The National Steinbeck Center, a sometimes functioning, strangely modern looking museum plopped right in the middle of the lettuce fields of Salinas, California celebrates the life of California writer John Steinbeck and that’s why we find it odd, that they are looking for “skateboard art” for an art show they are curating called “What the Deck.”
The National Steinbeck Center is seeking artists for an exhibition and fundraiser that will have the artists showcase their work on a skateboard deck in the “What the Deck?” art show. The works of about 50 artists will be exhibited in the center’s rotunda. Live skateboarding and exhibit sponsors are needed, with proceeds to benefit the National Steinbeck Center and Dorothy’s Place soup kitchen in Salinas.
Nothing says skateboarding like the Joad family. . .
John Steinbeck wrote about subcultures: people and their enviornments/landscapes. People that identify with the skateboarding subculture might also in some ways identify with the Joads and other characters from Steinbeck’s writings. Perhaps misunderstood, their aspirations might be different than the norm, yet they should be equally entitled to dream and achieve. Steinbeck traveled the country in Rocinante, his camper, to survey the land and people – get connected while traveling under the radar. From that experience, he wrote, “Travels with Charley”. His deck might have had a motor, a space to sleep and enough room for his dog, but there certainly are similarities to his journey and those of a skateboarder!
Steve Hoffman
President and CEO
National Steinbeck Center
Jesus.
With all the gab about the Joad family, soup kitchens and subcultures, I thought readers might like to meet Chuck Casella, the guy behind “What the Deck?”. There’s an article in the local paper today: http://thecalifornian.com/article/20090722/LIFESTYLE/907220302/1024/Tran, and aside from the fashion comments, it’s a good piece of news.
You don’t have to live in Salinas to submit an art board, and you don’t have to have a “portfolio” — just the desire to create and maybe even a desire to help poor people. Get over the National Steinbeck Center ‘thing’ and have some fun with this! You can call me a Dorothy’s Place to get started: 831-578-4198. We’ll be excited to meet you!
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