2009 Art Gala Recap

Wow, what a great event!! Many thanks to all of the artists, guests, volunteers, businesses and people that supported the Art Gala this year. At the end of the day we raised over $22,000 for SurfriderSD, quite an accomplishment!

Click Here for photos from the 2009 Art Gala.

There was an amazing selection of art this year. Check out the pictures and posts below to get an idea of what we had to offer. Be sure to support your local artists!!

Clean Water Awards: Each year we take time to honor a local man, woman and business that have made a positive impact on, or helped to raise awareness about our local ocean, waves and beaches. Past winners include Donna Frye, Chris Cantore, Stone Brewing Co. and Tommy Hough.

This year the Clean Water Awards went to Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, Rob Davis from the Voice of San Diego and Jimbos...Naturally! Many thanks to all of you, keep up the great work!

Stay tuned for the 10th Annual Art Gala in 2010, we hope to see you there!

Taunovo Bay Fiji

Get ready to bid on this 7 Night Stay in a four bedroom beachfront Grand Villa at Taunovo Bay Resort and Spa in Fiji! Accommodation only for up to 8 adults and 4 kids at this beautiful resort in the South Pacific.

Taunovo Bay Resort is conveniently located in the 'Adventure Capital of Fiji' in one of natures' most spectacular wonderlands. Taunovo Bay has established itself as Fiji's luxury adventure resort. Whether you are a couple on your honeymoon or a large family, the activities and adventure available at Taunovo Bay is endless.

Taunovo Bay and nearby Pacific Harbour boast some of the worlds best diving and snorkeling, islands, beautiful beaches, game fishing in Beqa Lagoon, one of the most challenging 18 hole golf courses in the South Pacific, river rafting the Upper Navua and Luva Rivers, zip lining through the rainforest, private waterfall hikes, Surfing Frigates Passage and much more.

For more on the resort please visit www.taunovobay.com

Costa Azul Trip

The good folks at Costa Azul have donated to the Art Gala again! Costa Azul Adventure Resort is famous for world class year round surf, warm waters and sun, untouched beaches, adventurous excursions, romantic destination weddings, authentic Mexican cuisine and friendly staff. Come see why Costa Azul Adventure is called the “best kept secret south of the border”. This silent auction package includes 7 Nights for up to four people on their 'European Plan'.

HSD / Soul Ryde Update

6'8" Eco Noserider. Huh? This one needs to be seen to be believed. Here are a couple of pics that Andrea took today of the board that JP shaped on a biofoam blank and Wyatt is helping to glass with linseed resin. Soul Ryde is adding some of the killer laser inlay 'stickers; to the bamboo. Andrea will be donating some of her amazing recycled surfboard resin jewelry from the scraps off this board. Stay tuned for more....

Seafoam Lace

Check out this great skimboard shot from Lance Pecchia! It will be included in the event this week as a 16x20" gallery-wrapped canvas. Visit Lance's website: www.dreamspinnerphoto.com

Cobblestones

Jason Samarin is one of my personal favorites and I am stoked that he is back with another donation for the Art Gala this year. Jason is an up and coming artist with great style that has been polished in Southern California and Hawaii. For more from Jason please visit: www.jsamarin.com

Fiji Framed Photo

Local photog Brian Siebert recently returned from a trip to Fiji and got some epic shots. This one of Frigates Pass will be featured at the Art Gala next week. Frigates is one of the waves that you can get to from Taunovo Bay Resort, who happens to be donating a sweet 7-night stay to the Art Gala auction. Check out www.taunovobay.com for more info on the resort and for more from Brian, visit www.briansiebertphoto.com

Maku Furniture

Maku Furniture offers sustainable furnishings made from reclaimed teak wood found in Indonesia. The company is dedicated to creating wonderful pieces of furniture in the most environmentally conscious way. They have donated a lounge chair and a side table to the Art Gala this year. To check out all of the great home and patio furnishings Maku Furniture has to offer visit: www.makufurniture.com

In addition to all of that, Maku also donates to SurfriderSD through 1% For The Planet: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org !!

