What a great night!  Venice "gets" George Peterson of Circle Factory.  A lot of people arrived who have not been to Altered Space Gallery before and never considered art on a personal level.  But  George Peterson's skateboards resonated for so many people who understood the cultural reference and found the art compelling.  It seemed like a natural link for those who remember Venice as Dogtown and the place where skatboarding began.

 At left, george explains his process in which he  channels a lot of violence, often burning, hacking and breaking the decks.

George Peterson's skateboards are recylced decks he obtains from a Skateboard park near his studio in North Carolina.  Often George brings the kids whose skateboards have been used into his studio to see the process.

George Peterson describes how he obtains the decks to a local skateboarder.

At times opening night for George Peterson felt more like a gathering of family and old friends.  It was one of those special nights for us.  Much of that had to do not only with the art that was so rooted in our history but the fact that George Peterson is one of those unique artists who exemplifies authenticity both in his art and in his person.                                                                                                                                                                                             

George plants a kiss on his sister Molly.

George Peterson describes how he first realized the beauty in imperfection, similar to the Japanese Wabi Sabi aesthetic, when a wood sculpture he was working on developed a crack, opening a new idea of beauty for the artist.

At times he disregards the deck form completely to create sculpture.  Here, his coil which seems like a living fibonnaci form.

George and local artist Aaron Kramer (whose show opens this coming September 17 at Altered Space) see a new symbolism in the art as explained by a guest.

Artist Tanya Clarke (whose show opens at Altered Space Gallery this coming Fall) came out to welcome George. Standing in front of Tanya's water drip sculptures.

One of our favorite people - the talented Scott showed up with a very kool friend. 

Great design. Guests decide on injection molded porcelain mugs by Goyer Bonneau!

The OMG factor - Todd Reed Jewelry! Skateboards and diamonds, only at Altered Space.