Instead of simply gearing up for another one of their Memorial Day sales, this year, Los Gatos’ NC Boardshop decided to try something more creative.
But Mike Allen, co-owner of the apparel and hard goods shop that serves the skateboarding, surf and scooter communities, said the response to their upcoming one-day art fair has already been so impressive he’s planning to turn it into a series.
“This is the first of many,” he said, in an interview at their storefront at 16203 Los Gatos Blvd. “I’ve got a lot of people signed-up for my next one, whenever we do it.”
The event, set to occur from 11am-4pm on Sunday, May 25, will feature work from artists from around the region like Amadeo Abachar, whose creations have appeared in National Geographic and Scientific American, and Jason Arnold, one of the creative directors over at NHS, Inc. over in Santa Cruz—one of the biggest companies in the skate industry.
Shoppers will also be able to check out handmade houseware items from Angie Black or enjoy eats from food trucks.
“There’s also a charitable arm to what we’re doing here,” Allen said, of their partnership with the Heartworkers Union, a nonprofit based out of San Jose. “Their mission is to create healthy, mindful communities that are sustainable and strong. They offer opportunities for scholarships and opportunities for personal growth, but they also focus on raising awareness of mental health and physical health.”
The event is truly a family affair, as his wife—better known to local revelers as DJ Kat—will be behind the decks.
She’s coming off a recent daytime festival at Hotel Paradox over the hill that was attended by legendary skater Keith Meek and artist Jimbo Phillips and put together with the help of the Faction’s Ray Stevens.
However, Allen says, unlike the more punky atmosphere of that Santa Cruz show, Los Gatans can expect a much more laid-back vibe to his festival.
‘I’m Just letting it be organic.’
—Mike Allen, NC Boardshop owner
“I’m just letting it be organic,” he said. “The emphasis really is getting the townspeople of Los Gatos coming through.”
Attendees can expect to see oil and acrylic paintings, cool jewelry and house goods, and top-notch photography, Allen adds.
They’re even featuring a craftsman who makes furniture out of reclaimed skateboards.
The local shop has been continuing on strong, despite industry turbulence.
During the interview, manager John Pryor was working on an order for an upcoming Google presentation, for example.
“At the end of the day if people are coming through this door, we’re fine,” Allen said. “We’re doing what we can. It’s becoming harder and harder.”
Earlier this year, Liberated Brands—citing rising costs and consumer preferences for fast fashion—announced it would close all of its Billabong, Quiksilver and Volcom retail stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
When asked about the changing winds in the sports retail sector, Allen thanks his lucky stars he didn’t sell to a conglomerate.
“It was a conscious decision by us to stay independent. Because in the ’90s, when skateboarding was exploding and people saw the monetary possibilities, we had people who wanted to franchise us out,” he said. “But we didn’t chase that carrot. I’m glad we didn’t. Because we would have been gone by now, most likely.”
Instead, they’re looking forward to their 40th birthday, next year.
NC Boardshop sells footwear, skateboards, scooters, surf gear, apparel for men, women and kids (“—and grandparents,” adds Allen).
But the shop needs to continue to evolve in order to stay relevant, he adds.
While they’ve had skate demos and film premieres in the past, Allen said the point of the art event was twofold.
On the one hand, it was a way to support people within the local boardsports industry who have other artistic interests, Allen says.
And, on the other hand, it’s intended as a way to reach out to others who may not normally think to pop into a skate shop.
“I’m just doing it really as a way to get the community involved—maybe (to) people who don’t really know that we’re here, to introduce ourselves. And just to support all of our customers as well,” he said. “Some are a bit on the famous side.”
The NC Boardshop Art Fair will run from 11am-4pm on May 25, at 16203 Los Gatos Blvd.
