Skateboard Celebration at Parc de la Paix

This neighborhood celebration exhibition aims to honor the skaters who have watched us at ELLEPHANT, while celebrating skate culture in Peace Park. Curated alongside David Bouthillier, the exhibition will reflect the ties between the gallery and the local community.


Fines to Freedom

Peace Park: Fines to Freedom is more than an art show—it’s a tribute to a place that changed skateboarding history. Presented by Rx Bearings, this unique exhibition celebrates Peace Park’s 30th anniversary and the 10-year milestone of skateboarding being officially legalized there.

The centerpiece of the evening is the premiere of The Illegal Years, featuring Joe Buffalo’s powerful episode. Known for his raw story and fearless skating, Joe will also be unveiling his brand-new Pro Rx Bearing model and latest board graphic. This marks a major moment in Montreal’s skate culture.

The exposition will showcase rare Peace Park artifacts and stunning photo work by local legends including Dan Mathieu, David Boots, and others. These images document the park’s evolution—from a police-targeted skate zone to the world’s first public park to legalize skateboarding.

Peace Park isn’t just a granite park—it’s the heart and soul of skating in Montréal and symbol of tolerance, respect, and co-existence. Located in Montreal’s historic Red-Light District, its story is one of transformation and persistence. Come be part of history and celebrate the park’s global legacy with the skaters who made it what it is.

Joe Buffalo

Joe Buffalo is a powerful force in skateboarding—known not only for his style but also for his impact on Peace Park. As the first skater to clear the legendary Peace Park gap, Joe sealed his place in the park’s history and continues to inspire new generations.

A member of the Samson Cree Nation, Joe channels his personal journey into everything he does, blending raw athleticism with deep cultural resilience.

In his episode of The Illegal Years, a new series premiering at this exhibition, Joe offers a glimpse into the challenges he’s faced in the park—including the iconic gap and other defining moments.

At Peace Park: From Fines to Freedom, Joe will also unveil his new Pro Rx Bearing model and latest signature board graphic—marking another milestone in his career. Joe Buffalo embodies the spirit of Peace Park: bold, unbreakable, and real.

David Boots

As a skateboarder and filmmaker, David Boots has spent over three decades documenting the vibrant and often turbulent life of Peace Park. His work captures the coexistence of skateboarders, artists, and marginalized communities in the face of urban development and gentrification.

While skating at Peace Park, Boots faced countless challenges—from injuries to repeated confrontations with law enforcement. His commitment to recovery and return to skateboarding led him to film over 200 hours of raw footage, culminating in the acclaimed documentary Peace Park, which played a key role in the legalization of skateboarding in the park. The film offers an unfiltered, ground-level view into the lives and struggles of those who call the park home.

Boots’ contribution goes far beyond photography. His work stands as a powerful testament to social justice and urban resilience. Through his lens, we gain a rare insider’s perspective on a community too often overlooked. Peace Park: From Fines to Freedom is a chance to experience these authentic narratives—and to understand the cultural heartbeat of Montreal's skate scene.