Washed Up

Michael Derewenko and Transitions Art Gallery present “Washed Up” at Transitions Art Gallery at Skatepark of Tampa

On Friday, September 22, 2006, Transitions Art Gallery will present a new artistic installment by local photographer Michael Derewenko titled “Washed Up.” The installment will consist of 13 found pieces and 10 photographs.

Michael Derewenko is a local photographer who has been taking skateboard photographs for 10 years. His work has appeared in several internationally distributed skateboard magazines, such as Transworld Skateboarding, Slap Magazine, Thrasher, The Skateboard Mag, and Skateboarder Magazine. Michael has also displayed work in past Transitions Art Gallery art shows such as “Transformed” in 2005 and “Wanted” in 2006.

This exhibit tells the story of a local skate spot on the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. The spot, a handrail at the Convention Center, has become a popular destination for local and visiting skateboarders, even appearing in several popular skateboard films. In addition to being illegal to skate this location, skaters risk the loss of their boards. If there is any mistake on the skateboarder’s part, their board can easily roll right off of the Convention Center patio and into the Hillsborough River. Michael, knowing the losses suffered at this spot, decided to send a diver down into the river to recover what could be found. The result will be on display, along with photographs taken by Michael which tell the story of the recovery.

The event will be open for an invitation-only preview with cocktails, provided by Stella Artois and others, at 7pm and will then be open to the public at 9pm. Admission is free.