Day 1 of Deck Art Draws Big Crowds to Downtown Rochester

If the crowds in downtown Rochester on Thursday were any indication, one needn't know how to ollie or grind a rail to appreciate some skateboard deck art.

Deck Art 2013, which kicked off Thursday and resumes from 5-9 p.m. today, features more than 250 artists from around Michigan showcasing their art on blank skateboard decks at about 50 different downtown businesses. 

"It's good, it's fun, everybody's having a good time," said Linda Gallaher of South Street Skateshop, an organizer for the event. "It's very festive."

The art at the event comes from artists ranging from elementary schoolers to seasoned adult artists from around Metro Detroit and as far as Grand Rapids and Flint.

"The boards are spectacular," Gallaher said. "The elementary school kids are precious, just precious pieces of artwork."

Given the large area the event encompasses, it was difficult to gauge how many patrons attended the event, but with busy shops and lines leading to the four food trucks on East Fourth Street, Gallaher was optimistic the event was on track for its biggest year yet.

The foot tour of about 50 downtown businesses might be daunting, but Gallaher said several attendees have been up to the challenge, visiting each destination on the map, which is handed out at her store and at the Downtown Development Authority office.

"Some people are actually taking the map very seriously," Gallaher said. 

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Artists are not notified ahead of time where their works are on display, further encouraging some exploration, Gallaher said. Winners will be announced today by way of a ribbon hanging with each award-winning deck.

A residual effect of the festival crowds is increased foot traffic at downtown businesses.

"What some people are saying is they have gone into stores that they have never been in before," Gallaher said. "I think sometimes we get into the habit of just frequenting stores that we're used to frequenting."