Art Gala Raffle Items

This year there will be another great raffle at the Art Gala! Top prizes include a men's and women's package from Patagonia. Other raffle items include, Surf Fever surf history book by John Severson, a Rip Curl spring suit, Spy sunglasses, gift certificates to Bird Rock Yoga, DC clothing, and gift certificates to Spa Samudra and much more. Check out Spa Samudra and Patagonia's websites.

Drifter

Keenan Hartsten grew up in Oregon where he developed his connection with nature. He began contracting gardening design jobs around the neighborhood at age 14. Soon he moved on to creating elaborate full garden designs. He donated this one of a kind driftwood sculpture with succulent plants. For more of Kennan's work visit:

http://pairfish.com/Home_Page.html

Trail to the Sea

John Moseley is a self-taught painter who appreciates natural beauty in nature. He has a great ability to translate his vision into canvas. He donated this original piece which shows the view from Del Mar looking south over Torrey Pines and La Jolla. For more of John's work visit: http://www.moseleyart.com/

Food and Drink

Get ready for a great evening of food and drink to compliment the fine art at the event. Yapo's Home Catering will be utilize food from local Jimbo's... Naturally! markets to create a mouth watering menu that is sure to satisfy, check it out: Gourmet a’la Minute Menu featuring three types of sliders; 1) “Love it, Love it” Organic Steak Sliders on French Dinner Rolls 2) "Megan’s Garden" Rosemary Chicken Sliders on Spanish Bolillo 3) Yapo’s Yummy Veggie Sliders -Black Beans, Tofu and Tasty Goodness on Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Choice of Toppings include Havarti Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Barefoot Wine Sautéed Mushroom, Savory Sauce(roasted garlic aioli, balsamic & lime zest),Spicy Sweet Sauce(tomato based Thai chili, Chinese mustard).

Jimbo’s... Naturally! additional cold food: Israeli Couscous Salad, Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Balsamic Reduction, Lemon Sesame Kale Salad, Dolmas, Veggie Platter, Cheese Tray, Tray of cold (tuna) sandwiches, Tray of cold turkey (range rover) sandwiches, 2 small veggie pinwheel sandwiches, Veggie tray with dips, Lentil Walnut Pate and scalloped cucumbers, Waleed’s Pita & Whale Tail Chips, Flax Seed Crackers, Red Pepper & Original Hummus, Two Salsas and Guacamole. Chocolate Torte and Cheese Cake bites. Yummy!

The beverage lineup is anchored by longtime Surfrider supporter Stone Brewing Company, get ready for some of their pale ale and signature Arrogant Bastard. Fine wine will be provided by national Surfrider supporter Barefoot Winery. Yapo's Home Catering will be providing water, iced tea and coffee.

Puerto Escondido

Scott Ross is a local photographer here in San Diego. He is currently going to classes UCSD to help perfect and enhance his photography skills while conveying a relaxed and casual look. He has visited over 20 countries and has documented his travels with his camera. He donated a beautifully matted and framed print of Puerto Escondido going off. For more of Scott's work visit: http://www.scottrossphotography.com/

Online Auction is OPEN!

For the first time in the nine-year history of the Art Gala we are adding an online bidding component. Online bidding for all items will close at 10am on Thursday May 21st. Then guests at the live event in Del Mar will have the option to bid higher. So be sure to enter your highest possible bid to lessen your chance of being outbid at the live event.

Right now there are amazing accommodations in Fiji up for bid along with a unique Ranch camping opportunity and Matuse wetsuit package. Stay tuned for more items being added throughout the week.

CLICK HERE to view the online auction and items currently up for bid.

In The Green

"As a self taught surf artist, residing between Hawaii and Southern California, I can truly say the salty ocean, colors of the sky, and that meditative feeling I get from the surf envoke a gnarly passion for creation. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman and her surfboard. It stokes me out that surfers relate to my pieces and "know the feeling" of coming over the back of that wave, with the cool spray misting your face, or the feeling of sitting and waiting for that perfect glassy set to come through." -Elise Nicole

We are stoked to feature "In the Green" at the Art Gala this year. For more from Elise please visit: www.oceangirlart.com

Papagayos

Check out this original oil on wood painting from Stephen King that was inspired by a recent trip to Nicaragua. Stephen is a long-time donor, volunteer and Surfrider supporter. Thanks Stephen!

