Freshwater Skate Deck Art Auction Gains Momentum
Freshwater Parish Council is delighted to share the success of our Skate Deck Art Auction Fundraiser, a creative initiative supporting the proposed Freshwater Skatepark & Pump Track on the Isle of Wight.
Bringing together art, community spirit, and skate culture, local artists have transformed blank skateboard decks into unique works of art. The result is a vibrant and diverse collection that celebrates the Island’s skateboarding heritage while raising vital funds for a new community facility.
A Fantastic Opening Night
The auction was officially launched at a lively Opening Night on 2nd April at Newport & Carisbrooke Community Centre. The event welcomed a packed audience of artists, skaters, families, and supporters, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the evening.
Visitors enjoyed:
- A striking exhibition of the decorated skate decks
- Displays celebrating historic Isle of Wight skate spots, including Shide Ramp and Golden Hill Skatepark
- A live skate ramp with demonstrations from local skaters, including John Cattle and Hamish Flemming, alongside some of the Island’s most talented young riders
The evening also included the recognition of a generous £500 donation from High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard, reflecting the growing support for the project.
Freshwater Parish Clerk Kirsty Gibson said:
“The opening night was a fantastic success and really showed what can be achieved when the community comes together. The creativity from our local artists has been incredible, and seeing people of all ages engaging with the project highlights just how important this new skatepark and pump track will be for Freshwater.”
Exhibition Across the Island
Following the launch, the skate decks are now being displayed at a range of venues across the Isle of Wight, helping to bring the project to communities Island-wide. Initial locations include:
- Freshwater – The Piano Café – “Kiss Me Quick” by Lorna Apps-woodland
- Ryde – Department – “Flux” by Jacob Dixon, “Snakes and Adders” by Michael Forrest and Bee Happy” by Hammie Tappenden
- Newport – Caffe Isola – “Oh Hela” by Paul Windridge
- Freshwater – Freshwater Bay Vintage – “Spring 14” by Gemma Handley, “Foraged Shores” by Bethany Mercer and “West Wight Coast” by Claire Sells
- Freshwater – Dimbola – “The Madness of King George (A Tribute To The Brighton Pavillion)” by Jenni Harrsion, “Feeling Koi” by Sienna Anderson and “Wight Gold” by Nathan Holt
- Ryde – Robert Thompson – “Nautical Compass” by Zoe Sadler
- Yarmouth – George Hotel – “Betty Board” by Josh Hibberd, “Freshwater Bay” by Angela Sowden and “The Jellyfish” by Luke Parry
- Colwell – The Hut – “PictoGraffik // Typographic Abstraction” by Steve Miles
- Yarmouth Wightlink Ferries – (TBC)
- Ventnor – Ventnor Exchange – (TBC)
- Ryde – Monkton Arts – “Washing Line” by Laurence Kemp, “Soaring” by Anne Toms, “Sailing off Brook” by Mary King, “Gonk” by Emo Skates, “Freedom” by Michelle Lott and Skate Deck Art by Sadie Teirney
- Yarmouth – The Royal Solent Yacht Club – “Cloudy Bay heading for no. 9. Contessa Sailing Race, 15 March 2026, RSYC, Yarmouth” by Anna Keen
- Freshwater – – Freshwater Gate café – “Island Skater” by Claire Speight, Skate Deck Art by Hamish Fleming and “Brontoskate” by Neal Layton
Additional venues will be announced soon.
Bid Online and Support the Project
The online auction is now live and runs from 1st April to 9th May 2026, with all proceeds going directly towards the Freshwater Skatepark & Pump Track.
👉 Browse the collection and place your bids here: *AUCTION HERE*
Building Towards a New Skatepark
The project has already received a significant boost, including a £20,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, bringing the vision closer to reality. Freshwater Parish Council is working hard to begin construction as soon as possible, creating a lasting space for skaters, riders, families, and the wider community.
This fundraiser is about more than raising money—it’s about celebrating local creativity, honouring the Island’s skate heritage, and building something meaningful for future generations.
Closing Night Celebration
The Skate Deck Art Auction will culminate in a special Closing Night at The Royal Solent Yacht Club on 9th May from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This final event will bring together supporters, artists, and bidders to celebrate the success of the fundraiser, with a welcome drink and canapés provided. Guests will have the opportunity to view the artwork one last time before the online auction closes at 8:00pm, marking the final chance to place bids and support the Freshwater Skatepark & Pump Track project.
Tickets are free but limited, so booking is essential: *TICKETS HERE*
For more information about the proposed skatepark and pump track, visit:
