Expression Session 2 in Laguna Beach

EXPRESSION SESSION 2: An Exhibition of Paintings, Photographs, Prints & Posters
WORKS BY JOHN SEVERSON, MIKE SALISBURY, RICK GRIFFIN, THOMAS CAMPBELL, GEOFF MCFETRIDGE, ANDY DAVIS AND TYLER WARREN
September 4-28, 2014
Artist Reception: Saturday, September 6, 6-9pm
Presented By: Vans
LAGUNA BEACH, CA (August 14, 2014) – Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow is proud to present Expression Session 2, a group exhibition of works spanning two generations of surf culture, featuring seven of its most influential artists. Selected by guest curator Will Pennartz, founder and owner of The Surf Gallery (2001-2010), the exhibition consists of paintings, photographs, prints and posters by John Severson, Mike Salisbury, Rick Griffin, Thomas Campbell, Geoff McFetridge, Andy Davis and Tyler Warren. The show will be on view September 4-28, 2014 with an opening reception on September 6. Among the works available will be never-before-exhibited prints of 1960s-era Surfer Magazine drawings by Salisbury, as well as a new limited edition print from Thomas Campbell.
The Surf Gallery’s temporary return to Laguna Beach is notable, because, AR4T Gallery owner Torrey Cook explains, its 2010 closure left a hole in the Laguna Beach art community: “Will created a incubator for the most innovative artists in surfing and nothing can take its place,” she said. From 2001 through 2010 Pennartz presented a reflection of the changing modern surf culture by blending contemporary art and more traditional surf imagery in the small gallery, which was just up the steps from the famous Thalia Street surf break. He also organized exhibitions in New York, Tokyo, London, Paris, Sydney, Sao Paulo and more. In 2013, Expression Session 1 at Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow featured works from 16 influential contemporary artists in surf culture throughout the first decade of the 2000s.
In Expression Session 2, Pennartz brings two generations together starting with the very beginning: “John Severson was an inspiration for me to open The Surf Gallery, and I’m thrilled to still be working with him again,” he says. “I’ve always been a huge fan of Mike Salisbury’s work - from his early drawings in Surfer Magazine to his photography and design work. Thomas Campbell is a legend in his own right.” Tyler Warren, 28, who Pennartz has featured in several exhibitions, says, “I am honored to be in such good company in this show. Andy, John, and Thomas are some of my favorite artists. I have pieces by each of them in my personal collection.”
“The combination of this carefully selected group of contemporary artists, alongside the original visionaries of the industry, highlights the generational influence that this art has had on culture as a whole,” says gallery co-owner and co-curator Mark Weiner. “The Surf Gallery helped shape my interest not only in surf culture, but in contemporary art in general. I am very excited to be working with Will again in presenting works that I believe will also inspire generations to come.”

About Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow:
Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow is a contemporary art gallery in Laguna Beach, CA dedicated to the support of emerging and mid-career artists who not only make amazing works in the studio, but are leaders in life – travelers, curators, musicians, skateboarders, surfers, teachers, builders. AR4T gallery specializes in original works, prints, books and more. In 2014 we are excited to welcome Vans as a partner in continuing our mission to create a larger platform for new artists.

EXPRESSION SESSION 2 opens Saturday, September 6 from 6 to 9pm. Artists will be in attendance. Show runs September 4-28, 2014 at ARTISTS REPUBLIC 4 TOMORROW, 1175 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA. Parking meters free after 7pm. Works are for sale. Gallery hours: Wed-Sun 11am to 7pm. www.AR4T.com.