For Boulder pop artist Artie Sandstone, art has always been about telling stories that spark wonder, joy, and connection. Now, that mission has found a new canvas—the mountains. In collaboration with GILSON, his playful art is coming to life on a limited-edition line of boards and skis built for performance and meaning.
“It's the best feeling,” Artie says. “To put my art on something I've loved my whole life, and to do it with a brand that values artists and creativity, it felt like the perfect match.”
The partnership grew out of a simple introduction that quickly sparked friendship. GILSON founder Nicholas Gilson remembers their first call clearly. “By the end of the conversation, I thought, I just want to snowboard with this guy,” Nicholas says. “It wasn't just about artwork, it was about life and business and staying grounded.”
That connection evolved into a collaboration where GILSON's rider-first design philosophy met Artie's bold story-driven vision and art style. Together, they set out to create snowboards and skis that could perform at the highest level while carrying a message that matters.
The new line launches with three designs: Open Minded, Sky High, and Come Together. Each one reflects the Sandstone style. Bright, eye-catching, and rooted in storytelling.
Open-minded came to Artie while riding Vail's Blue Ox run, the idea of a black and white board with his signature characters near the nose and tail, a design that reflects his belief in approaching life with openness. Sky High captures the joy of reaching the summit with friends, while Come Together nods to the Beatles’ classic and celebrates unity.
“My goal as an artist is to spread love, joy, and positivity,” Artie says. “These boards and skis are meant to make people stop, smile, and connect on a deeper level.”
For Nicholas, that purpose is what sets the collaboration apart. “Snowboards and skis don't have to be generic patterns that anyone could like but no one loves,” he explains. “These can hang on a gallery wall or fly down the mountain. They carry meaning for the artist and the rider.”
Because GILSON builds all of its boards in its own U.S factory, every order is made for the person who buys it. The right model, size, and performance specs are paired with Sandstone's artwork, ensuring each snowboard is perfect for that particular rider..
“We're building for people, not warehouse shelves,” Nicholas says. “That way, every board has a home, and every rider gets exactly what they want.”
Artie and Nicholas also share a commitment to supporting the next generation and encouraging youth access to the outdoors. It's an idea they hope to connect with this project in thoughtful ways. "It's not just about selling boards and skis,” Artie says. “It's about using art, innovation, and positive energy to make a difference.”
Boulder locals can see the boards on display in Artie's Pearl Street studio, where his gallery doubles as a hub for his latest creations. For riders, it's a chance to bring a piece of Boulder art into the mountain.
“People connect through stories,” Artie says. “That's what this is about for me, putting art into the world that uplifts, and for Nicholas, reimagining what snowboarding can look like. Together, we're bringing that joy to the mountain.”
Sidebar: The Collection
Open Minded
Born from the first piece of art Artie ever sold, Open-Minded is more than gear—it's a philosophy. The black and white layout with his signature characters reflects curiosity, acceptance, and courage. Whether on skis or a board, it's a reminder to take risks, smile bigger, and live with openness on every run.
Sky High
Vibrant, playful, and alive, Sky High brings pure mountain energy. Inspired by Artie's original painting and the Goodie Mob anthem Black Ice (Sky High), the design captures the thrill of reaching the summit, conquering challenges, and celebrating with friends. With bright colors and bold texture—including a striking sunburst colorway—it's an ode to adventure, freedom, and the good times we chase in the mountains.
Come Together
A bold celebration of peace, love, and unity, Come Together features Artie's graffiti-style peace sign characters. It's playful yet powerful, rooted in the belief that kindness matters and that we're stronger together than apart. This limited edition board spreads a message of connection while delivering the joy of the ride.
To learn more and shop Artie's Gilson skis and snowboards, visit GilsonSnow.com/Collections/Gilson-x-Artie-Sandstone-Collection.