Corvallis skatepark benefit showcases local artists, bands

CORVALLIS - When you're a skateboarder, it's usually more than a hobby. It's a lifestyle that transcends all parts of your life.

The Benton County Skateboarding Alliance will highlight these connections by inviting the community to experience a soundtrack of great local bands and the visuals of more than 30 local artists at a benefit event at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Odd Fellows Hall, 223 S.W. Second St., to raise money to improve the Corvallis skatepark.

The artwork, which has all been donated by local artists, will be sold in a silent auction at the event. There will also be a raffle of of donated items from local board and surf shops and door prizes.

A similar event last year raised an initial $4,000 towards the BCSA's $75,000 project to create a section of more advanced terrain adjacent to the existing Eric Scott McKinley Skatepark in downtown Corvallis, according to alliance board member Doug Glavich.

"It's really a full spectrum of art," Glavich said. "We try not to censor at all."

"That means everyone in the community will come in and like something," he said.

In addition to fundraising, the BCSA is working with the City of Corvallis to get on its capital improvement list, a necessary step towards approval for the project.

The BCSA hopes to break ground on the project in the next year.

The new pool-shaped 70-by-50 foot bowl, designed collaboratively between BCSA members and Dreamland Skateparks, would likely bring the city tourism dollars, according to Glavich, who has traveled around the state visiting other skateparks.

"During the summer you definitely meet a lot of touring skateboarders from all over the place," he said.

Colin Walsh, 23, is originally from Santa Cruz. The dual-enrolled Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University student majoring in journalism and mass communications has also done his fair share of travel in search of good skateparks - usually with a camera close by.

Walsh will have more than 15 of his photographs in the art auction, most related to skateboarding or skate culture. The only other time the avid photographer has had the opportunity to show and sell his art was at last year's event.

"It was pretty cool," Walsh said. "I was surprised that people actually bought my stuff. The whole art and music thing is an awesome way to bring the community together."

"I'm 100 percent for it," Walsh said of the new skatepark design.

"The park here is really small and spread-out," he added. "The park they have drawn up would be a good challenge. It would definitely put Corvallis on the map."

Sam Kincaid, 30, is an instructor in new media communications at OSU.

He'll be appearing in three of the musical groups lined up for the event: Hypenosis, a drum and bass duo; Substitute, a Who tribute band; and Project 431, an experimental progressive rock group.

"The nice thing is that it is an all-ages show," he said.

Kincaid, who grew up skateboarding, has definitely felt the connections between the sport and his music throughout his life.

"Fifteen years ago was my first gig and it was a benefit for a skatepark," he said. "And here I am doing another benefit for a skatepark."

CHECK IT OUT

Second Annual Benton County Skateboarding Alliance Art and Music Benefit, 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14, Odd Fellows Hall, 223 S.W. Second St., Corvallis. A benefit to raise money for a new skate bowl design at the Eric Scott McKinley Skatepark. Music by Michael Balok, Dustin Herron, The Jesus Candy, Substitute, Project 431, Hypenosis, Left Ovaries and Richard Hedders. Admission: $5. Tickets available at Peak Sports, Happy Trails Records and Grass Roots Book & Music. Information: www.bcskateboardingalliance.org.