[/caption] During the first few weeks of summer, The Arbor Collective played host for two successful events and in the process set themselves up for a string of future efforts. In mid-June a private concert was held featuring rising music sensation, Trevor Hall in cooperation with Vanguard Records. This was quickly followed by the Venice Eco-Fest opening benefit art show with works displayed by renown artists including Blaine Fontana, Mike Benninghoven and Yoskay Yamamoto along with a private musical performance from local favorite, Peter Goetz. On both occasions, the venue, that also houses Arbor’s headquarters and US showroom in Venice Beach, California, was filled to capacity. Arbor’s main business model and strategy has grown from a fairly simple concept over the past 14 years. “First and fore most, Arbor was founded on the assertion that solutions to many of today’s most difficult snow, skate, and apparel design challenges exist in the natural world,” says Arbor cofounder, Bob Carlson “This company has built on the belief of replacing, environmentally harmful materials with ecologically based, natural alternatives. However, you can’t just be green for the sake of being green.  Customers expect form and function, even when choosing alternative products. Our tie-ins with music and art have always helped Arbor create a relevant, more modern image for our more eco-minded brand and products. Events help bring this integration to life.” You might ask yourself, “Why would a company focused on producing and marketing products what to get into events?” Carlson explained, “events create awareness for the brand and allow us to mix with like-minded individuals in real time.  They connect us to our customers. In the end, Arbor is a collective of artists, designers, and friends that snowboard, skateboard, and surf. We’re a group of people who are focused on finding solutions for a more sustainable future through a blend of art, technology, and eco-materials. Events allow us to support and extend this collective,” said Carlson. To read more of this story, CLICK HERE! Arbor Art Collaborations Almost all of Arbor’s snowboards, skateboard and apparel graphics come from collaborative efforts with artists. Working with established artist such as Dave Kinsey (www.kinseyvisual.com), Blaine Faontana (www.blainefontana.com) and Sylvia Ji (www.sylviaji.com) has literally turned Arbor’s products into limited edition art pieces. “Art is my first passion,” says artist, Mike Benninghoven who’s work is featured on Arbor snowboard graphics and was shown at the recent Eco-Fest opening event. “Then, I discovered snowboarding and both turned out to be a great escape for me and they just went together really well. It’s amazing to have my art going into snowboard graphics. It combines the two passions that I have and working with the Arbor family is just a great experience. It’s good to be a part of the collective. The Eco-Fest event was huge for me. It had a great vibe, was well put together and well executed. Having my work displayed with such a high level of artists in front of so many people was perfect.” Arbor’s Natural Connection With Music Music has long been an important part of the lifestyle that surrounds action sports. Arbor’s decision to begin creating partnerships with record companies and working with the industry comes from a deep routed belief that music is a natural extension of what they already do. “We are thrilled to partner with Arbor Collective in support of our artist Trevor Hall,” says Stephanie Hopson, director of advertising and marketing for Vanguard Records. “Music is such a common thread between people and is such an important part of the action sports community. It's great to see artists and brands team up in this fashion. What Trevor is about as a musician and person and what Arbor is about in the surf, skate and snow community are very similar in nature.” [caption id="attachment_920" align="alignleft" width="590" caption="The Trevor Hall performance packed the house. "]

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