Inspired by the PIVOT Skateboard Deck Art exhibit now on display at the Center of Southwest Studies, museum intern, Elise Lilburn (Studio Art ’21), conceived of the idea to create a student PIVOT exhibition. To find participants, Elise reached out to fellow students in the Art & Design Department, as well as tabling in the Student Union Building. Interested students submitted a proposal sketch of their skateboard art as well as samples of their past art works, that was then reviewed by a selection committee. Those chosen were provided with a new or reclaimed skateboard, and these student artists had two weeks to complete the project.
Student artists include: Tayen Booth, Danni Crombie, Qöötsuenma Denipah-Cook, Nadya Erlandson, Zyan Frauen, Marina Galasso, Skyler Kling, Maddie Lamb, Elise Lilburn, Noah Lindenthal, Damian Linscott, AJ Lopez, Destiny Morgan, Benjamin Rogers, Chloe’ Umdenstock, Kara Vadeboncoeur, Kaylan Yazzie and Clarissa Zeller.
As exhibit curator, Elise aided coordination with building administrators, Physical Plant, and Center staff to identify campus locations, install the skateboard decks, and generate the label text. The exhibition demonstrates student creativity and dedication in voicing their experiences through art and a personal statement.
“This project excited me for many reasons - a huge one being that I wanted students’ art showcasing their identity to be represented across campus and not just in the art building. The greatest way to celebrate our diversity is through art. I also love working with other students on collaborative projects.” - Elise Lilburn
As well as interning at the Center of Southwest Studies, Elise is President of the Creative Collective, an art club on campus. She has secured an internship next summer in art conservation with UCLA/Getty, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
PIVOT: Skateboard Deck Art and the Student PIVOT Exhibition will be on display through March 12, 2021. The student art works can be found in Reed Library and in two locations in the Student Union Building.