Thank you for making the Skate Art Show a success!

Supporters filled the Vault of Midnight to overflowing last night for our first-ever Skate Art Show. Even the occasional thunderstorm didn't slow the turnout: an estimated 400 Ann Arborites of all ages made it downtown to the show, which featured dazzling art, amazing tunes, good food and a great time in support of the Skatepark.

By the end of the night the contributions, including some downright exciting bidding during the live auction, added up to nearly $9000 in new funds for for the Skatepark! And don't worry if you couldn't join us: after last night's enthusiastic turnout, we're likely to make this an annual event. In the meantime, you can get a taste of last night's action by checking out the event program at the bottom of this message. And Dug Song has posted some pretty cool photos on his Flickr site.

Everyone pitched in, from the permanently-awesome Vaultkeepers Curtis and Liz Sullivan to Mayor and masterful displayer of decks John Hieftje; auctioneer extraordinaire Michael Jewett (the man knows how to work a crowd!); our DJs, Mogi Grumbles, Charles Trees and DJ Ornate; chef Mike Bush (who just sort of showed up with these incredible platters of incredibly incredible pastries...); our generous gift sponsors; and a roster of 49 amazing artists, ranging from graphic designers with international followings to the up-and-coming local youth artists whose work really wowed the crowd. As well as tons of other people too numerous to name, but whose every contribution added up to an amazing show.

Who else? Well, 400-plus of you: our fellow citizens. We're going to build this park, and when it happens it will be because of you all. Thank you.

Next big Skatepark event will be the Fourth of July. Stay tuned for details...