Art meets altruism is the perfect description of Adler Smith Gallery’s Middle of Nowhere exhibit. On the sunshine covered streets of Santa Monica, California, the Adler Smith Gallery has become a hub for cultural storytelling — where surf, skate, music, and now global philanthropy collide in the form of the Middle of Nowhere art exhibit.
Curated by Charles Adler and Jeff Ament (of Pearl Jam), Middle of Nowhere showcases 90 original, hand-painted skateboard decks created by artists from around the world — including Japan, Argentina, Thailand, Sweden, the Netherlands, England, and across the U.S. The pieces are on display now at Adler Smith Gallery and available through a live online auction benefiting Montana Pool Service (MPS), Ament’s nonprofit dedicated to building skateparks in underserved communities. View the exhibit HERE or bid now
A Skate-Driven Mission: Giving Back Through Creativity
The mission behind Middle of Nowhere is as inspiring and beautiful as the artwork itself. Proceeds from the exhibit’s online auction — running through July 12 and also listed on Pearl Jam’s official shop — directly support Montana Pool Service. MPS has completed over 40 skateparks in rural communities and provided thousands of skateboards to underserved youth across the country. With five more parks in development, the initiative continues to grow — proving skateboarding is not just a sport, but a way to build community.
Like Ohana Fest — the annual music festival founded by Eddie Vedder that fuses music with community and philanthropy — Middle of Nowhere exemplifies how art and activism can coexist in harmony. It’s not just about what’s seen; it’s about what’s felt, what’s built, and what’s possible.
The world can be seen in two ways: as finite, where everyone is your competition — or as infinite, where everyone is your collaborator. Philanthropists and humanitarians believe in the latter, which Middle of Nowhere and Ohana Fest embody perfectly.
Adler Smith Gallery: Where Subculture Lives and Breathes
Co-founded by Mark Smith, longtime manager of Pearl Jam, the Adler Smith Gallery is more than just an art space — it’s a living tribute to the West Coast’s rich culture of rebellion, realness, resilience, respect, and reinvention. Nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, the gallery has become a sanctuary for boundary-pushing visual storytelling.
Past exhibits include:
A Life of Waves by Todd Glaser – A book documenting 15 years of waves with 11x world champion Kelly Slater
Surfer Stories by Claudia Lebenthal – A collection of unique and intimate stories about twelve of the world’s greatest surfers
Sh*tburd by Andy Davis & Nora Vasconcellos – Whimsical mixed media centered on surf & skate
Outliers by Tim Kerr, Sandy Yang, and Steve Olson – A showing of bright paintings on skateboards, plexi and paper
California on the Brain by Russ Pope – A colorful array of paintings on canvas and paper
Players & Pickers with Jérôme Brunet & Ned Evans – Photography and mixed media sculptures with live music
Der Fer Sure with Thomas Campbell – Mixed media and performance art with live music and film screenings
Each show pulses with the soul of surf and skate, breathing life into art, music, and media — a reflection of California’s creative heart and laid-back vibe.
Upcoming Events at Adler Smith Gallery
July 12 – Art & Life: The Story of Jim Phillips (Film Screening)
July 19 – Stacy Peralta
Sept. 6 – Blakeney Sanford
Oct. 11 – Gregg Deal
Nov. 15 – Ben Brough & Damion Fuller
Jan. 10 – Edward Colver & Ric Clayton
Art That Moves Us Forward
In an era of rapid technological growth and constant change, Middle of Nowhere offers something grounding: a reminder that creativity and compassion remain core to human progress.
Creativity often emerges from a place of hardship or healing — and transforms those dim spaces into light. Whether it’s a painted skateboard deck, a grassroots skatepark, or an idea born from empathy, these are the sparks that ignite a better future. A future where we build together, not break each other down.
When Art Is the Therapy, and Giving Is the Cure
Today, society often emphasizes internal healing — and that’s necessary. But Middle of Nowhere invites us to look outward as well. To heal the world by sharing what we love.
These artists aren’t just painting boards — they’re painting possibilities. And with people like Charles Adler, Mark Smith, and kindred spirits like Eddie Vedder, the future looks brighter than ever.
Creative expression becomes a ripple: one skateboard becomes a skatepark; that skatepark becomes a sanctuary for a kid who’s never had one. That’s not just art. That’s transformation.
In every brushstroke lies the potential for change.
In every act of giving lies the blueprint for healing.
Because when we create for good, we create for better.
Visit the Adler Smith Gallery in person, place a bid, or simply share the mission — because art like this doesn’t just hang on walls. It lives, it moves, and it uplifts. Each exhibit carries the energy of community, rebellion, and creativity — and Middle of Nowhere is no exception.
Check out the interview with Charles Adler below:
Can you tell our readers what “Middle of Nowhere” is? Is it an annual gallery exhibit, or is this the first of its kind?
Middle of Nowhere is a skateboard art show created to benefit Jeff Ament’s (of Pearl Jam) Montana Pool Service(MPS), a nonprofit that builds world-class skateparks in Montana and the Dakotas. So far, MPS has completed over 40 skateparks, with five more on the way this summer. The goal is to raise awareness and funds—ideally enough to build another skatepark in an underserved community.
