The Denver Art Museum recently celebrated the art of skateboarding, Sunday, Sept. 17, during this afternoon of Škáta (which means to play, in Lakota). Visitors were encouraged to come meet Indigenous artists designing skate decks, explore an installation of skateboards, enjoy music and performance, and make art. The event was inspired by Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion, which was on view through Sept. 24, and made in collaboration with Walt Pourier, Oglala Lakota of the Stronghold Society. 

 The program invited visitors to experience the following: 

• Live painting demonstrations with artists JaRon Fowler, Rafael Maldonado Bad Hand, Rosie Molina, and Leala Pourier. Artists will design and paint skate decks while visitors listen to the artists talk about their art and creative process. 

• Screening of skate videos produced by the Stronghold Society. 

• Collective artmaking project that invited visitors to add their own designs to an oversized “skateboard,” in an activity designed by artist and creative partner Walt Pourier. Visitors could also create a design on a paper “skateboard” to take home. 

• Live music mixed by DJ Tito. 

• Explore the Community Spotlight: Škáta: The Art of Skateboarding, a collection of art skate decks celebrating Indigenous artists and allies. 

• Watch a skate and dance performance, where skaters Mercedes Archuleta, Henry Killscrow Jenkins, Joaquin Picaso Bear Standing, Terrell Toledo, and Henry Whiteskunk II skated from the Creative Hub outside to Kemper Courtyard for a dance finale accompanied by drummer Steve La Pointe.