July 5, 2025 / 6-9pm / Epitome Gallery
Collaboration with Humboldt Skate Lab and William James Association
It was a cool Saturday night in Old Town, Eureka—the first Arts Alive of the summer. Epitome Gallery, a local art store and gallery, hosted the opening reception for the Skateboard Art Exhibit, which will be on display throughout July. With the recent closure of the Madrone, we weren’t sure what to expect for attendance this year. Last year’s event featured live music, a DJ, live painting by Demise (a Humboldt artist), a makeshift skate park in the parking lot, and generous support from the Madrone pizzeria and brewery, which donated half its sales that night. Plus, it all happened just after the Fourth of July.
The event drew a great crowd, and twenty-seven boards were sold that night. Each skateboard was painted by local artists, as well as students from WJA, California Medical Facility, Mule Creek State Prison, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and program alumni. All proceeds from the sales go directly toward providing skateboards and safety gear to disadvantaged youth in Humboldt County. Chad Regan of Humboldt Skate Lab collaborates with organizations like CASA, the Boys and Girls Club, and Eureka City Schools. Everyone benefits: artists support their community, children receive much-needed resources, and art lovers have the opportunity to own a unique piece for just $150.
“People were in the gallery hours before the official start time of 6:00 pm, eager to purchase artwork. They took their time, carefully looking at each board multiple times. When six o’clock struck, they found Chad and led him directly to the boards they wanted to buy. DJ Goldylockes had the hits bumping, and people were grooving as they moved through the space, taking in the art. Conversations sparked about the incredibly diverse artwork that adorned the walls.
Whenever I saw someone looking closely at a board from one of our classes, I’d strike up a conversation, sharing details about the William James Association and offering some inside information about the piece they were viewing. I spoke about the artist and the inspiration behind the work. People responded positively when they learned that some of the artists are currently incarcerated and had volunteered to paint a skateboard to support the community. They were excited and humbled to be contributing to something positive, with the hope that children benefiting from the fundraiser won’t become part of the prison pipeline.
People stayed in the gallery for the entire three hours it was open. I was honored to be in attendance for this opening reception and to represent the William James Association.”
— Henry Frank, Communications Director
The skateboard art exhibit is currently on display at Epitome Gallery, located at 420 2nd Street in Eureka, CA. Each skateboard is available for purchase at $150.
To view the boards, check out Humboldt Skate Lab and Prison Arts Project on Instagram.
If you're not in the area but are interested in purchasing a skateboard, please call (707) 798-1258 and ask for Chad.
