The Growlery Hosting Benefit For Hospitalized Artist-In-Residence

The Growlery Hosting Benefit For Hospitalized Artist-In-ResidencePhoto: GoFundMe
Stephen Jackson
Published on February 03, 2017

This Saturday, February 4th, Broderick Street arts space The Growlery will be hosting a benefit for Andy Dicker, one of its artists-in-residence. Dicker took a nasty fall off a skateboard last month, suffering a life-threatening brain injury, and has been hospitalized ever since. 

The benefit, called "Skate For Andy," will take the place of what was supposed to be Dicker's first solo show. It will include a group art show, screenings of some of Dicker's video work, "psychedelic space rock" from musician Evan Smith and his band, and drinks, all benefiting Dicker's medical fund. The mini skate ramp in the basement will be open for business, too. 

Dicker, clearing the massive four-stair at Wallenberg High School. | Photo: Kyle Camarillo

Dicker, a prominent figure in California skateboard culture and a friend to many in the local art and skating scene, began his residency at The Growlery in November.

He was hard at work on a variety of painting and video projects, but on January 14th, he fell off his skateboard while bombing a hill near the Growlery. He remains hospitalized at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Dicker's father wrote in an update this week that his son will have to spend at least six more months in the hospital, waiting for a portion of his skull will be replaced. He's also suffering from headaches and short-term memory loss. The family is currently waiting for a bed to open at the Mercy General Acute Rehabilitation Hospital in Sacramento. 

GoFundMe and a CaringBridge site have been set up to help support Dicker's family, who are facing mounting medical bills as a result of his need for ongoing care. 

Some of Dicker's work, which will be for sale on Saturday. | Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline

Growlery co-curator and house manager Mike Kershnar said that Dicker's positive influence in his community was far-reaching, and many people are coming out of the woodwork to donate pieces to sell at the show. 

"People say that injuries always end up happening to good people, and this is totally the case," said Kershnar.

Custom skateboard decks, which will be for sale for $100 each. | Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline

Dicker was the director of the Element Skate Camp in Visalia, CA, and his connections in the skateboarding industry run deep. In addition to work by Dicker, pieces by Thrasher photographer Joe Brook, Jim Muir (brother to Suicidal Tendencies' Mike Muir), Kyle Camarillo, Ray Barbee, and Evan Smith will be for sale.

Kershnar, whose work adorns the mural next to Vinyl on Oak Street, will also be donating work, along with Matthew Bajda, the artist behind the mysterious spiked baseball bat installations that shocked and perplexed the city back in 2015. Kershner describes the event as a "cash and carry" art show, and encourages people to purchase whatever they can afford to help the cause. 

Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline

"It's bittersweet," said Kershnar. "It's inspiring to see how many people are coming forth to support Andy and show how well-loved he is, but of course, this was supposed to be his big solo show."

"We're just praying for a 100 percent recovery, and that we can get our beloved friend back."