TRUNKS ART is featured at the Ventura Visitors Center through February 21st, 2013

Ventura, CA — December 19, 2012 — Whereas the mission of the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau is to promote Ventura as a coastal destination providing contemporary amenities in an historic and cultural setting for the benefit of the community (I know, what a mouthful) - MY mission is to invite you to come see some of my art work I have displayed in the center until February 21.

The center is such a cool place because the atmosphere and layout is designed with "the visitor" in mind. With the help of the friendly and knowledgeable staff, it's virtually impossible to walk out of the building and not know something new, interesting and useful - even if you live in Ventura! Even if you refuse to leave Ventura's city limits, you will find really charming and meaningful activities that are happening smack dab under your nose.

Not into this stuff? No worries because you're just like me. I walked out of the building knowing what sea creatures live around the Channel Islands. Go ahead - quiz me! The Ventura Visitors Center is located at 101 South California Street in Ventura's Historic Downtown Cultural District - which is basically in the heart of downtown. Also, the center is open Monday through Saturday. To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art or custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me.

TRUNKS ART will be at the Vita Art Center's ANONYMOUS GALA through December 21rst!

Ventura, CA — December 7, 2012 — TRUNKS ART and dozens of other well-known and emerging local artists donated their creative efforts for a fundraiser for the Vita Art Center, a West Ventura teaching facility which offers local youth a safe and nurturing environment during their least structured and therefore highest-risk times: after school, on weekends, and during the summer months.

Called the "Anonymous" exhibition, the event features 12-inch-by-12-inch canvasses. The paintings are exhibited anonymously with the artists signing the back of their paintings.

"Visitors collect art without knowing who the artist is until after they've purchased the piece," said Vita Art Center Founder Mary Perez. "The fun is for visitors to collect work they like and maybe pick out a favorite artist's work or collect a new artist."

The Friday, Dec. 7 event begins with a 5-6 p.m. "First Dibs" gala, for those who want the first chance to look over and purchase the exhibited works. Wine and delicious appetizers will be served. After 6 p.m., the event is free and open to the public and runs through Friday, Dec. 21.

This is the fourth year of the annual "Anonymous" exhibition. "It's our biggest fundraiser of the year," Perez said. "Last year we sponsored hundreds of youths in our art programs, totaling more than $14,000 in scholarships to families with financial need."

All Vita Art Center classes are taught by local artists. "Not only do we help youth, we create jobs for local artists," Perez (center) added.

The Vita Art Center, located at 432 Ventura Ave. Studio 30, in the Bell Arts Factory, offers consistent, quality art education and mentoring which impacts social development, academic achievement, and vocational opportunities for youth and teens. Studies show that when youth have substantial engagements with the arts they are more likely to go to college, get good grades, obtain a degree and to hold a full-time job. The facility is an educational not for-profit organization under the sponsorship of Bell Arts Factory, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Contributions to the Vita Art Center are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

For more information, contact Mary Perez at (805) 644-9214, MaryPerez@sbcglobal.net or visit www.VitaArtCenter.com. To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art or custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me.

The VC Reporter's ART THROB column recognizes TRUNKS ART surfboard art and signage in this week's edition!

Ventura, CA — October 25, 2012 — TRUNKS ART is one of the features of Claudia Pardo's monthly "Art Throb" column in this week's VC Reporter.

ART THROB: Commission Impossible? Think Again...

In what seems like a never-ending barrage of talk of budget cuts, profit loss, scarcity, and other depressing stuff, it is refreshing to hear that many local business owners and private clients continue to commission artists for work. Surprisingly, many patrons are not even in the business of art; however, they know something valuable when they see it. As artists, we appreciate their initiative. As a community, we benefit from it. Take CURE; a new pharmaceutical company that develops new and advanced methods to deliver drugs to people and animals. CEO and Chief Operations Officer, Robert Davidson and Wayne Nasby, respectively, hired local artist Chuck Trunks to custom make a surfboard sign-- in his trademark pop style—to greet visitors in the foyer of their headquarters in Oxnard. Maverick’s Gym owners, David and Molly Hill, also own a Trunks custom board. It features their logo within icons of Ventura.

Painter Jodi Anthony, who recently exhibited at Fox Fine Jewelry, was commissioned to paint an image of an empowered woman for a life coach who is looking to re-brand her business with a new marketing look. The patron came to see Anthony’s work after she read an article in the paper. Ojai artist, Diane Bennett, was approached by a patron looking to buy art as an anniversary gift for his wife. He commissioned Bennett to paint a retablo with an added quote he provided. Bennet will be exhibiting at the Ventura County Museum this month.