Sumatra Village

SurfriderSD is stoke to have a few pieces from Wayne Roten for the Art Gala this year including Sumatra Village. "I was born in Los Angeles in the early 50's. My father is a jazz musician and my mother was an opera singer, so from the moment I was brought home from the hospital, all I heard was music all day long, which I think led me into becoming a creative person. We moved to Woodland Hills, California around 1959. The neighborhood I moved into already had an infamous crew of surfers, who rode balsawood boards. I purchased a Dale-Velzey balsa board that almost been broken in half in the Islands. The boys had reshaped it down to 7'11" and pigmented it red. It looked like something you would buy at Toys r Us, however, I learned to surf on it.

It was around this time that I really got interested in art, basically due through reading Rick Grifffen's comics and John Severson's "beatnik" style of painting. At first I tried to copy everything they did, but as I began to study Art at Taft High School, I became enthralled with the masters, such as Dali, H.R. Geiger (of Alien fame) Van Gogh and Warhol and began to develop my own style. I continued my art studies at Cal State and won a few awards for "Most Original" etc."

Click Here for more from Wayne.

Rolling Green

With a name like that it's got to be good! We are stoked to feature two pieces this year from John Holm. "As a California native I have surfed and painted the coast since the 60's. I am an aficionado of early California painting, especially the Monterey Tonalists. I am also fascinated by the history of the 19th Century coast and the vision of those unridden breaks. The spiritual element of water and the "Brotherhood of the brine" is very compelling to me as a painter." John's work has appeared in Surfers Journal and other surf publications.

For more from John please visit www.holmsurfscapes.com

Surfrider 9

Rich Morrison specializes in art with surfing and environmental themes. He has done art for Quiksilver, Life Rolls on Foundation, OP, and the Surfrider Foundation. He has donated this wonderful piece of art titled Surfrider 9. It is acryilc, oil, and reflective paint on wood. To see more of Rich's work go to: http://www.rqmdesign.com/

Seth Thompson is back!

Check out these three great originals from Seth!! Surfer girl is a nice 2'x3' acrylic/multimedia on masonite while the other lovely works are 12"x18" framed acrylics. Seth is a North County local with a unique eye for a surf artist. For more from Seth visit www.seththompsonfineart.com

"Surfacing"-green sea turtle on Great Barrier Reef

We are honored to have a beautiful original framed painting from Jennifer Belote, another long-time Surfrider Art Gala donor. This is an acrylic on masonite painting.

Having grown up in La Jolla California, Jennifer`s love for the ocean started at a very young age. Being scuba certified at age 15, she spent the weekends snorkeling La Jolla Cove and diving the Pt. Loma Kelp Beds.

Jennifer has now dedicated her life to the preservation of the reefs throughout the world by donating a percentage of her profits to ocean organizations. "I believe the coral reefs are in turmoil from over fishing, pollution and ocean front development. We all need to do our part to keep the oceans healthy".

To view more from Jennifer check out her website: www.jenniferbelote.com

Wow!

That was my first thought when I saw this stained glass donation from Amber Irwin, a North County resident. A founding member of the Solana Beach Art Association, Amber designed and created the 'Sunburst Of Color' on the Coastal Rail Trail for the city of Solana Beach. She has done private installations for clientele in coastal San Diego, and has had her work displayed in many galleries, including Leaping Lotus, Rock/Paper/Scissors, and Shiva. Her passion is reflected in the themes of her art: love, the elements, and a general celebration of life.

The photo does not do it justice. Come out to the Art Gala and bid on this beautiful work of art and to see more from Amber please visit www.aridesigns.net

Woody Pix

Check out this cool framed photo from Brian Galt!

Visit www.woodiepix.com for more.

Tropical Spray

Karen Howard has been a faithful contributor to the Art Gala over the years. A competitive surfer in the 60's, Karen has a deep appreciation for the surfing lifestyle which is depicted in this year's donated original acrylic painted on canvas. To see more of Karen's work please visit: www.zhibit.org/karenhoward and come out to the event on May 21st to bid on great artwork like this.

