Back from a weekend in Seattle, and finally ready to release the full scoop on the evo/Rossi/Freeskier party that went down on Saturday night.
Over the course of the last year, Rossi has very quietly approached seven world-renowned board-sports artists to craft a completely new look for its 2008/09 line. The result is what Rossi likes to call “Rideable Art,” seven new twin tip models under the Seven Artistic Sins moniker that Rossi released at this exclusive party Saturday night at evo in Seattle.
For the Seven Artistic Sins initiative, Rossi gave Steve Caballero, Andy Howell, Caia Koopman, Mr. Jago, Andrew Pommier, Squindo, and Will Barras a rideable canvas of sorts, and let these renowned board-sports artists bring their own style to ski art.
“We wanted to give these artists the recognition they deserve,” says Jason Newell, Director of Sports Marketing at Rossignol. “Collectively, they have basically created the visual identity for board culture and they have been behind the scenes for far too long. The time has come to put the spotlight on the artist and pay homage to their individual style and creativity”.
evo is taking pre-orders for the skis right now. If you want in on the action, get after it quick. They are expected to ship as early as Feb 1.
To check out the ski graphics and specs, click here.
The party went down Saturday night at evo’s shop in Seattle’s Freemont district. Rossi and evo went big with free food, plenty of drinks flowing, two Whistler-based DJs spinning, and a crew of breakdancers. (Turns out evo’s own Bryce Phillips is working on a second career as a breakdancer.)
Rossi set up displays around the room showing each new ski and the original artwork that was translated into the ski graphic. Several of the artists and Rossi riders including Kye Peterson and John Spriggs were on-hand for the event.
Throughout the party, Andy Howell worked furiously on a wall-size painting, with the crowd watching the work evolve throughout the night. In a side room, several of the artists set up fuller showings of their work, which gave the crew a chance to see the bigger perspective of the artwork.
Huge props to evo and Rossi for throwing a great event, and to Rossi for putting together this project. There’s no shortage of ski-town boozefests in this industry, but to see art, culture, skiing and other action sports come together in an environment like this was amazing. Big thanks to Rossi’s Jason Newell and to everyone at evo.
We’ll keep hitting you with more coverage, especially details on the skis, throughout the week.