Gull Wings Children’s Art Museum’s new director, Julia Chambers, contracted a couple of artists to create artwork for the re-vamp of the museum. Recognized sculptor BiJian’s Bird on the Roof, is an origami-inspired kinetic sculpture perched on the…um, roof of the museum. It adds a touch of whimsy as it welcomes guests. The key here is exposure. Exposure for artists is possible with the aide of art galleries and newspapers who, in turn, benefit from displaying and promoting their work. It is a very possible mission, then, to gather some momentum from this collaborative effort and take support of the arts to a new level.

To read the rest of the article, please click here to go to the VC Reporter's on-line version.

To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you! *Sales of all boards are shared with the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County.

Custom surfboard signage from TRUNKS ART attracts attention and brings in customers!

Camarillo, CA — October 21, 2012 — Going into my fourth year of creating custom surfboard art and signage, I continue to be blown away from my customers who keep finding new ways to use my work in situations I never even thought of. Besides using my boards as signs to attract customers to their businesses, companies are using them as promotional giveaways, gifts to loyal customers and as recognition awards. And while homeowners are hanging the boards in beach themed bonus rooms and dens, parents are having me create boards that feature their child's name with artwork that reflects their interests and personality. What a cool birthday present!

With all this surfboard art and signage activity, I meet a lot of nice people who ask me the same questions about my work. So, I thought I'd provide my loyal blog followers with some FAQs:

Q: What makes up a TRUNKS ART surfboard sign?
A: My finished product consists of a high-tech vinyl adhesive that is custom fit to a new or used surfboard. If the board won't be used for surfing, hardware for hanging is included and installed.

Q: What?! You can surf on a surfboard with the vinyl adhesive?
A: Yes you can. The vinyl is similar to the vinyl adhesives used to cover the NASCAR racecars with all those colorful, sponsorship logos and is rated to withstand harsh sunlight, inclement weather and yes, even ocean water. If the board is going to be surfed on, I'll typically apply the vinyl to the fin side so top side waxing doesn't obscure the artwork.

Q: Other than surfing, how are my surfboards used?
A: Businesses have been using my surfboards for indoor and outdoor signage that usually features the company's logo. Also, restaurants that cater off-site events use my boards to hang on their canopies and trailers to serve as unique signage and as background during photo opportunities. And as I mentioned above, my boards are used as promotional giveaways, gifts to loyal customers and as recognition awards. Non-business owners have been adding my work to their beach themed patios and recreation rooms while proud parents are having me create custom boards for their kid's birthdays, graduations...etc.

Q: Are the boards expensive?
A: My custom surfboard art and signage is inexpensive because I pass along discounts I receive from various surfboard shops. Prices are determined by the size of the board, whether it's used or new and by the complexity of the artwork.

Q: How long will it take me to make one of my boards for you?
A: Since all of my surfboards are custom made, it usually takes me around 2 weeks from start to finish. Selecting the perfect board, creating a specific vinyl template and designing the artwork takes a lot of detail work - but it's totally worth it!

To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you! *Sales of all boards are shared with the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County. *Photos courtesy of Claudia Pardo.

TRUNKS ART delivers a custom surfboard sign to Mavericks Gym in Ventura, CA!

Ventura, CA — October 8, 2012 — From time to time, I'll actually come up with a good idea; but in this case, I can't figure out why it took me so long. After growing increasingly weary of a local gym that seemed more like the workout-of-the-living-dead, I instantly fell in love with and joined Mavericks Gym in Ventura in 2011.

The gym had everything: tons of weightlifting stuff, rows and rows of the latest cardio machines, aerobic classes - but - something was missing! How does a gym, located in a beach town, cater to a hefty surfer population without one cool surfboard on the wall? When I approached David Hill, owner of Mavericks Gym, he totally agreed and commissioned me to create a unique, one of a kind surfboard sign that told visitors that they were not only at Mavericks - they were at Mavericks in Ventura. The board features the Mavericks logo floating on iconic landmarks that define the beautiful city of Ventura: the two trees, the Channel Islands as well as the sweetest, tastiest waves in the county.

Besides being terrific to work with, David and his wife, Molly Hill, couldn't have had a better reaction to their new surfboard sign. After the big "unveil," I drove home, logged on to my computer and was surprised to discover a bunch of emails from various friends telling me they saw the new board. How could that be? I just left the place. Turns out, they hoisted the board (fins and all) up above the front desk and plastered photos of it on their facebook page - all in about 30 minutes! See that? These guys are both flattering AND efficient!

To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you! *Sales of all boards are shared with the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County. *Board-on-pier photos courtesy of Claudia Pardo.

TRUNKS ART is unveiled at the Gull Wings Children's Museum in Oxnard, California!

Oxnard, CA — October 1, 2012 — On Sunday, the Gull Wings Children's Museum had its' grand re-opening to celebrate new exhibits, structural upgrades, additional programs and of course - fresh artwork to signify the museum's new era under Julia Chambers, operations director.

