For the avid wave rider, surfing can trigger comparisons to euphoric highs, religious miracles, and some really awesome times, man. It’s no wonder, then, why so many artists draw inspiration from their board-bound adventures. This Saturday, June 27, an all-new-and decidedly killer-mix of contemporary surf art will be unveiled at Carpinteria’s Anderson Art Collective (410 Palm Ave.) from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Titled Rogue Wave, the show will feature everything from ultramodern seascapes and mixed-media works to iconic surf photography and awe-inspiring boards, with proceeds benefiting the S.B. chapter of Surfrider. For more info, call 684-8783 or visit andersonartcollective.com. And for just a couple of reasons to attend the show’s opening party, read on below.
1) The Artists: Take one look at the list of artists exhibiting for Rogue Wave and you get the sense this might just be the surf art exhibit of the year. “The greatest thing about this show is the diversity of the art,” explained gallery director Leigh-Anne Anderson. On board for the show: Quicksilver art director Scott Richards, iconic board shaper Renny Yater, surf photog Bob Barbour, and others, tapping out at 12 eye-opening perspectives of life on the water.
2) Show Your Nonprofit Love: Throughout Rogue Wave‘s run (the show will exhibit through August 2), 5 percent of all sales will filter directly back to the Santa Barbara chapter of Surfrider Foundation (surfrider.org). As if that weren’t enough, on Saturday night all the party’s proceeds will be donated to the nonprof, which focuses its efforts on beach preservation, clean water, and protection for land and sea creatures.
3) Collaborative Effort: The big surprise of the night comes by way of an out-there collaboration between curators (and brothers) Benjamin and Sean Anderson and the fine folks at Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax. Together, the pair and their aromatic partner have created a series of limited edition, multicolored wax skulls, constructed completely out of board wax. “We are very excited to merge an icon of surf culture with the contemporary art world : and make it smell good,” said the siblings.
4) The Block Party: In addition to Anderson Art Collective’s big unveil, the gallery’s neighbors at the Palm Loft Gallery (410 Palm Ave., #A1) will be hosting an opening of their own for Making Magic: Surfing Points and Painting Spots, with 5 percent of proceeds benefiting Heal the Ocean. And around the corner, Carp will play host to its annual 4th of July parade and Rods and Roses Car Show (both on Linden Ave.). In other words, be prepared to make a day of it.