Recap of the Grand Opening of Collective Ink Gallery & Sublime’s 20th Anniversary Art Show

On Saturday, March 19, 2016 Big Gus SKA along with Sullen Clothing’s member Opie Ortiz hosted the grand opening for the Collective Ink Gallery/Tattoo/Clothing shop and what best way to set their presence in the neighborhood than to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Sublime’s final album as well as releasing their new clothing line. Collective Ink is located at 6072 Chapman Avenue, Garden Groove, California and it brought us a night filled with cool vibes, tattoo fanatics, live entertainment and an awesome display of one of the favorite bands of all times depicted in the every artist’s unique perspective.

As we walked to the venue, which by the way we got there a bit late but the place was so packed with people overflowing from the parking lot, to the entrance which took us about 30 minutes just to get inside and all the way to the back of the venue where it was filled with lots of fans and art lovers and most importantly; the food and drinks! I can still feel the moment I walked into the main gallery space; it was a supernatural moment, as Sublime was in the background singing “I don’t practice Santeria” and standing in front of iconic album covers and other mind-blowing art works’ it literally gave me goosebumps. The venue was so packed that it was hard to take photos of anything but it gave me a chance to stand by every piece close up and admire every aspect of it. Some of my craziest “Mi Vida Loca” moments happened while listening to their music and being there that night was so surreal. Opie Ortiz which was the curator of this awesome art show; did such a great job on the layout of the entire space, it felt personal, at some points, nostalgic yet filled with so much talent. You just had to be there to experience that night, it is so meaningful when you as the viewer loves the theme, and understands what it takes to execute a successful exhibit. Every corner was filled with a story with different groups of artists partaking in this story telling; it was magnificent. As an art lover and Sublime fan; all the artists in this show did an amazing job capturing what Sublime was all about in their own way.

As I mentioned in the beginning, the public was more of tattoo fanatics and rock n roll rock stars ambient. But for those of us that know Big Gus as a Graffiti Artist, the SKA Crew came to show their loyalty and support for his special night. From Sand Diego to the SGV; they all came together to share laughs and good times with this new creative space. And as you all know Pryer; never a dull moment wherever he is present. So aside to the show, music and tattoo lovers; the SKA Crew was deep this night! I love going to places where the people are all there for the same love, same passion and interests because everybody plays an important part on such successful nights like this. I wish Collective Ink Shop the best of luck and success in their new adventure and looking forward to more nights like this. Representing the West Coast at its finest. California at its best. Much love to the Sullen Angel models, my sister Love SKA, Dowts, Skol, and everybody that made this a memorable time for the books!

Much Love & Respect,

Monica Smiles Tobon