When the director of the Gull Wings Children's Museum asked me to create something colorful and unique for the grand re-opening event, I knew I had to include three very important aspects that put this little museum in a class of its' own. First, it is located in Oxnard, a culturally distinct city that continually draws from its' agricultural and industrial roots.

Secondly, the museum is situated only a few miles from the iconic beaches known throughout the world as 'Surfin' USA!' And last but not least, the museum itself. Within the heart of the city's historic downtown, the Gull Wings Children's Museum offers thoughtful insight into the only two natural resources we have: the physical world we live in and the children that are running, jumping and playing in the middle of it.

To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug, tote bag or other items with the Gull Wings design on it, please visit this link to my on-line store, Attractive Abstracts. A portion of all profits are donated to the museum. *Photos courtesy of Claudia Pardo.

The latest TRUNKS ART will be unveiled at the Gull Wings Children's Museum in Oxnard on Sunday, Septemeber 30th!

Oxnard, CA — September 25, 2012 — Consider yourself personally invited to the Gull Wings Children's Museum in Oxnard on Sunday, September 30th during its' Grand Re-opening Bird On The Roof Event (1pm to 5pm). Besides being one of the first to see my latest art creation which I was commissioned to do for the museum this past summer, you'll be greeted by BiJian Fan's large-scale origami sea gull (a.k.a. 'Bird on the Roof')!

After 25 years, the Gull Wings Children's Museum, the only such museum between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, is getting a facelift of sorts and solidifying plans for it's continued growth over the next 25 years. To find out more about Sunday's event please check out the Conejo Valley Guide website and this link for directions. Hope to see you there! To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having custom art brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you!

TRUNKS ART is featured at the Sandbox Coffeehouse in Ventura from September 17th through November 9th!

Ventura, CA — September 18, 2012 — I'd like to invite you to the Sandbox Coffeehouse in Ventura to see some of my more popular surf-themed pop art. The coffeehouse is owned by Todd Ryzow and represents his fourth establishment. As for coffee places, the Sandbox is totally cool and attracts all kinds of patrons who refuse to walk the beaten path to Starbucks for long lines and limited seating. That's right. A TRUNKS ART exhibit that doesn't offer so-so wine and a picked over cheese ball! Why not relax and enjoy gourmet coffee, espresso beverages, gluten-free & vegan baked goods, and fresh sandwiches and salads instead?

If you're a business owner looking for art work that could breathe life back into that darkened corner or add *pop* to an array of wall hangings, please feel free to contact me and I can meet you at the Sandbox Coffeehouse to discuss your needs.

To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you! *Sales of all boards are shared with the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County.

TRUNKS ART delivers custom surfboard art to Marks Silver Strand Beach House in Oxnard!

Oxnard, CA — September 10, 2012 — If you ever had the good fortune of visiting or vacationing at Mark's Silver Strand Beach House in Oxnard, you would quickly understand why I was flattered and honored to have been commissioned to create one of my signature surfboard art pieces for the owners, Mark and Joyce.

Even a casual tour through this spacious and well-kept rental property will tell you that the art work (which is prevalent throughout the beach front house) is carefully chosen and meticulously placed. With brightly colored surf themed art popping out of almost every room, I wasn't surprised that Mark and Joyce would find my style of art to be right up their alley. To see more of my work, please visit my website and blog. If you're interested in having a custom art surfboard brighten up your home, office or business, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to help you! *Sales of all boards are shared with the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County. *All photos courtesy of Claudia Pardo.

Westside Art Walk Reception brought BIG crowds to the TRUNKS ART/Jodi Anthony art opening! (Show closes September 1st)

Ventura, CA — July 25, 2012 — Ventura's Annual Summertime Westside Art Walk was a huge success last weekend. Record crowds brought record buyers to the event and the art reception turnout for Chuck Trunks and Jodi Anthony at Fox Fine Jewelry was no exception.

Jody Anthony's canvases reflect her graphics experience: bold colors and defined lines. Her subject matter focuses on the the healing power of the divine feminine and close inspection of her work reveals details, patterns and symbols of deeper meaning.

Chuck Trunks is a 24 year Ventura County resident who had a twenty year career at Amgen, mostly in the biotech field. Now a full time artist, these years of experience helped him develop his unique processes for his "surfboard art." Trunks intends his surfboards to offer a social and cultural commentary about our world today.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART will be in Ventura's Westside Artwalk at Fox Fine Jewelry! Opening Reception is 6 to 9pm on Saturday, July 21st!

