The Harold Hunter Foundation is proud to announce it has teamed up with iconic urban art pioneer PHASE 2 on an exclusive artist series skateboard deck. Only 100 hand-numbered decks are available. Manufactured by Long Island’s Chapman Skateboards, each screen-printed collector’s deck features PHASE 2’s vibrant collage-style artwork inspired by legendary skateboarder Harold Hunter and the city that fueled his many creative pursuits.
“We’re excited to be working with PHASE 2 on this project because he’s one of New York’s original style writers whose work helped shape a creative movement that’s inspired generations of artists around the world for the past forty years,” says Jessica Forsyth, Harold Hunter Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director.
The limited-edition Harold Hunter Foundation x PHASE 2 collaborative decks are a philanthropic effort with 40% of proceeds donated to the foundation. Coinciding with the deck release, 3 of PHASE 2’s original hand-cut works-of-art on skateboard decks will be on display from October 1st-12th and available for purchase exclusively at ART APPLE NYC located at 1427 DeKalb Ave in Brooklyn.
As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Harold Hunter Foundation relies on financial support from the skate community and related outlets to achieve its mission of using skateboarding as a vehicle to provide underserved youth with valuable life experiences that nurture individual creativity, resourcefulness and the development of life skills. Charitable partnerships like PHASE 2 are vital to the long-term success of the foundation.
“When we were kids, we used to make skateboards with roller skates and 2x4s and ride on them around the block. As an art piece, I like the surface and shape of the pro boards,” says cultural icon PHASE 2. “With respect to Harold, who I knew through Zoo York in the ‘90s, I’ve been creating art in his honor since his passing. It’s super fitting to get this particular effort out to the masses not only as a tribute to him, but keeping his legacy alive as one of those super special and inspirational skaters of that time, for all time—one who any youth that aspires to be ‘that next one’ should be aware of.”
ABOUT HAROLD HUNTER FOUNDATION:
Established in 2007 in memory of legendary skateboarder Harold Hunter, the Harold Hunter Foundation (HHF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based organization headquartered in New York City. By leveraging the many positive aspects of skateboarding, HHF provides a network of support, opportunity and advocacy for underserved NYC youth so they can reach their full potential as skateboarders and young adults. Cornerstone programs include Harold Hunter Day, Skate Camp Scholarships, Digital Media Training, and the Legacy Program.
ABOUT PHASE 2:
Born and raised in the Bronx, PHASE 2 is a first-generation New York City style writer and a founding father/primary instigator of the basic and wildest typography styles in the subway art movement of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Many of the initial components he introduced to the culture have become staples in its format worldwide. His signature “party fliers” played an important role in the spread of hip-hop culture throughout NYC and beyond, and he is among the very first aerosol artists to exhibit in galleries spanning the globe. He also played an integral role in the early days of break dancing and was instrumental in the formation of one of the most prolific B-boy crews ever assembled, which he named The New York City Breakers. From hip-hop fashion to iconic logos, PHASE 2’s global impact remains a guiding light for new generations of artists. Today, he continues on an unconventional, socially conscious path using creativity as his vehicle.
Proceeds from collector’s deck will benefit youth-focused non-profit Harold Hunter Foundation.
