Custom surfboard bids accepted through Aug. 15
A collaborative group of artists, designers and craftsmen has teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind surfboard to benefit the local nonprofit organization Clothing Our Kids. This unique and fully functional single-fin surfboard boasts a stunning custom design.
Artisans included photographers Brian White of WhiteSail Studio; and Sean Kelley, and Dave and Tom Bracht of Brother Surf Crafts; and Jota Aretxabaleta, graphic designer and artist.
At the Pines in Rehoboth Beach, White and Kelley staged a successful photography exhibit which featured their original works. During the planning stages for the exhibit, the duo decided to donate 10 percent of all of the show’s proceeds to Clothing Our Kids.
This local, 100 percent volunteer organization provides clothing, shoes and coats to at-risk elementary school children throughout Sussex County at no charge. Clothing Our Kids works exclusively with school nurses at all 33 Sussex County elementary schools, since they are the people most familiar with the children’s family circumstances.
“We knew we wanted to support an area charity through sales of our photos,” said White. “When we learned more about Clothing Our Kids and the fact they have donated thousands of articles of school clothing to kids in need in Sussex County, we wanted to help their mission.” The idea was born to create and auction a custom surfboard with original artwork as a fundraiser for the organization.
The pair contacted Dave and Tom Bracht, owners of Brother Surf Crafts of Ocean View. The Brachts enthusiastically agreed to handshape and glass a 6-foot-8-inch Gerry Lopez Pipeliner board as a donation.
The custom board features the surf graphics of Kelley and White in a fish scale design, and original artwork by widely known graphic designer Jota Aretxabaleta of Barcelona, Spain, was hand-painted by the artist himself during the opening night exhibit.
“This is truly one of the most unique surfboards we have ever seen,” said Kelley. “It could be used in the water or as a piece of art in a home.” In addition, 100 percent of the profits from auctioning the board will be donated directly to Clothing Our Kids.
For more information, to view all the surfboard details and to place a bid, go to www.oceanatlantic.net/about-us/we-support.html.
The auction will remain open until 5 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15. The board’s retail value is well above $900 according to the Bracht Brothers, but the minimum bidding will begin at $500.
“We think it is a fun way for a surf and/or art lover to end up with a custom surfboard, all while supporting an incredible local charity, Clothing Our Kids,” said Kelley. “We are hoping our local friends and beach visitors will all check out the board online at eBay and place a bid.”
The board is available to be viewed live and in person at Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty office at 49 Baltimore Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
