State of the Art: Surfer Magazine Art Gala

"The Bible" goes Sistine Chapel in Laguna.

SAN CLEMENTE, CA (July, 2003) - Surfer Magazine, joined by surfing celebrities, artists and musicians, will host a one-of-a-kind art show and commemorative party on July 26, 6-10 pm at The Surf Gallery in Laguna Beach (911 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.).

The gala event will feature artwork and photography from Surfer Magazine's 7th annual oversized Collector's Issue that explores the "what is surfing now" theme and the diverse, eclectic nature of the sport today. The highly anticipated 2003 Collector's issue-- at 268 pages--features top artists and athletes like cover subject Dan Malloy, who is expected to be on hand to autograph materials and limited edition posters. The evening also includes performances from nouveau folk musician Tristan Prettyman who tours with Jason Mraz

The show, christened "State of the Art" after the issue's theme, showcases cutting-edge work from surfing artists such as Wolfgang Bloch, Andy Davis, Christopher Ruess, Thomas Campbell, Barry McGee, Randy Noborikawa, Raymond Pettibon and Michael Leon. In addition, photography by noted lensmen David Pu'u, Tom Servais, Scott Aichner, Todd Messick, Jason Murray, and Jason Childs will also be available for viewing and purchase.

"Surfer Magazine has a long history of ties to artists and their work, from seminal 60's cartoonist Rick Griffin to the magazine's founder John Severson," said Surfer Magazine Art Director Jeff Canham. "This show is an extension of that important tradition."

Surfer Magazine's "State of the Art" gala celebration on July 26 at The Surf Gallery is open to the general public. The show is expected to remain at the Gallery through mid-late August. For information, please call 949.496.5922 or the gallery at 949.376.9155.

The Surf Gallery is located at 911 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach on the corner of historic Thalia Street and PCH. Opened in 2001 by entrepreneur Will Pennartz, The Surf Gallery has hosted shows for surf artists the world over including legendary photographers Art Brewer and Jeff Divine as well as the artwork of Tom Blake and John Severson.

About Surfer: Surfer Magazine was founded in 1960. Upon its inception, SURFER brought a unity of voice and vision to an otherwise niche and fragmented sport. Today, as part of PRIMEDIA's Action Sports Group (ASG), the publication is widely recognized as "the bible of the sport," the driving force in the surf world, and a shaping force in American culture at large.