After returning from his freshman year of college and in an effort to raise money to renovate the Montauk skatepark, Montauk native, Grant Monahan decided he wanted to hold a solo photo exhibit of his skateboard photography. Monahan contacted area artist J.J. Veronis to obtain a copy of the blueprints and proposed renovations of the skatepark and from that moment the solo show rapidly evolved into an outpouring of artistic support from near and far. The skate, surf, punk theme is an embodiment as well as a memoriam of the park’s creator, the late Andy Kessler.
Andy Kessler was the prime mover in New York skateboarding since its inception in the 70’s. From his beginnings as a skateboarder on the footpaths of Central Park, pools in Riverdale and illicit ramps on city property he was a constant force for change. He was an instigator of the NYC’s first public skatepark at 108th St and Riverside, the Hudson River Bowl, Owl’s Head, the Montauk skatepark as well as many other projects local and visiting skaters have enjoyed for decades. During the late 1990’s Andy Kessler was introduced to the magic of Montauk, NY and the thriving surf & skate community he came to cherish and love. In 2000, Andy approached the town of Montauk about constructing the first concrete skatepark on the East End of Long Island. With Andy’s ‘get it done’ attitude, the park was completed within the year. Since the skate park’s founding it has served as an indispensable creative outlet for all that ride and an invaluable asset to the community. After ten years of solid ripping and appreciable use the park has begun to deteriorate. Before his untimely death in 2009, Andy was again working with the town to get the much needed repairs and renovations underway. It was his labor of love.
The ANDY KESSLER MEMORIAL BENEFIT is a group show and silent auction hosted by Grant Monahan and J.J. Veronis at OUTEAST GALLERY 65 Tuthill Rd. in Montauk, NY on Saturday August 21, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm. All proceeds go to the renovation of the Montauk skatepark.
Confirmed artists: click on artist name to view artwork (posting as we receive)
Max Cancellieri
Drew Carolan
Linus Coraggio
Steven Day
Peter Dayton
Nick Dine
FA-Q
Glen E. Friedman
Tim Gardner
Chris Gentile
Michael Halsband
Eric Haze
Jake Jetstar
Bill Jones
Andy Kessler
Dennis McNett
Grant Monahan
Mosco
Lance Mountain
Scott Nelson
Steve Olson
Shelter Serra
Julian Schnabel
Mike Solomon
Matt Titone
JJ Veronis
Richard Walker
ZacMax
For more information contact:
Moose Huerta
moose[at]charlesvansant.com
