Kamloops Museum presents: Ground Control

KAMLOOPS – Opening April 22, 2016, the Kamloops Museum & Archives (KMA) presents Ground Control, an exhibition exploring skateboard culture with a focus on Kamloops.

The exhibition will highlight some of the issues that shape this activity which, more often than not, is embraced as a lifestyle more than a hobby. Along with an array of historical skateboards, the display will feature skateboard films, photos and video footage of local skateboarders, and skateboards from pros that have emerged from Kamloops.

As they consider values and principles like authenticity, rebellion, safety, masculinity and creativity, visitors will be allowed to try out a mini half pipe, which will be installed in the display. Visitors will also be able to get a sense from major players in the local scene how skateboarding has evolved in Kamloops and how McArthur Island Skateboard Park came to be, and make suggestions for further development of the park.

Opening night, on April 22 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will include refreshments, music and a talk by legendary skateboarder, Kevin Harris. Mr. Harris will then go on to call a contest on the mini ramp to see who will wear the first and only Best Indoor Trick in a Kamloops Museum crown.

The KMA holds a mirror to Kamloops. Our holdings are the spark and the evidence of our shared history and fuel our vision of preserving the past to make sense of the present and move imaginatively into the future. Ground Control represents a step toward connecting Kamloops youth to Kamloops culture. This interactive display, encouraging visitor submissions and participation, is one step for us in making it clear that we're all culture-makers, and culture matters here.

Ground Control runs April 22 to August 20, 2016.