The public is cordially invited to the second annual Deck the Halls Art Show and Auction at the Clientele Art Studio, 43 15th St., on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 8 p.m. until midnight. Admission to the show is free, and all proceeds from the auction will go to the Greater Wheeling Homeless Coalition.
“This unique event features the artwork of local artists, who use skateboard decks to display their designs,” said Chad Fullerton, an artist from the Low Lock Tattoo Studio in St. Clairsville and co-founder of Deck the Halls. “A collection of artists can design/create skateboard decks in their choice of medium and subject matter. I wanted to let them express themselves without restrictions.”
Beginning at 8 p.m., participants will view the artwork and partake of light refreshments until 10 p.m., when the show morphs into an auction.
“The night begins as an art show where skate decks literally deck the halls of the exhibition with incredible art,” Fullerton said. “Around 10 p.m. the environment turns into a full live auction mode, and the bidding for the beautiful skate decks begins.”
Fullerton said that last year 12 artists were involved, and about 110 people attended the event, but most importantly the auction raised $3,000 for the Coalition. Fullerton added that he’s confident this year’s show will be more successful than the one last year even though no special plans have been made for that.
“There’s no real plan for trying to reproduce what made it great the year before. But I’ll tell you what is going to make it more successful this year–the people. I think because Deck the Halls was such a success last year, the public knows what it is coming for now.”
Music will be provided by Aaron Badia from the Coalition, who will serve as DJ, and Whisk Bakery will supply light refreshments. Additionally, the Ideal Provisions local food truck will be parked outside and offering food during the show.
“Dean Barath, the owner of Ideal Provisions, is a great person, and he has offered to donate 10 percent of his profits during the night to the Coalition,” Fullerton said.
Fullerton explained the genesis of the show occurred one evening when he and his friend Tony Provenzano, owner of the Dark Horse Tattoo Studio in Centre Market, walked into Clientele’s first show. They were both so impressed with the new art venue that they wanted to offer a show there. Fullerton introduced himself to Will Wallace, the owner of Clientele, who gave his approval for a show.
“We started brainstorming and talking about cool ideas when Tony came up one of having a collection of local artists paint on skateboard decks,” Fullerton said.
And Deck the Halls was born.
“There will be amazing art to view and buy for exceptional prices,” Fullerton said. “There will be good food, good music, and a collection of great people all under one roof having an amazing fun night and helping people in need at the same time. That’s what Christmas is all about anyway.”
Additional information about Deck the Halls may be obtained by contacting Fullerton at 304-281-2722.
