The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is pleased to announce East Coast Skateboarding, an art exhibition featuring works by Michael Cirelli in the Bernier Room at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.
Michael Cirelli began skateboarding at the age of 8 and picked up a film camera at 16 to document and photograph his friends skateboarding throughout the streets and on backyard ramps in Connecticut.
Thirty-seven years later, photographing and filming skateboarding across the East Coast has become a lifelong passion. The culture of skateboarding has evolved and grown over the years, gaining popularity and recognition, including its recent debut in the Olympics.
At its core, skateboarding remains at its purest form in local cities throughout the United States. Cirelli has spent countless years photographing in Boston, Hartford, CT, Manchester, NH, Philadelphia, and New York City. During that time, he has also collaborated with companies such as Red Bull, Nike SB, DVS Shoes, Venture Trucks, Transworld Skateboarding Magazine, Thrasher Magazine, and numerous zines.
Michael Cirelli expressed that his work focuses on authenticity within the culture and traditions of skateboarding.
“My photographs and films deal with the topic of authenticity within the culture and traditions of skateboarding,” said Cirelli. “These images were taken primarily on the East Coast, showcasing the rawness and grittiness of skateboarding compared to other parts of the country. East Coast skateboarding has been strongly influenced by ’90s hip-hop, graffiti, the cities, streetwear, fashion, and society as a whole.”
Cirelli continued, “My films and photographs serve as a document and archive of these skaters’ activities, tattoos, style of skating, and the places that molded and developed the expansion of skateboarding. My goal is to preserve the rawness of skateboarding so that future generations of skaters understand the roots and traditions of East Coast skateboarding.”
East Coast Skateboarding will be on display until February 6, 2026, with a reception planned for December 6, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend. The Bernier Room is located at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center, 150 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH 03867. Visit www.rochestermfa.org to learn more.
The museum gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its corporate sponsors, community partners, and collaborators, including the City of Rochester, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Back Hill Beer Co., Creative Guts Podcast, and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.