Get ready for Inspiration in Motion!

Guest Artist Mark Rivard is bringing two days of artistic and inspiring fun-filled activities for youth and adults to McConnell! Get the kids signed up today for Inspiration in Motion on June 20-21 from 9:30-11:30 am at the Youth Center, where they can learn about creative expression get hands-on and design an art-covered skateboard deck of their own! Then the adults are invited to join Mark for a drink in the Tanker Tavern and make a deck of their own at Boards & Brews! This program is limited space, so be sure to get signed up ASAP! Read more about each program below! 

INSPIRATION IN MOTION
June 20-21 | 9:30-11:30 am | Youth Center | FREE

Inspiration in Motion is an instructive art program for youth (ages 6-18), where participants design and illustrate a skateboard
deck (no wheels, skateboard deck only). The art program is facilitated by accomplished professional artist Mark Rivard. The concept is to get participants engaged in a positive and interactive program, and to express themselves through art.

Mark Rivard inspires youth how to dream big, encourage a strong work ethic and to have an independent frame of mind through his own story that is presented. Each program begins with Rivard speaking to the students while displaying an array of his own original skateboards as examples through storytelling of each piece. Students will use the skateboard deck as a cultural tool and actual canvas to create a work of art that tells their own story with Rivard's guidance.

The program is geared towards youth ages 6-18 years old and instructed in a manner that builds confidence and enhances resiliency. Participants learn basic art and design skills, gain confidence and understanding of personal interests, and are motivated to pursue and accomplish set goals. The instructor uses current trends to capture the attention of his students and blends it in with art.  

BOARDS & BREWS
June 21| 6-8 pm | Tanker Tavern | FREE to paint

Boards & Brews is an interactive art program for adults (ages 18+), where participants design and illustrate a skateboard deck (no wheels). The art program is facilitated by a skilled and accomplished artist, Mark Rivard. The concept is to get participants engaged in a positive and interactive experience that allows them to create their own original skateboard artwork. Boards & Brews, a multilayered experience, combines Rivard's mobile art show of his own original skateboard artworks, and begins with a Talk and Q & A hosted by the artist himself. Participants then are invited to create their own original skateboard art piece. Boards & Brews is an exciting community program that promotes social engagement and packs an inspirational message of resiliency from artist Mark Rivard. This highly entertaining and engaging evening is not your typical "Paint N' Sip"! 

You can sign up for Boards & Brews here

ABOUT THE ARTIST
The instructor, Mark Rivard is a professional fine artist, writer, educator, and entrepreneur. Working out of Minneapolis, MN, Mr. Rivard runs a private art gallery and studio space. He has shown his work globally and been involved in internationally recognized projects. In 2011 Rivard was the face of the Sharpie Markers and the global brand ambassador. He is the creator and visionary behind "Inspiration in Motion." He is also the creator of Do Rad Things, an arts educational-based program centered on skateboard design, visual arts, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Rivard has completed projects all over the world and has been touring his programs with the USAF since 2016.