Fordistas, the ever-changing arts and culture platform by South Florida Ford, presents The Pop-Up, a collection of six Miami artists’ visions reflected on surfboard canvases to raise awareness of autism and benefit Surfers Healing. The event will be held on July 9th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The #Fordistas Gallery (2930 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33127).
The Pop-Up is the iconic surf move that denotes the switch from paddling to surfing stance. It is a pivotal turning point for anyone practicing the sport and encapsulates the subtle adrenaline building at Surfers Healing Camp that leads to the empowering moment children with autism stand up on their board.
Surfers Healing enriches the lives of children living with autism by exposing them to the unique experiences of surfing. The forces behind surf camp are Izzy Paskowitz and his son Isaiah whose experience of using surfing as a healing mechanism for sensory overload has inspired a national crusade. The movement has since come to South Florida as part of the Fordistas platform.
Fordistas is a program with roots embedded deeply in South Florida culture, namely the arts. It has commissioned, hosted and supported resident artists and initiatives that enhance our community. The Surfers Healing camp’s recent trip to South Florida deeply touched the lives of our local families. The Pop-Up will bring this story to life through art.
Six artists engrave their local talent and perspective on a freshly shaped surfboard by industry legend Matt Kechele. The board is a work of art in and of itself, and this is their canvas. Concurrently, Fordistas has developed a short documentary on Surfers Healing journey to South Florida and how it has positively impacted our beaches and lives.
The Pop-Up surfboards will later join The Bowery Project, the larger New York-based collection of surfboard art works that are part of an annual benefit auction to raise funds for Surfers Healing.
Join the Fordistas for an evening of drinks, food, live music and original art and film supporting a project that has left its indelible mark on South Florida. Guests can RSVP for the free event here.