SUPPORT MONTANA SKATEBOARDING
LIVINGSTON, MT:
Grit to Grind Online Art Auction
The April 25 Grit to Grind event at Wheatgrass Books was a wonderful night for Livingston skateboarding, local art, and community. Montana Skatepark Association founders and authors Andy Kemmis and Chris Bacon traveled from Missoula to share stories, answer questions, and sign copies of their new book, Grit to Grind: Shaping Montana Communities One Skatepark at a Time, published by Chronicle Books.
The event also kicked off a month-long skateboard art show featuring one-of-a-kind decks created by local artists. Thanks to the artists, bidders, and community supporters, the online auction raised $1,680 for Livingston kids, families, and future skatepark improvements.
Half of the funds raised will be donated to Livingston Food Resource Center’s Summer Lunch in the Park program, which helps provide meals for local kids and families in need in collaboration with Farm to School of Park County and the Livingston School District. The other half will go directly toward future improvements at Livingston’s McNair Skatepark, including seating, bathroom access, landscaping, and expanded skate infrastructure.
The Skate Alliance has also launched a community survey to gather input on what improvements feel most important. If you skate, visit the park, have kids who use it, or care about better public recreation in Livingston, please take a minute to fill it out below.
Thank you for helping turn skateboard art into real community impact.
🎉 Auction Total Raised: $1,680
Survey open through June 1.
WINTER SKATE NIGHTS 26' FINALE!
Winter Skate Nights gave the Bozeman skate community a place to gather, ride, create, and stay connected through the coldest part of the year. Over 6 weeks, the series welcomed 225 unique skaters, generated 455 total skate sessions, and brought together families, volunteers, artists, and supporters around something much bigger than just skating. This final recap captures the energy, community, and momentum that made the series so special.
Special thanks to our sponsors, partners, and collaborators:
HRDC, World Boards, HellHound Metalworks, Bear Paw Embroidery, Crazy Mountain Ventures, Bozeman Parks and Recreation, Lowbrow Burgers, Family Meal 406, Friends on the Hill, Happy Trash Can, Turmoil Skateboards, and The Compassion Project.
Thank you Media support:
BozeFoto, Sam Overturf, Resounding Media, and Blazing Arrow Productions.
The 2026 Deck Show was a hit!
Hosted by Montana State University and Bozeman High School, the Deck Show brought together over 80 artists who transformed skateboard decks into incredible works of art, all to support the Ennis and Bozeman skateparks.
The event highlighted the powerful connection between skateboarding, art, and community, with students, local artists, and skaters filling the room to celebrate creativity and support Montana skateboarding.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, bid on artwork, and helped make the night such a success!
Special thanks to Deserae Mann of In Time Photography for capturing the evening so beautifully.
Learn more about the event: https://givebutter.com/c/iDbwbK
See more of Deserae’s work: https://www.intimephotographymt.com/
From the Ground Up...
The roots of SAM run deep in Montana, from early contests to the rise of new concrete. But for years, the energy faded. Now, under new leadership, SAM is back, and we’re turning up the volume. Our mission is simple: connect skateboarding, art, and music to build stronger, more creative communities. From local events and skate clinics to documentary storytelling and park expansions, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation. One city at a time.
Every dollar makes a difference. Your support helps us build new skateparks, run youth clinics, and create inclusive community events.
We’re always looking for volunteers, artists, instructors, and partners to help run events, teach kids, and bring new ideas to life. Whether you’re behind the camera or behind a clipboard — there’s a role for you here.
The Skateboarding Alliance of Montana (SAM) empowers communities through skateboarding. From new parks to youth programs, we’re creating spaces where people of all back-grounds can roll, connect, and grow — on and off the board.
