The Guerrilla Skatepark
July 23, 2008 – 11:30 pm PT by MikeTags: The Guerrilla Skatepark —
Some of the best things in life come in a mobile form. You have the mobile home, which has to be the most convenient way of life ever. You don’t have to pay a mortgage, you can go home for lunch, you can even have a different window view every day. Then you have the mobile phone. Something I actually sometimes wish would go away. It’s because of my mobile phone I can’t get away from my high phone bills. I’m literally addicted to 1-800 DESTINY: The ultimate fortunate teller hotline.
Now we’ve got mobile parks. This is something innovative enough to probably make lots of money. But Jesse Rodato, the man behind “Guerrilla Skatepark” is in it for the charitable act of helping kids stay off the street and out of trouble. His mobile skatepark is actually a work of art and will be exhibited at Quiksilver. Take a look at the press release below for more info and to learn what this is all about. Pretty interesting stuff.
JESSE RODATO’S “GUERRILLA SKATEPARK: RAMP REVEAL AND EXHIBITION” AT QUIKSILVER’S SITELA JULY 25 - AUGUST 15
Skate Demo, Live Music and Film Screening at July 25th Unveiling Party
Visit www.sitela.org To Learn About Jesse, Guerrilla Skatepark and siteLA
Exhibition: “Guerrilla Skatepark: Ramp Reveal & Exhibition”
Location: 2522 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Dates of Exhibition: July 25 - August 15, 2008
Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 1-6pm
Opening Reception: Friday, July 25, 8-11 pm
July 22, 2008 (Silver Lake, CA) - siteLA is pleased to present “Guerrilla Skatepark: Ramp Reveal & Exhibition,” an unveiling of Jesse Rodato’s project at siteLA. Jesse is an architect whose work operates along borders: borders between private and public space, between outdoor and indoor architecture, and between art and activism. As a Visionary in Residence at Quiksilver’s siteLA, Jesse is designing elements of a mobile skatepark to deploy in Los Angeles’ underserved inner city. By creating a temporary recreational space, the Guerrilla Skatepark offers an alternative to crime and gang involvement-statistically proven to reduce with the increase of safe exterior places for kids. L.A. has less public space per capita than any other US city, and Jesse’s project will raise awareness while acting as a tangible stimulus for change.
Before taking it to the streets, the first ramp will be built and displayed at Quiksilver’s siteLA as the centerpiece of an exhibit that combines Jesse’s design process with street art, skate culture and performance. The half-pipe employs architectural lines and urban aesthetics with royal blue Lucite sides and an ebony-stained skate surface. This mobile skate ramp will arrive via a box truck and through a single door into siteLA. Also available at the exhibit will be a free, step-by-step instructional blueprint/newsprint created by Jesse to incite and enable other guerrilla builders.
Jesse has invited four DIY artists from her community to exhibit work that raises similar questions about public space. Graffiti artists tiki jay one, Elbino and BEMOR will battle their print skills on the walls of the gallery, subverting the expectations of exhibition space as they would usually convert privately owned “public” space. LAbased designer Dust will exhibit handmade feather jewelry that is both feminine and tough.
On July 25th, Jesse will host an opening reception for her exhibition. Quiksilver team riders and skateboarding legends will be testing out Jesse’s first mobile skate ramp live during the event. siteLA’s resident filmmaker Mariah Garnett will screen a skate video co-produced by Jesse Rodato featuring Quiksilver team riders Alex Olsen and Danny Garcia alongside the high school students who have helped with Jesse’s project. Quiksilver skater Danny Garcia and his band Mothers Sons will be performing live on the “Gibson Stage” at siteLA. Complimentary beverages will be provided by Peroni, Barefoot Wines and Function.
One Response to “The Guerrilla Skatepark”
I just want to thank you for the “props” and getting the word out!!!! It is very much appreciated… There is just one little problem… I’m actually the “woman” behind the guerrilla skatepark!!! Much respect and thanks for a great laugh!!!
By Jesse Rodato on Jul 28, 2008