Artists paint boards to raise money for skate park

Artists have painted skateboard decks to be exhibited and then auctioned to fund a new skate park.

More than 40 skateboard decks are on display at the Station Gallery in Frome until 27 September, to raise the £400,000 that is needed.

The exhibition has been organised by Frome Skatepark Project, a volunteer group working to help raise the money.

Kim Martin from the project, said: "We've got work from brilliant artists from Frome and further afield, with an extraordinary range of styles. Seeing more than 40 of them together in one space is going to be pretty special."

Sue Bucklow, chairwoman of the project, said: "We've got a skate park that's over 30 years old and it's falling apart. It's full of kids after school and on a weekend, they love it.

"We just felt it's time for a new skate park, Frome deserves it."

Artists Cheba, Nicky Knowles, James Lynch, Sepr, Kate Matsevych, Andy Council and Matt Wellsted have all turned a blank skateboard deck into an original artwork.

Wellsted said: "I'm also a skater, or used to be - I had my first deck when I was 11 years old," Wellsted said.

"There are several decks that I would love to bid for if I had the money myself.

"Local artist Chris Peak has done some great stuff. I think there's a design to suit every style."

The auction of the skateboards will go live on Friday night.

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