Skate Haven

At Mass MOCA

You see them everywhere, zooming down streets on their skateboards, negotiating curbs, stairs, even zipping along handrails. Skateboard parks offer the adventurous riders even more challenges.

Considered one of the “extreme” sports, skateboarding has become a youth subculture that emphasizes creativity and individuality, an alternative to formally organized mainstream team sports which are largely controlled by adults.

This weekend, MASS MoCA hosts Skate Haven for two days of workshops exploring skateboarding culture, civic advocacy and the arts.

Inspired by the museum exhibits by EJ Hill, Brake Run Helix, and Jason Moran’s Black Stars: Writing in the Dark exhibitions, Skateparks, Arts and Advocacy at MASS MoCA will look at how skateboarders can use the sport to make change in their communities. Students from North Adams and New Haven will have a chance to learn, make new connections and share perspectives from outside of their respective communities.

During the weekend sessions the students will participate in clinics that introduce participants to skateboarding; look at the common visual motifs of skateboarding culture, build low-difficulty skateboard obstacles and learn how to advocate for a skate space in their own communities.

Sunday they will learn about nutrition that contributes to peak performance. The weekend ends with Skate Jam, slated for Sunday at 4PM in Courtyard D on the Mass MoCa campus. It is free and open to the public and will feature live music, food and a one-of-a-kind skate-able sculpture designed by artist/designers Evan Eden & Wes Masco.