Skateboard showcase a fundraiser, launch party for non-profit

By David Young

Art is on deck for Odell Brewing Co. this fall — literally. The Fort Collins brewery is hosting its annual All Hands on Deck 2023 Annual Art Show and Fundraiser event this October showcasing skateboard decks designed by local and national artists.

Check it Out
What: All Hands On Deck 2023 Annual Art Show And Fundraiser to launch:Community Through Skateboarding
Where: Odell Brewing/Barrel Room (building directly behind winery): 824 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins
When: Gallery hours:
Oct. 12, 12-8 p.m.
Oct. 13, 12-8 p.m.
Oct. 14, 12-9 p.m.
*The closing event is on Saturday afternoon/evening

The event, from Oct. 12-14, features hand-painted skateboard decks designed by more than 250 artists from Colorado and beyond, including Mark Gonzales, Ed Templeton, Evan Hecox, Thomas Campbell and others.

More than just an impressive art exhibition, the skateboard decks will be auctioned off to bidders with all proceeds going to the non-profit skateboarding organization Launch: Community Through Skateboarding.

Launch is a Fort Collins-based 501(c)3 organization whose partners have put on the All Hands on Deck local fundraiser since 2011. Launch’s mission is to foster a culture of creativity and self-expression for skateboarders throughout Northern Colorado.

For more than two decades Andy Weiss, Launch’s founder and executive director, has worked to build Colorado’s skateboard community and culture. With the aim of bringing people together through skateboarding, All Hands On Deck has already raised $120,000.

Those looking to peruse the lineup of artistic skateboard decks and perhaps make a bid or two can head to the Odell Brewing Barrel Room, located directly behind the winery, at 824 E. Lincoln Ave. in Fort Collins, Oct.12-14, in the afternoon. The event is open to all ages and bids for original skateboard decks featured in the exhibit will be done through an online auction site.

Odell Brewing Co. is a staple in the Fort Collins and Colorado craft brewing scene. Started in 1989 by Doug Odell, his wife Wynne Odell, and his sister Corkie, Odell Brewing Co. creates such beers as Easy Street Wheat, Lagerado Crispy Lager and 90 Shilling Ale.

Odell Brewing Co. has expanded over the years with its OBC Wine Project, an urban winery and wine bar also located in Fort Collins. The OBC Wine Project sources its grapes from wine regions in the country creating red, white, and rosé wines.

Odell Brewing Co. also expanded its reach to Denver with the Five Points and Sloan’s Lake Brewhouses. Each brewhouse features a 10-barrel pilot system and the Sloan’s Lake location serves pizza.

David Young is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. He specializes in beer, whiskey, and outdoor writing.