The Surfrider

Susan Wickstrand-Roche is a longtime donor for the Art Gala. This year she has donated a print of an encaustic collage piece entitled, "The Surfrider". The fine prints on canvas are larger than the originals and show the detail in Susan's work really well.

Susan studied the encaustic medium in New York and has used it to enrich the mood of her landscape pieces. For more information about Susan visit: www.susanwickstrand.com

Morning Cloud

Matt Beard is an artist from Northern California. His art depicts the simple enjoyment of surfing through new perspectives and angles. "He considers both surfing and art wonderful problems to have, and stopped trying to quit either of them years ago."

This original oil on canvas piece showcases the beauty of local surf spot, Cardiff Reef. Be sure to click on the image for a larger version when you can really appreciate the attention to detail. For more of Matt's art visit: www.beardart.com

Hand Painted Surfboard from Jay Alders!

In addition to the stunning prints Jay Alders donated to the Art Gala this year, he is also donating this hand painted surfboard. It is a one of a kind piece that Jay recently painted at an event in Malibu.

Jay is a passionate philanthropist who is proud to give back to the the community whenever possible and is a regular supporter to Surf Aid International, Surfrider Foundation, PETA and the ASPCA. For more of Jay's work visit his website at: http://www.jayalders.com.

The Middle Path

"Chris Robb sees painting, like surfing, as an improvisatory relationship between two surfaces." Whether between the board and the wave or the brush and the canvas, Chris Robb's work as shown in "The Middle Path" exhibits a passion for free-form expression. For more about the artist, click here.

Holeman Surf Designs

Long-time donors, volunteers, and creators of Holeman Surf Designs, JP and Andrea bring us a stunning Home Blown's eco-foam 6'8" 21"x 2 3/4" mini-noserider shaped by JP Holeman. The board will be laminated with solar activated linseed oil resin by Wyatt Henderson and graphics will be added by Andrea Holeman and Soul Ryde. Stay tuned for more photos! For more about Holeman Surf Designs, click here.

Seasons of Swamis

"Pumpkin", "Late Go Out", and "Farming in Encinitas" depict Swamis at different seasons and time of day. Created by Juan Flores, this collection of giclee prints on watercolor paper is simply beautiful. For more about the artist, click here.

Art Gala Video

Check out this great video recap of the 2008 Art Gala from Marty Benson so you can have an idea of what to expect for 2009...

Rising Swell

Carlsbad local artist Patrick Sattley is another first-time donor to Surfrider San Diego's annual art gala, bringing us 'Rising Swell,' this mesmerizing original landscape oil painting on stretched canvas.

Describing his passion for the ocean and surfing as a "borderline obsession," Sattley says no matter what his original subject matter starts out as, the finished product always ends up a wave. Sattley's wave paintings capture the diverse angles and perspectives surfers are inspired by.

'Rising Swell' measures 31.5" X 22.25." For more information on Sattley, visit http://www.greenroompaintings.com.

Wipeout

San Clemente native Justin Hawkins makes a first-time appearance as a donor to Surfrider San Diego's annual art gala. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Hawkins is currently translating his "passion for surfing into expressionist prints focusing on the dynamics of the figure and its relationship to the sea."

Be sure to check out Hawkins' whimsical framed surf print "Wipeout," pictured here, on May 21st at The Powerhouse Community Center in Del Mar.

Hawkins' work has been featured in a number of publications including City Limits, The New Jersey Reporter and Brooklyn Bridge. For more information, visit www.justinhawkins.net.

Tony Spineto

Inspired by the surf, sand and sea, San Diego-born impressionist Tony Spineto utilizes color to “capture the essence of the freedom and flow of the sea.” And he does so brilliantly.

A past contributor to the art gala, Spineto is creating a piece right now especially for Surfrider’s May 21st event.

While Spineto works his magic, check out these amazing examples of his surf-inspired original oils and giclees on canvas, including “Toes Over 1” and “Chillin.”

For more information on the artist, visit www.spinetostudio.com.

