The Mint Art Gallery Celebrates Grand Opening

Named after an original Vegas casino, The Mint surf art gallery and clothing company celebrated it’s grand opening with music, food and games and premiered art and photos from some of the surf industries best artists and photographers Saturday afternoon. The Mint is located next to the T. Patterson surf shop off El Camino Real.

 “We surf and have fun and do fundraisers for children with special needs,” said The Mint Co-Chief Executive Officer Mark Gabriel. “We are featuring artists and photographers from San Clemente and Hawaii.”

 Photographers such as Hank Foto, known for shooting Hawaii’s heavy waves, and Scott Carter, known for his “mini wave” shooting techniques are featured along with 15 year-old photographer Jared Sislin, from Laguna Niguel.

“I have known Mark for a long time and it’s cool to see him start something like this at the north end of San Clemente where there is a lot of industry on this side of town,” said surf legend Pete Townend. “It’s also great to see him give the opportunity for young emerging talent to showcase their work, as well.”

 Oil and acrylic surreal surf art by James Parker was also featured at the show along with Clark Takashima’s acrylic pieces depicting Hawaiian waves.

 “Our goal is to provide people with art they like to look at  and clothing that reminds them of things they like to do,” said The Mint Co-Chief Executive Officer Ryan DiMaria. “It’s all about having fun and respecting the life style of action sports while contributing to the community.”

 For more information on the The Mint gallery, visit www.themintlifestyle.com.