On August 1, 2026, Dogtown Skateboards celebrated an incredible milestone with the "Dogtown: 50 Years of Fun" 50 Year anniversary party curated by Jim Muir and Dogtown Skateboards at Adler/Smith Gallery in Santa Monica. From the moment the doors opened, generations of skateboarders, surfers, photographers, artists, musicians, collectors, and longtime friends of Dogtown packed the gallery to celebrate five decades of one of skateboarding's most influential brands. The event became more than just an opening—it was a reunion where pioneers stood shoulder to shoulder with the next generation, old stories were retold, new memories were made, and the unmistakable spirit of Dogtown filled every inch of the gallery and flowed onto Ocean Park Ave.
The gallery itself was a visual time capsule, featuring an incredible collection of photography, artwork, skateboards, and memorabilia that documented Dogtown's evolution from the gritty streets of Venice and Santa Monica to a worldwide cultural icon. Iconic works from artists and photographers including C.R. Stecyk III, Glen E. Friedman, Chuck Katz, William Sharp, Bryce Kanights, Tobin Yelland, Haroshi, Jim "Red Dog" Muir, Eric Dressen, Josh "Bagel" Klassman, Toons One! and others surrounded attendees.
Aside from the icon photographs, there was an entire wall of hand-crafted skateboard decks by legendary artists Russ Pope, John Lucero, Jimbo Phillips, Jim Phillips, Tony Larson, Chad White, Sean Cliver, Chris Pastras, Axis, and several others. Each board reflected the artist's individual style while paying tribute to Dogtown's unmistakable legacy, turning the wall into one of the most photographed and talked-about displays of the night. With DJ Tony Alva spinning throughout the evening, the gallery carried the same raw energy and creative spirit that has defined Dogtown for half a century.
More than anything, the night celebrated the people who built the Dogtown legacy and those who continue to push it forward today. Friends who hadn't seen each other in decades reunited, stories of the early days echoed through the gallery, and younger skaters had the rare opportunity to meet many of the legends who inspired them. Fifty years after changing skateboarding forever, Dogtown proved that it remains more than a skateboard company—it is a culture, a family, and an enduring symbol of creativity, individuality, and rebellion. The "50 Years of Fun" celebration wasn't simply an anniversary party; it was a reminder that the Dogtown spirit is as powerful today as it was in 1976.
Thank you Charles at Adler / Smith Gallery for hosting it your gallery, Best Day Brewing for the tasty NA beers and everyone who showed up to this monumental event. Photos by Mike Ballard, Desiree Astorga, Lance Dalgart and Eric Dressen.
Show runs through August 23rd
Adler / Smith Gallery. 1636 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90405
Everyday 12PM - 4PM
Charles@adlersmithgallery.com
Opening Night of '50 Years of Fun' at Adler / Smith Gallery in Santa Monica, Show runs through August 23rd.
On August 1, 2026, Dogtown Skateboards celebrated an incredible milestone with the "Dogtown: 50 Years of Fun" 50 Year anniversary party curated by Jim Muir and Dogtown Skateboards at Adler/Smith Gallery in Santa Monica. From the moment the doors opened, generations of skateboarders, surfers, photographers, artists, musicians, collectors, and longtime friends of Dogtown packed the gallery to celebrate five decades of one of skateboarding's most influential brands. The event became more than just an opening—it was a reunion where pioneers stood shoulder to shoulder with the next generation, old stories were retold, new memories were made, and the unmistakable spirit of Dogtown filled every inch of the gallery and flowed onto Ocean Park Ave.
The gallery itself was a visual time capsule, featuring an incredible collection of photography, artwork, skateboards, and memorabilia that documented Dogtown's evolution from the gritty streets of Venice and Santa Monica to a worldwide cultural icon. Iconic works from artists and photographers including C.R. Stecyk III, Glen E. Friedman, Chuck Katz, William Sharp, Bryce Kanights, Tobin Yelland, Haroshi, Jim "Red Dog" Muir, Eric Dressen, Josh "Bagel" Klassman, Toons One! and others surrounded attendees.
Aside from the icon photographs, there was an entire wall of hand-crafted skateboard decks by legendary artists Russ Pope, John Lucero, Jimbo Phillips, Jim Phillips, Tony Larson, Chad White, Sean Cliver, Chris Pastras, Axis, and several others. Each board reflected the artist's individual style while paying tribute to Dogtown's unmistakable legacy, turning the wall into one of the most photographed and talked-about displays of the night. With DJ Tony Alva spinning throughout the evening, the gallery carried the same raw energy and creative spirit that has defined Dogtown for half a century.
More than anything, the night celebrated the people who built the Dogtown legacy and those who continue to push it forward today. Friends who hadn't seen each other in decades reunited, stories of the early days echoed through the gallery, and younger skaters had the rare opportunity to meet many of the legends who inspired them. Fifty years after changing skateboarding forever, Dogtown proved that it remains more than a skateboard company—it is a culture, a family, and an enduring symbol of creativity, individuality, and rebellion. The "50 Years of Fun" celebration wasn't simply an anniversary party; it was a reminder that the Dogtown spirit is as powerful today as it was in 1976.
Thank you Charles at Adler / Smith Gallery for hosting it your gallery, Best Day Brewing for the tasty NA beers and everyone who showed up to this monumental event. Photos by Mike Ballard, Desiree Astorga, Lance Dalgart and Eric Dressen.
Show runs through August 23rd
Adler / Smith Gallery. 1636 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica CA 90405
Everyday 12PM - 4PM
Charles@adlersmithgallery.com