The Raft of the Medusa

Josh Agle brings us a hand-pulled 13-color serigraph (a print made by the silk-screen process.), signed and numbered artist proof from a sold out edition.

Coming Ashore & Jumping Shark

Local artist, surfer and musician, Kem McNair dazzles us with two beautiful pieces of art. The first entitled, "Coming Ashore" is a Limited Edition Giclee which is signed and numbered. The second is an impressive photograph entitled, "Jumping Shark". For more about the artist: www.kemmcnair.com.

Cardiff

Jeff Yeomans, native Californian, was raised in a family that encourage his passion for art. His artistic career spans several disciplines including murals and graphic design but also a decade in public television as an award-winning director.

In 2002, Jeff Yeomans' primary medium became oil painting. Inspired by such artists as Joaquin Sorolla, Edgar Payne and William Wedt, he captures the beautiful connection between California landscape and urban sprawl.

Jeff Yeomans is represented by Art Expressions Gallery in San Diego and by Studio 7 Gallery in Laguna Beach. For more information please visit: www.jeffyeomans.com.

Left Behind the Wall and Second Glance

Another familiar face to the Surfrider Art Gala, artist Jay Alders returns this year with two fine art signed prints entitled "Left Behind the Wall" and "Second Glance".

"Sometimes, when I paint, I just see the image and almost trace it as if my brain were projecting it on the canvas. Sometimes, I have no clue what's going to happen next and it's just exciting to watch something happen while I humble myself with learning and screwing up.

Interesting side note about Jay: he proudly designed the Surf Art for the Packaging for Emergen-C® BLUE™ which is available in fine Stores everywhere, including Target, Vitamin Shoppe and Whole Foods.

"They wanted me to use my Artistic Style to portray "Clean Water" and make it tie in the feeling of Surfing....I was really pleased to hear also that they partnered with The Surfrider Foundation on this project, which is one of my favorite charities."-JA

For additional works and more about Jay, please visit: www.jayalders.com.

Rock and Roll

Neal Bociek brings a new dimension to our collection with "Rock and Roll". Meet the sculptor at his works through out the city at the following dates and locations:

Saturday, March 21st at "Trimaran" - 704 1/5 Grand Ave
Saturday, March 28th at "One Sea Horse Ocean Sleigh" - 738 Felspar Aven
Sunday, April 5th at "Pugsly" - 4862 1/2 Ocean Blvd
Saturday, April 11th at "Tree Breeze" - 827 1/2 Coast Blvd

All Meet and Greets are from 2-4pm; rain or shine.

For more information about the artist or the Meet and Greets, please Click Here.

Red Sun Through Bamboo

Philip Gutt shows incredible attention to detail in his picturesque mosaic on a 6'0'' x 20'' surfboard. To see more of his work, please visit: www.surfboardmosaics.com.

Please CLICK ON THE IMAGE for a high resolution picture of the board that better shows the craftmanship and artistic beauty.

Cardiff Reef Holiday

This one brings a smile to my face. Cardiff is a great place that many people have fond memories of and Alan Casagrande captures it well - right down to the mass of stand up paddleboarders. Alan is a long-time supporter of Surfrider and we appreciate his donations over the years. Visit www.bongobaystudios.com for more.

Del Mar

It's a fitting title for this piece which will be auctioned off at the Art Gala in Del Mar on May 21st. Michael J. Slattery is a local photographer with a unique process that adds incredible depth to his photos and allows them to be printed on various mediums. More of Michael's work can be found at www.luminous-views.com

Art Gala 2009 Announced!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ninth Annual Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter Art Gala Celebrates Coastal Environment, Coastal Conservation Efforts Thursday, May 21 in Del Mar

Media contact: Bill Hickman, Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter
(858)792-9940; bill@surfridersd.org

February 12, 2009 – Del Mar, Calif. – The San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation will host its Ninth Annual Art Gala from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, May 21 at The Powerhouse Community Center in Del Mar, 1658 Coast Blvd. Set in a picture perfect oceanfront setting, the gala will feature beautiful art, delectable food and drink, musical entertainment and coastal conservation highlights.

