The Skatermade Art Of Bart Saric

A fun art opening went down last night at Trim on Rose to exhibit the artwork of Bart Saric, owner of the Skatermade skate company, and lifelong Venice guy. You could tell it was a true Venice opening as soon as you walked up, with skaters pulling tricks on the concrete out in front of the salon, and by seeing people you actually knew in town!

A whole bunch of skaters and Venice O.G.s were there to support their longtime friend Saric, and to catch up with pals around the keg. There was live music going on from Meet Me At The Pub's Jeremy Parker, keeping it all festive.

Saric's paintings of surf and skate scenes were done on skate decks, and the accompanying photography kept to that awesome theme. When talking to Saric about it, he explained that he has his art, his skate company, his filmmaking, his own surfing and skating, and all sorts of plates spinning in the air, and I commented that it seems like a lot of Venice people have multiple outlets for their creativity and expression, and perhaps that's why we were all drawn here. Saric answered, "I think it's because we all have something to share." I love that.

Sharing was in full effect at the opening party, from the tall tales being swapped to the passing of the dutchie outside on a starry Venice night. Kaycee Smith of Trim curated the art show, and it looks great. I especially liked the deck hanging in mid-air.

Smith could not say enough good about Saric, and told me that he is the ultimate example of a skater living the credo, "Biggest grin wins!" Skater Eric Dressen was there, and had a statement on the wall backing that up ...

Everyone was having such a good time that no one noticed it getting late, well past salon hours. The entire crowd cleaned and packed it up together, and then headed as one big group to the Cock and Bull.  That's the mark of a good party, when no one wants it to end, and everyone carries on to the next phase together. That is special. That is friendship. That is community. That's what this bunch is about. Good times, Skatemade.

Saric's art will be on display at Trim on Rose through June 1st. 

512D Rose Avenue, Venice.

Art inquiries may be made to info@skatermade.com

Spring Fling At The Beach

Last Saturday was the Venice Spring Fling and it was the perfect day to be at the beach. In fact, I had my first ocean swim of the season, though it was as quick one as the water still has a ways to go before it's actually warm. But it was great.

The Spring Fling was in full swing when I got there, with tourists and locals alike all taking in the bright sunshine, perfect breeze, food, music, hula hooping, art booths ... the kind of day that really shows off Venice at its best and most authentic.

Everyone was walking and biking or skating, catching up with old friends and making new ones. The Boardwalk was packed, and everyone seemed to be smiling and happy to be here.

I hung out at the Free Venice Beachhead booth for a while, and got to talk to lots of our good readers. It's always a pleasure to hear what people are interested in, mad at, happy about, and what stories they think need to happen in our local paper, so it's good when there are these events that allow the people behind the stories to connect.

A big deal in Venice right now is the battle over OPDs (Overnight parking permits) that pretty much no one I know wants. Venice is supposed to be FREE and open to everyone. Overnight parking passes that you have to pay for are for other, more uptight towns, not us. David Busch was there with petitions to sign against the OPD ordinance, and spreading his demand for MORE LOVE! Yes, please.

Meet Me At The Pub and The Untouchables kept the crowd moving when I was there ... moving and moshing. Live music at the beach, with the blue ocean and skies as the backdrop, is the best.

This was one of those days - again - that you really can't ask for more from. It's all there. It's all good.