Last Friday night, December 1, iconic Dog Town skateboarder Tony Alva hosted the third installment of the annual "Die Posers Die" art show.
Since 2008 Alva and his business partner, artist Richard Villa III, have been presenting the best of art, skateboarding and music at Exhibit A Gallery. Located between Hollywood and Venice Beach, the crowd is an eclectic mix of rockers, surfers and skaters -- fitting Alva's aesthetic to a tee.
Separating it from other openings, the "Die Posers Die" art show displayed work that is exclusively created by skateboarders. The multi media show featured artwork from a staggering cross section of the skate community.
Legendary skateboarders Steve Olson, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi[ hung on the wall alongside female vert skater Mimi Knoop, X Games big air gold medalist Jake Brown, Stereo Skateboards cohorts Chris Pastras and Clint Peterson, X Games street silver medalist Greg Lutzka and street skating veteran Geoff Rowley.
Sponsored by Alva Skates, Vans and LA Weekly, the exhibit attracted industry insiders, die-hard fans and art enthusiasts. Skateboarders Scott Oster, Peter Smolik and Justin Strubing showed up to support their friend's creative endeavors. Family and friends proudly snapped photos of the artist's in front of their pieces while skate enthusiasts with back issues of Thrasher and markers eagerly jostled to get their hero's autographs.
With the success of this year's opening, "Die Posers Die IV" is sure to be a continued tradition for Alva and the gallery. For more information go to exhibitagallery.com.