The name Middle of Nowhere actually predates this exhibit and has become closely tied to Jeff’s foundation. Many of these parks are built in remote, often overlooked areas—literally in the middle of nowhere—offering a spark of hope, a sense of community, and a healthy outlet for youth.
To my knowledge, there hasn’t been a show of this caliber for MPS before. Personally, I’d love to see this become a recurring exhibit—or better yet, take it on the road.
How did Middle of Nowhere come about? What sparked the idea?
I’ve been fortunate to work with Pearl Jam for some time now, raising funds for the Vitalogy Foundation for the past five years. About three years ago, I also started supporting Eddie Vedder’s EBRP Foundation. Jeff has always been a fan and supporter of the gallery, and I’ve long admired him—not just as an artist, but as a person.
I always knew I wanted to do something in support of his foundation—it just took time to connect the dots. When I finally approached Jeff with the idea of a benefit art show, he immediately said, “Let’s call it The Middle of Nowhere.” And it clicked.
How do you believe art, skateboarding, and nonprofit work intersect? What’s the common thread?
Art has been a core part of skateboarding culture since the 1960s—really exploding in the ’70s and ’80s with bold, unforgettable board graphics created by amazing artists. So, using skateboards as the canvas for this exhibit just made sense.
When art is paired with a cause, it becomes a powerful vehicle for change. People want to support good work—especially when they receive something meaningful in return. In this case, that “something” is a one-of-a-kind skateboard artwork that directly supports skateparks for underserved communities.
Nearly every charity project I’ve worked on involves world-class art that donors can actually take home. It’s a win-win: raise awareness, fund real impact, and give people something beautiful in the process.
You mentioned that contributing artists are from all over the world. Can you share a few names and where they’re from?
Absolutely. I wanted the project to feel global—to show how far this idea could reach. I sent out 100 blank skateboards, hoping for at least 60 back. I was stunned to receive 90 fully completed boards. It was incredibly humbling.
A few artists featured include:
- Yusuke Hanai (Japan)
- Falu Carolei (Argentina)
- Schoph (UK)
- Damien Fuller (Australia)
- Thomas Campbell (California, USA)
- Jeff Ament (Montana, USA)
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Every artist who participated deserves a huge shoutout.
The Middle of Nowhere exhibit is on display at the Adler Smith Gallery. How long has the gallery been around, and why did it feel like the right venue?
Adler Smith opened its doors in October 2023, but it’s my third gallery in a 25+ year career spanning the art and action sports worlds. The “Smith” in Adler Smith refers to Laurie and Mark Smith—Mark is Pearl Jam’s longtime manager—so this really feels like a family effort.
It made perfect sense to host Middle of Nowhere in our Santa Monica space. I only wish more people knew about what we’re doing at Adler Smith—we’re showcasing incredible work and telling important stories.
What is Montana Pool Service (MPS)?
Montana Pool Service is a nonprofit founded by Jeff Ament in 2005. It’s dedicated to building high-quality skateparks in rural and Native communities across Montana and the Dakotas. So far, they’ve built over 40 parks, with five more in the works this summer. MPS also donates skateboards to local youth every year.
Why is this nonprofit important, and what do you hope others take away from it?
MPS is a lifeline for so many kids. In rural, underserved, or Native communities, options are often incredibly limited—whether due to geography, resources, or transportation. These parks become more than just places to skate—they’re hubs of connection, creativity, and purpose. They give young people a reason to gather, grow, and believe in something.
I hope people see what’s possible when one person—like Jeff—commits to building something real and lasting.
Anything else you’d like to share about the exhibit or the nonprofit?
Yes—please check out AdlerSmithGallery.com or Shop.PearlJam.com. You can view and bid on these amazing, one-of-a-kind boards. Even if bidding isn’t in the cards, there are posters, hats, and donation options available. Every dollar counts.
How can people get their hands on one of the boards?
All of the boards are up for auction until the evening of July 12. You can find them at AdlerSmithGallery.com or Shop.PearlJam.com. Believe it or not, there are still some incredible pieces without bids—so it’s the perfect chance to own something unique while supporting a truly great cause.
Tell us about Adler Smith Gallery.
Adler Smith Gallery launched in July 2023 and opened with our first show that October, featuring artist Thomas Campbell. The gallery is rooted in surf, skate, and music culture—we host everything from exhibitions and book signings to live music and film screenings.
It’s founded by me, Charles Adler, along with Mark and Laurie Smith. We have shows planned through 2027, and we’re just getting started.
How did you get involved in curating for the Ohana Festival’s art gallery?
I’ve curated art shows at music festivals and concerts for nearly 20 years. One day, Laurie Smith called me after reading an article about my work. When she found out I was based in Long Beach and liked my aesthetic, she asked if I’d help install art for a project she had.
That conversation eventually led to her asking if I’d consider curating the Ohana Festival’s art gallery. I hadn’t thought about it before, but I immediately said yes. She laughed and said, “Buckle up—because here we go!”
Funny enough, Laurie didn’t realize I already had a connection with Mark Smith (Pearl Jam’s manager). We all had a good laugh—and the rest is history. I am thankful to be a part of their orbit.
Anything else?
Yes—GO BID ON A BOARD and support Montana Pool Service! It’s art with impact.
Follow & Connect w/
Adler Smith Gallery: Instagram | Website // Charles Adler: Instagram
Written & Interviewed by Bernadette
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