Attendees of this environmentally inspired event will enjoy silent and live auctions of ocean-themed artwork from renowned local and national artists, in addition to one-of-a-kind surfboards. There will also be a slide show hosted by famed photographer Aaron Chang, a raffle, gourmet food by Events by Christopher, fine wine and San Diego’s best beer from Stone Brewing Co. Donations of artwork and non-art silent auction items are still being sought. Email info@surfriderSD.org if interested.

Proceeds from the art gala’s ticket sales and auctions benefit the Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, helping fund the group’s local programs including water quality testing, education, outreach, beach cleanups, pollution monitoring and advocacy efforts. Last year’s event raised more than $40,000, aiding the chapter’s effort to Save Trestles, the Kids For Clean Water educational outreach program, Blue Water Task Force water monitoring, the Rise Above Plastics campaign and much more.

“Surfrider San Diego's annual Art Gala is an unusually fun way to ‘buy local,’” said Scott Harrison, Chair of Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego Chapter. “We serve up locally sourced treats in the form of wine, beer, food and homegrown art, then put the proceeds to work in the chapter's efforts to enhance the health of our own local beach environments.”

Tickets for the Art Gala are $80 each and include a grazing dinner, drinks, entertainment and access to bid on and own unique works for art. Tickets to this exclusive event are limited to the first 150 people who purchase them, and will be available online at www.surfriderSD.org

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. Founded in 1992, Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego chapter is the largest within the Surfrider Foundation Chapter Network. For more information, visit www.surfriderSD.org or call (858) 792-9940.

# # #

Special Thanks to Shawn Styles

I wanted to add a special thanks to Shawn Styles, our auctioneer for the evening, who worked the crowd with an expert touch. Shawn has been a long time Surfrider supporter and it was great having him conduct the auction again this year. He always does a great job!

Art Gala Recap

150 people attended the 8th Annual Art Gala on May 8th in Del Mar, which was set amid ocean breezes and the sound of crashing waves at the Powerhouse Community Center. It was an evening of beautiful art, fine food and drink, and coastal conservation that raised over $35,000 for the Chapter. The event included silent and live auctions of ocean and surf themed artwork from renowned local and national artists including Andy Davis, Michael Cassidy, Jeff Yeomans and Wade Koniakowsky. There was also great photography from Rob Machado, Aaron Chang and others. Attendees also bid on one-of-a-kind surfboards and other unique items. Gourmet food was prepared by Events by Christopher, local brewer, Stone Brew, donated beer while the wine was donated by Twin Fin.

Click Here for more photos from the event.

The evening's program included an awards ceremony recognizing San Diego County individuals' and businesses' contributions to protecting the coastal environment. But the highlight was a check presentation from SIGG, the Swiss Bottle Company who was the event's main sponsor. SIGG has worked closely with the Chapter on their Rise Above Plastics campaign.

Art Gala on TV

Many thanks to Shawn Styles for helping to emcee the event. Shawn helped to raise lots of cash through his auctioneer skills and awareness through his television stories. Click here to check it out.

Clean Water Award!

The final Clean Water Award was presented to Stone Brewing Co. for their environmental efforts and long-time support of SurfriderSD. Over the past 11 years they have donated well over $100,000 to our chapter for Surfrider's local efforts in San Diego County. On hand to accept the award were Co-Founder and CEO Greg Koch and Marketing Director Chris Cochran. Cheers to Stone!

Clean Water Award!

Tommy Hough is a friend of the environment. Through his work at 94/9FM in San Diego Tommy has helped raise awareness on heaps of environmental issues including a focus on the Save Trestles issues before and after the big Coastal Commission hearing in February. Treehuggers International is dedicated to environmental issues early every Sunday morning. For you late risers on Sunday's, Tommy also hosts Brunch with Bob and Friends which is great on it's own. Tommy could not make it to the Art Gala so he invited us to present the award on air! A couple of days before the event I went to the studio with Elizabeth Willes and it was great! Tommy and Akin made us feel at home and chatted us up for a good 8 or 10 minutes. Congrats Tommy and keep up the good work!

Holeman Surf Designs + Soul Ryde = Wow!

