Learn about the science of shredding when After Dark transforms the Exploratorium into an impromptu skate park.
Watch professional skateboarders demo the ramps inside the museum while renowned skateboard designer and producer Paul "Professor" Schmitt and Exploratorium Senior Scientist Paul Doherty break down the physics behind their tricks. Find out the history and culture of this urban art with SLAP magazine's editor-in-chief Mark Whiteley. Bring a T-shirt and screen-print your own design with San Franpsycho, explore skateboarding-related exhibits, and more. Tonight's DLX team features members of the Real, Anti Hero, Spitfire, and Thunder skateboarding teams.
Professional Skaters will include:
Dennis Busenitz
Tony Trujillo
Elissa Steamer
Jessie Van Roechoudt
Brian Anderson
Frank Gerwer
Peter Ramondetta
Paul Schmitt is the founder of CreateAskate.org, a non-profit providing schools with the curriculum and materials necessary for high-school students to make their own personal skateboard decks. In addition, Paul owns and operates the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing company in the United States. For nearly three decades, his company has been considered the innovative leader in design and manufacturing of the highest quality skateboards for skateboarders around the world. In fact, Paul Schmitt is considered by many within the skateboard industry to be the ‘Godfather’ of modern-day skateboard deck manufacturing. His reputation has earned him the apropos nickname, “Professor Schmitt.”
www.createaskate.org
A Bay Area native, Mark Whiteley has been the editor-in-chief of SLAP magazine for over a decade, and a skateboarder for more than 25 years. As a teenager, Mark filmed skateboarding on the streets with his friends; after majoring in photography at UC Santa Cruz, he focused his documentation practices though the lens of SLAP, where in addition to editor he has served as both writer and photographer. In recent years Mark helped SLAP become the first established media outlet in skateboarding to evolve into a fully digital experience, all the while balancing life as a husband, father, and artist. You can find his book of photography, This Is Not A Photo Opportunity, on the shelves of the SF MOMA bookstore.
www.slapmagazine.com
Skateboard Science continues on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 & 10, when families are invited to join the pros for open skate, beginner skate, and other skateboarding activities. Be sure to bring your skateboard—and if you’re under 18, a helmet and parent. (Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone.) For details, please go to exploratorium.edu/events.
To learn more about Skateboard Science, check out our skateboarding website here:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/
Test Your Senses at the Tactile Dome After Dark
Tours: 7, 7:30, 8, 8:30, 9, and 9:30 p.m.
Get in touch with your senses during a special After Dark preview tour of the Tactile Dome. For only $7, you can feel your way through this legendary, interactive excursion in total darkness. Spaces are limited, so please sign up early. No advance reservations; tickets available on-site only.
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For visitors 18 and over please.
$15 regular admission
Free for members
Cash bar
The museum will be closed each Thursday from 5-6 p.m. in preparation for our After Dark events. If you arrive before 5 p.m., please be sure to keep your admissions sticker for re-entry to the museum at 6 p.m.
To join the After Dark e-mail list and receive notifications of future events, email
afterdark@exploratorium.edu.
Become an After Dark Member! Purchase an After Dark Member Pass for $30 and receive free admission to First Thursday evening events — plus a 20% discount at the Exploratorium Store anytime during regular or evening hours. The After Dark Member Pass pays for itself in just two visits and lasts for one year from your date of purchase.
Already an Exploratorium Member? No need to buy an After Dark Member Pass; simply show your Member ID to receive free admission to these events.
After Dark online:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/afterdark