The Virginia Project: Skateboard Graphics

by Shari Mason

Each year, one of my first projects is a line design project that I found on "Skateboard Deck Graphics",” by Conni Murray.  When I researched professional skateboard artists on Google I discovered the very talented, illustrative artwork of Mark Rivard. Mark is the visionary behind “Inspiration In Motion” Rivard Art Education, a program that focused on motivating and inspiring adolescent minds through the use of art and a modern cultural icon - the skateboard.

On checking Mark’s website, I discovered that he travels to schools all over presenting skateboard deck design workshops. He brings “an encouraging and inspirational message that helps kids realize that they have the power within themselves to do great things” and aims “to inspire kids to dream big, and encourage a strong work ethic and an independent frame of mind.” 

Fund Raising

Liking his message, I sent him e-mail, told him that I was interested in having him come to my school, and inquired about the cost.  After communicating with Mark, finding out the cost of the program, and realizing that the artist lived half way across the United States, at first I could see no way my school could ever afford to have Mark come. We are located in an economically challenged, rural area of Virginia where the majority of the students are on free and reduced lunch and opportunities like this rarely happen.

Yet Mark was determined to make it happen and he made an offer that I could not refuse: “If you can get 100 students to sign up for the three day workshop and raise $1,000, and I can raise $5,000 through donations, we can do this.”  I asked my students if they thought it was possible, and, without hesitation, they responded with a resounding, “YES!” We decided to call our effort The Virginia Project.

First, my students sold enough candy to raise $700. Once the word got out, local residents started donating money, including the mayor.  Mark asked for donations through his website and blog for The Virginia Project; people as far away as Germany donated money. Mark also generously volunteered his time and attention – we couldn’t have done it without him.

Getting Ready

Once the project was confirmed and before Mark’s arrival at our school, I directed my students to tell their own personal stories in designs for skateboard decks. They had two weeks to gather their ideas and complete their drawings on paper the same size as actual skateboard decks.

The inaugural day finally arrived.  Mark Rivard and his friend, Russ Olson, traveled thousands of miles with skateboard decks weighing down their vehicle.  I will never forget the looks on my students’ faces when they walked into the art room. My students practically drooled over hundreds of brand new permanent markers, all donated by Sharpie. They sat on the edges of their seats with their sketches laid out on the tables, eager to show them to Mark and Russ.

Getting Down to Work

Over the course of three days, my students were completely focused on their artwork, transferring their designs to the skateboard decks. They helped and encouraged each other. They formed new friendships, talked to classmates they never knew before, and shared their most personal stories on their skateboards.  At one point, I had 53 students working on their skateboards.  My art room was completely full, the classroom across the hall was packed, the hallway was full of students, and not one was a discipline problem.

One of my students was eager to interview Mark.  After the interview, he interviewed her in turn.  Mark was blown away by what she had to say!  One by one, he pulled students away from their artwork to ask them a few simple questions.  He even interviewed our principal and the superintendent of schools. Mark also challenged my students to get up in front of the classroom and give “artist statements” about their designs. The reward for such courage? An autographed print!

“The Virginia Project” was life changing for many of my art students. They realized it can be beneficial to take the risk of working together. They realized it’s okay to open up to others and that they are not alone in their personal struggles.  Some of my students realized that they are “artists,” not just “taking art,” and plan to pursue a career in the arts after high school. My life and my students’ lives were completely changed by this project. Don’t be afraid to dream big for a similar project of your own.

"We had a great time when Mark came east for the Virginia Project. The kids loved it and we thank Mark for taking the journey and providing the skateboards to work with. Being a small, rural community (total K-12 system enrollment of 2300) we were blessed to be able to provide this creative opportunity to the kids."

Douglas Pond, Mayor

Town of Lawrenceville 

Shari Mason is an art teacher at Brunswick High School in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Mark Rivard is the creator of “Inspiration In Motion,” a program that focuses on motivating and inspiring young minds through the use of art and the modern cultural tool - a skateboard. 

Mark, Shari, and Russ

This article was published in the March 2014 SchoolArts Magazine.