Press Release

"SURF ISLAND: A Ride with Newport's Surf Community"

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Photographs by Jason Evans
Exhibition at Newport Art Museum June 5 - September 6, 2010
Reception: June 18, 5 - 7 pm

NEWPORT, RI: Newport photographer Jason Evans shines a spotlight on the Aquidneck Island (Newport) surfing scene in "SURF ISLAND: A Ride with Newport's Surf Community," a new exhibition opening on Saturday, June 5 at the Newport Art Museum. Evans portrays the hardy, passionate, sometimes edgy corps of surfers who persevere for the love of the sport through all kinds of bad weather and less-than-perfect conditions in this corner of New England. "SURF ISLAND" runs through September 6, 2010. The Museum hosts a reception for its summer exhibitions on Friday, June 18, 5 - 7 pm, 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. The reception is free for Museum members; $10 for non-members.

Evans grew up "landlocked" and didn't discover surfing until he moved to Newport four years ago. The sport quickly became a passion. Evans writes, "I started the ‘Surf Island' project as a way to explore surfing through a different channel and record what I saw along the way." As he worked on the project, Evans gained new appreciation for "the tight social network that makes up Aquidneck Island's surf community and all of its great personalities, surfers and beautiful seascapes." His images capture the excitement of the ride and the devotion of those who seek it.

Evans says, "The competitiveness and strong territoriality" that sometimes go along with surfing seemed to wane as he worked toward capturing what he observed. Through the "Surf Island" exhibition, Evans "hopes to share 'the stoke' of what a great ride can bring and inspire others to spread it."

Evans has been involved in commercial and editorial photography since 1997, specializing in sports photography and was one of only five photographers chosen by the International Olympic Committee to photograph the Olympic Games in Vancouver. He has traveled extensively for work and pleasure and has set a goal for himself to travel to a different country every year. So far the thirty-four year old Evans has visited 31 countries.

ASSOCIATED PROGRAM: The Newport Art Museum is inviting members of the public to submit their own images of surfing-inspired artworks to "Surf! Surf! Surf!" - an online exhibition running in a virtual gallery accessible through the Museum's page on Facebook. Images will be displayed online in July and August. A juror will select five finalists and then the Museum's Facebook fans will vote to determine an overall winner. The winning entry will be exhibited on the Museum's website and at the Museum's art school, the Coleman Center for Creative Studies in the Gilbert S. Kahn Building. "Surf! Surf! Surf!" opens in the virtual gallery on July 1, 2010.

About the Newport Art Museum: The Newport Art Museum's collections and exhibitions focus on the visual artists of Newport and southeastern New England, reflecting both the rich heritage of the past and the lively art scene of the present. The Museum also offers art classes and camps, concerts, talks, trips, and special events throughout the year. The Newport Art Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums and receives support from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. The Newport Art Museum is situated in Newport's Old Quarter at 76 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. Admission: $10 adults; $8 seniors; $6 Military and students with valid ID; Museum members and children under 5: no charge. By donation Saturday from 10 am to noon. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 12 - 5 pm. Open most major holiday Mondays. Check website for details. To learn more visit www.NewportArtMuseum.org or call (401) 848-8200.

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