi, Gigi Bio, MERES, Marthalicia, Lichiban, 2ESAE, and Damion Silver, veteran as well as emerging artists give voice not only to autism awareness, but to relevant community issues. “Across The Board” is an open discussion, but a dialogue that is ultimately designed to create a greater urgency about Autism.
In keeping with that mission, “The Across The Board Project” premiered a short documentary filmed and edited by participants from VONYʼs (Voices Of New York) “Dare To Dream Project” youth program. Featuring autistic children, participants from VONYʼs (Voices Of New York) “Kids Dream In Color” youth program with teaching artist Lichiban, artist mentor Marthalicia, neo-soul singer Bilal, and art therapist Lina Meza-Murillo.
The Downtown Diaries 