Ventura, CA — July 16, 2012 — TRUNKS ART and fine art from Jodi Anthony will be featured at Fox Fine Jewelry in downtown Ventura with an artist reception from 6 to 9pm on Saturday - right after the live, scantily clad tattoo model show! Now that I got your attention...The Westside Artwalk is a free, self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios and pop-up venues in Ventura's Westside Cultural District and Downtown. A signature event for Ventura for many years which brought in cultural tourists from all over, it is now being run by an all-volunteer group which has added new life to the event. The event is THIS WEEKEND, Saturday, July 21 through Sunday, July 22.

From the Fox Fine Jewelry Website:
Chuck Trunks and Jodi Anthony will display their work in Good Vibrations. Please join us for the Artist Reception, coinciding with the ArtWalk, on Saturday evening from 6 – 9pm. The show will run through September 1st.

Chuck Trunks is a 24 year Ventura County resident who had a twenty year career at Amgen, mostly in the biotech field. Now a full time artist, these years of experience helped him develop his unique processes for his “surfboard art.” Trunks intends his surfboards to offer a social and cultural commentary about our world today.

Trunks begins with used boards, spends a day stripping them of wax, dirt and stickers. He then prints his artwork on high-quality heavy vinyl with adhesive and lays it by hand on one side of the board. The finished boards are intended for surfing and with regular use, should last about four years.

“We’re driven by the ocean because we live right beside it, and it brings us activities, food and family time,” Trunks said. “It has a certain place in people’s hearts. It’s part of our culture here. These surfboards are a gift back to the ocean.”

Photo credit: Ricardo Rodriguez.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

Tool Room Show? Done! Next Up For TRUNKS ART? Fox Fine Jewelry Show (7/12 - 9/1)!

Ventura, CA — July 9, 2012 — Today's the day - the day I transport my boards and canvases to Fox Fine Jewelry in downtown Ventura for an art show that'll run from July 12th through September 1st. The reception will be from 6 to 9pm on Saturday, July 21st. I'll be showing with fine artist, Jodi Anthony, an up and coming stylized painter whose stunning works *pop* right off the wall!
Photo credit: Claudia Pardo.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART will be displayed in the TOOL ROOM at the BELL ARTS FACTORY in Ventura this Friday (July 6th) from 6 to 9pm!

Ventura, CA — July 3, 2012 — With this Friday being the last 'First Friday' event before Ventura's Westside Artwalk (scheduled for Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22), Tool Room curators Jim Rice and Ricardo Rodriguez decided to have some samples of work from artists who will be participating in this upcoming annual event.

Located at 432 N. Ventura Avenue, the Bell Arts Factory is home to 27 Artist Studios and the Tool Room Gallery that are open to the public on First Fridays of each month. Artists can be seen working or displaying their art on days when there are special events taking place in the Tool Room Gallery or Community Room.
Photo credit: Ricardo Rodriguez.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

TRUNKS ART Surfboards get a rare "Two Thumbs Up" from discerning Third Graders!

Ventura, CA — June 7, 2012 — If you're feeling a little under appreciated or in need of an ego boost that reinstates your rock star persona - then you need to throw whatever it is that you do for work in the back seat of your car, drive to the nearest elementary school and get in line for the next 3rd Grade session of Show and Tell!

I had the good fortune of being pestered relentlessly by a very persistent 8 year old until I agreed to come to her class with my surfboards. Not only did she keep the presentation on track, I'm convinced she'll be the lead moderator in the 2048 presidential debate.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

DecalGirl Introduces 5 New TRUNKS Skins!

Milton, DE — May 23, 2012 — DecalGirl Inc.,the industry leader for electronic device personalization, introduces 5 new Chuck Trunks skins!

DecalGirl's skin kits use high-res, art-quality TRUNKS designs printed on premium adhesive-backed cast vinyl that is then sealed with a glossy, protective enamel for long-lasting protection.

DecalGirl skin kits can be installed by just about anyone and do not require any expertise or special tools. The unique, channeled adhesive ensures no air bubbles during installation and no goo or residue when the skin is removed. TRUNKS ART skins are available for any phone, laptop or gaming unit. To see my entire line-up of skins, CLICK HERE to go to DecalGirl.com.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.

805 Living Magazine's PULSE section recognizes TRUNKS ART in its' May Edition!

Westlake Village, CA — May 11, 2012 — TRUNKS ART is one of the features of the "PULSE" section in the May edition of the 805 Living Magazine! I hope you'll keep your eye out for the magazine - it's basically everywhere around the county. The feature focuses on my surfboard art work which involves refurbishing and adding my signature style of art work to old, lonely, forgotten surfboards.

==>CLICK THE IMAGE TO READ THE ARTICLE<==

*805 Pulse Article written by Stefan Slater.
*Photography by Claudia Pardo.

To see more of my work, please visit my website at www.chucktrunks.com.