Check out this lovely creation that will be one of the select few 'live' auction pieces at the event on Thursday. A 10' longboard was hand shaped by JP Holeman then Soul Ryde Longboards provided a custom wood inlay for this once-in-a-lifetime board. Be sure to visit holemansurfdesigns.com and soulryde.com from more.

Aqua Peel

Australian photographer Sean Davey contacted us from Hawaii to see how he could get involved in this great event. We were stoked because Sean is known for his photos in magazines worldwide providing unique perspectives from action shots to scenery. See more from Sean at seandavey.com and you can purchase prints at Waveriders Gallery in San Diego.

Sunset Cliffs Glass

Here's a great photo from Obecian Keith Seitep. Keith's love for the ocean, surfing and conservation influence his photography. For more check out saitepphoto.com

Clean Water Awards

Each year Clean Water Awards go to the people and businesses who we believe have done the most important work in helping to preserve the coast and ocean in San Diego.

This year we are honoring Susan Davis for her tremendous work in opposing the proposed Toll Road through San Onofre State Park in northern San Diego County. The toll road would impact the habitat of 11 different endangered species, come within feet of Historic and Active Native American sacred sites, including ancient burial grounds and potentially impact the water quality and wave formation at famed the surf break Trestles.

Congresswoman Davis worked tirelessly to repeal a defense rider inserted into the 2001 defense appropriation bill that exempted the toll road from California State Law. She continues to actively work to defeat the toll road, including drafting a letter to the Secretary of Commerce asking him to uphold the California Coastal Commission's 8-2 decision rejecting the toll road. Twenty-seven of California's assembly members have signed onto such letter in opposition to the toll road. Congresswoman Susan Davis will be back in Washington on May 8th so Advisory Board member Todd Cardiff presented her the award at a recent event.

The Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter, in presenting Congresswoman Susan a Clean Water Award, expresses our deepest thanks to Congresswoman Susan Davis for her support of the coast and ocean.

Stay tuned for more Clean Water Award winners...

Encaustic Beauties

Every year Susan Wickstrand-Roche comes up with captivating encaustic pieces for the Art Gala. Subscribe Now... is a 7x10" collage featuring pages from a 70's Surfer magazine. Michoaca'n is a 10x10" collage and both are oil, collage and encaustic on panel. For more from Susan visit SusanWickstrand.com

Matuse - The Ichiban

SurfriderSD is stoked to have local company Matuse on board for the Art Gala this year. They generously donated a 4/3/2 Hoplite AND a jacket for the event. Matuse is helping to lead they way in developing more Earth-friendly and sustainable surf gear...

Standard, old-fashioned neoprene is petroleum-based: It's messy, it's hazardous-it goops up sea otters. Yamamoto Geoprene is derived from limestone that's 99.7% pure. And the purity of its limestone source - an ancient misty Mesozoic mountain - is also why Geoprene is so top notch.

Yamamoto Corporation has long been making rubber from a special polymer produced from rocks. Yamamoto estimates that their reserve of limestone will last approximately 3,000 years. Compare that number to the earth's dwindling supply of oil (as well as the astronomically high price per barrel) and you have a pretty good idea as to why Geoprene is not only better performing but also much more sustainable.

For more info visit matuse.com

Right Past The Light

Check out this rad archival giclee print that is being donated by Jay Alders for the auction. It is framed, signed by the artist and you can see more from Jay at jayalders.com

Aaron Chang!

A long time Surfrider supporter, Aaron is again donating this year. Check out this great photo of Kelly Slater that will be part of the silent auction. More of Aaron's work can be seen at aaronchanggallery.com.

Hand Carved Wave Sculpture

We are pleased to include Mark Saracusa as a contributing artist this year. He has donated a hand carved wave sculpture entitled "Woody". See more of Mark's art at mysurfart.com.

Duke

Here is another donation with LOTS of wow factor. Surfrider San Diego is truly stoked to feature 'Duke Kahanamoku' at the Art Gala this year. 'Duke Kahanamoku' is an original oil on canvas by esteemed artist Michael Cassidy. This beautiful work of art measures in at over two feet wide and over four feet tall! Get your Art Gala tickets now for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take home a beauty like this.

