Hear from Mark Rivard, creator of Do Rad Things, at 'Let's Connect' event in February

Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s.

That led to an international endorsement campaign with Sharpie in 2011. A year later, he launched Do Rad Things, an active lifestyle brand, educational platform, and way of life. He has been inspiring others and doing rad things ever since.

Longfellow resident Rivard will join us for "Let's Connect" in February. The Southwest Connector's new community speaker series celebrates great locals doing great things in the world, and Rivard has an amazing story to share.

He will talk about Do Rad Things, how he got the idea to use skateboards as a canvas, experiential learning, the creative spirit, and how Do Rad Things has become a vehicle changing lives through youth culture, art, entrepreneurship, and skateboarding.

Rivard will also discuss his unique creative projects like the Postal Express Project and Stage Culinary, why he developed Rivard Art Education (an educational program that spawned from his own life), and how the program inspires kids of all ages and is adaptable for any school, organization, or group.

Let's Connect with Mark Rivard is on Friday, Feb. 9, at 9 a.m. at Everett & Charlie art gallery in Linden Hills (2720 West 43rd Street #103, Minneapolis, MN 55410). Southwest Connector columnist Eric Ortiz will moderate the conversation and take questions from the audience. Please RSVP and join us. 

The "Let's Connect" speaker series is free and open to the public. All are welcome. Food and drinks will be provided. Let us know if you are interested in being a sponsor or speaker.