Surfrider's DC Chapter made Ripples in 2008

This is almost a year overdue, but I just wanted to stop and appreciate the fantastic Surfrider art fundraiser "Ripple" - that the Washington, DC Chapter organized, last June, featuring artist Erik Abel.


by Erik Abel


Here's the review, from the DC Chapter website:

RIPPLE!: It was good
June 20-21, 2008

DC Surfrider's most successful fundraiser to date was an unqualified success. Opening night gave guests the opportunity to view and buy ocean-themed artwork by Oregon artist Erik Abel, Joshua Krause, Spencer Reynolds, Dustin Ortiz, and Scott Szegeski, before the public opening on Saturday. The show, featuring more than 50 pieces, is hosted by Art Whino, a new gallery that features a collaborative of more than 150 modern artists from around the country. More than 200 guests enjoyed free California wines from Twin Fin and antipasti from Whole Foods while bidding on a variety of travel packages in a silent auction. A steel drum duo from Oasis Band provided music throughout the evening.

The two-day opening included a free Environmental Showcase on Saturday afternoon. DC Surfrider campaign leaders constructed hands-on displays to illustrate two national campaigns, Rise Above Plastics and Ocean-Friendly Gardens. The exhibits educated passersby about the negative effects of plastics on oceans and ways that homeowners can reduce runoff and pollution through responsible gardening. At the crafts table, children made tote bags out of old t-shirts and surf-themed stencils and made seed envelopes out of old surf magazines so they could grow their very own native plants.


Welcome to Ripple!

Ripple 2008 Calendar:

Friday, June 20 (8 pm to midnight):
INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY
A pre-opening party for members and friends of Surfrider and other environmental organizations. Wine and hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, music. Exhibit of member-created art inspired by the oceans.


Megan Kelley, DC Chapter member and artist, and Peggy Hathaway, who purchased Megan's watercolor. This painting found a new home in Encinitas, California!

Saturday, June 21 (noon to 5 pm):
Live painting, hands-on displays of DC Surfrider campaigns, and kids' activities.


Rain barrel exhibit, created by DC Chapter member Mike Childs


Children's crafts corner, where kids could make reusable tote bags out of recycled t-shirts, organized by DC Chapter member Megan Kelley.


Rise Above Plastics informational exhibit, organized by DC Chapter member Christine Patrick, pictured here in blue. That's the DC Chapter Chair, Julie Lawson, on the right!

Saturday, June 21 (6 pm to midnight):
Official opening of RIPPLE. Art, music, food & wine.

Details:
Gallery: Art Whino
Location: National Harbor, Prince George’s County, Maryland

Check out this great video recap of the event, made by Erik Abel:



A great slideshow of the event, can be viewed here.

Also check out Erik's blog, created just for Ripple 2008.

Erik's website.

Thanks to Megan Kelley, who took the photographs shown above.

Stay tuned for Ripple 2009!! Check out the Surfrider Washington, DC Chapter website for more information.