Michael is headed to Oregon soon and is having a going away celebration/art show on Saturday May 3rd, visit michaelcassidyprints.com/show for more info.

Sea Foam Green

“Sea Foam Green” by Stephen King – 13”wx11”t – original encaustic on board. Stephen is another long-time Surfrider supporter. He has been very helpful with some behind-the-scenes work for past Art Galas and is a fantastic artist so we are happy to feature one of his originals.

Solitude

Jack Davis creates timeless images and this is another example. Solitude is a giclee pigmented print on archival artists rag paper and a signed artists proof.

Blacks From The Water

Here is another great framed photo that will be auctioned off at the event on May 8th. Generously donated by Robert Grove. Click here for more of his work.

Sunset Cliffs

This image was created from a unique process by Michael James Slattery then reproduced on archival printing materials using pigmented ink and canvas. For more of Michael's work, check out www.luminous-views.com

Lookers Rights

Wow. That was my first thought when I saw this image of the original artwork that J. Samarin is donating for the event. It is 2'x4' mixed media on framed masonite. You must see this one in person so get your tickets to the Art Gala and bid on it!

Big Wednesday at Boneyards

A unique photo nicely framed for the Art Gala. This technical shot was taken on Big Wednesday in December 2007 by Ryan Tatar. For more of Ryan's cool work check out ryantatar.com

Costa Rican Perfection

Here is another great framed photo that you can bid on at this year's Gala. Submitted by longtime volunteer and supporter Brian Siebert, this pic makes you want to hop on a plane to CR right now!

Trail to Blacks

Check out this cool photo submitted by Liz Cockrum. Check out more of Liz's great work at lizcockrum.com and swing by the Art Gala to bid on a nicely framed version.

Dreaming of Tahiti

Thanks to John Moseley for donating a beautiful framed giclee of a Tahitian landscape. See more at John Moseley Fine Art

Rich Morrison

Rich is back for another year of great donations for the Art Gala. Rich really embraces the environmental aspect and creates art with recycled or reused material like the tile and corona box show here. For more of Rich's work visit rqmdesign.com

Check out this board bag....

Donated by long time supporter Julie R and features reused/repurposed fabric scraps! The scrap is repurposed to create unique, one of a kind, quality products that constantly evolve. Check out beautifulfootprint.com for more info and pics.

You Go Right, I'll Go Left

Check out this cool painting by Jami Lyn that will be up for auction. It is original art used for the great children's book Cabo and Coral Go Surfing! Check out caboandcoral.com for info on the book.

Catalina Calling

Surfrider is stoked to have Jeff Yeomans as a regular contributor to our annual Art Gala. Jeff has a timeless style that makes you feel like you are part of the painting. Check out jeffyeomans.com for more from his collection.

Ghosts of Art Gala's Past

Click below for photos from the last few Art Gala's....

2007 Art Gala

2006 Art Gala

more from 2006

2005 Art Gala

2004 Art Gala

and from the 2003 Art Gala.....

Jewelry

It's not only about art at this event. There will be plenty of surfboards, a Matuse wetsuit, dining packages, some great jewelry and much more. Here is a great example of something you could win from Hi Octane.

Woodies!

We are also pleased to have 2 prints from Brian Galt this year. They are entitled "Lineup" and "Coppertone."

Neal Bociek Sculpture to be Auctioned

Check out this original sculpture from Neal Bociek that will be part of the silent auction. Visit www.nealbociek.com for more from this great artist.

Framed Artist Proof Serigraph from Josh "Shag" Agle

Another great donation from Shag this year!

Andy Davis

SurfriderSD is stoked to have Andy Davis on board for the event this year and he provided the beautiful artwork that you see on the invite. The original will be auctioned off at the event on May 8th and is sure to be an instant collectible. For more of Andy's great work check out mynameisandy.com

Don't Blink (or you'll miss it)

Here is a very cool painted surfboard donation that I picked up today from Lauren Weber who is helping out for her second time. The used board was generously donated by Kevin W last minute making this beautiful creation possible.