The Art of Surfing Festival embraces surf culture.
The Art of Surfing Festival in Ocean City, New Jersey, began in 2001 and quickly developed into an annual East Coast event. Presented by Surfing Artists International, the event takes place each year at the historic Ocean City Music Pier. The event embraces local surfing culture and features art, literature, music and film from surfers all over the United States.
Surf Art
The festival embraces the past, present, and future of surf culture. Surf art is recognized internationally and is a major presence in the art world. There are painters, photographers, musicians, sculptors, writers, designers and directors influenced by surfing lifestyle. Together they share a passion for the ocean and the issues important to, and embraced by, surfers. This festival is special because it combines the roots of surfing from Hawaii and its influences in California and brings that lifestyle to the East Coast. Many local surf artists participate in the event, giving them a chance to showcase their work at home.
Event History
The Sagemore Gallery is one of the parties responsible for organizing the Art of Surfing Festival. The Sagemore opened in 1997 and is owned by Phil DeAngelo and Steve Miller. The event began at the gallery in Ocean City and quickly grew in popularity. After two years, the gallery could no longer accommodate the show. It was moved to the 4,500-square-foot Music Pier on the Ocean City boardwalk. The Music Pier extends out over the beach and ocean, making it the ideal atmosphere for this event focused on surf and beach culture. The festival occurs over three days every August. Approximately 6,000 families attend each year.
Artists
Many of Surfing Artists International's acclaimed artists attend the event to meet the public for signings. There are also an abundance of demonstrations. The company is at the forefront of production and distribution of art celebrating the sport and lifestyle of surfing. They offer original and printed artwork. Surfing Artists International work with artists who are unique, but all convey surf culture. Artists who have attended in the past include Kim Weiland, Jon Baker, Jamie Kelly, Norm Daniels, Spencer Reynolds and many more. New Jersey artist Greg Beck is regularly showcased at the festival. Aaron Bogushefsky, better known as BOGY, is one of the most popular artists to have attended. Aside form the surfboards he creates, he is also known for creating stylish T-shirt designs.
Event Details
The festival is home to a variety of events. Art of Surfing offers a surf art exhibit and many painting demonstrations. Wade Koniakowsky painted "Tropical Point" for an audience at the 2007 show. There are various film screenings of surf movies and live music. For collectors, there is an abundance of surf memorabilia. Art of Surfing has included vintage surfboard auctions in past years. Artists will be present throughout the stalk to the public and answer questions. The 2010 schedule includes The Sharkskins.
Additional Information
For more information about the event, the Sagemore Gallery can be contacted at 609-398-8887 or www.sagemore.com. The toll-free number for Surfing Artists International is 888-271-5864, and they can also be reached via email at info@surfingartists.com. These two companies work together each year to organize the Art of Surfing Festival.
