Caring for community members

Photography is John Slavin’s passion. His images are compelling, capturing breathtaking moments of movement, color and light.

Several years ago, John’s life took an unexpected detour. A series of heartbreaking losses left him without a home and a creative space to hone his craft. Grateful for a van that offered him shelter, mobility and a sense of place, John gravitated to the picturesque bluffs above Windansea Beach. In Mother Nature’s arms, he reclaimed his artistic inspiration as a chronicler of Windansea’s legacy of surfing excellence.

John’s van broke down over the holidays. Without the money needed for repairs, he braced himself for the inevitable: The morning when his home was loaded onto a tow truck, bound for a city impoundment lot.

But Windansea news travels fast. Not long after, a kindhearted friend opened his garage to John as a temporary shelter. A small group of neighbors sprang into action, laying the groundwork for a community fundraiser for John’s next home and studio on wheels.

A celebration of the art of giving, A Concert for John will raise the funds that make it possible for John to buy a reliable, used van to take him through the next chapter of his extraordinary life.

Hosted by Seapoodle, Windansea’s beloved surfadelic jam band and the Windansea Surf Club, A Concert for John will take center stage next Saturday night, March 14, at Beaumonts, Bird Rock’s cozy neighborhood eatery and live concert venue. A live auction of a custom surf art print, created by Windansea’s master surfboard shaper and artist, Tim Bessell, will round out this unforgettable evening of music and aloha.

For more information and to donate to this meaningful cause, visit: https://gofund.me/2582d7dd7.