...started in 1999 as the brainchild of famed US contemporary artist, William Quigley, Skrapper is a socially consciousness brand, hosting art, fashion and music events that supports a variety of charitable causes.
Each month SKRAPPER will release new limited editions of collectible prints and apparel.
Skrapper: A Canvas for Culture, Cause, and Creative Freedom
Skrapper, founded in 1999 by acclaimed American artist William Quigley, is a socially conscious creative brand blending art, fashion, music, and philanthropy. Born in New York City at the height of the contemporary art explosion, Skrapper began as a cultural billboard—a platform to promote creativity, community, and a core philosophy centered on education, giving, and respect.
Each Skrapper piece reimagines Quigley’s original works, transforming his boundless creativity into wearable canvases that blur the lines between art and fashion. Through live events, art shows, and collaborations, Skrapper amplifies causes ranging from veterans’ support to education and healthcare—always pushing culture forward with intention.
William Quigley: The Artist Behind the Brand
Educated at the University of the Arts (Philadelphia), University of Pennsylvania, Tyler School of Art (Rome), and Columbia University (MFA), Quigley studied under iconic artists including Alice Neel, Richard Diebenkorn, Laurie Anderson, and Lee Krasner.
His first exhibition was in June 1985 at Henry McNeil Gallery in Philadelphia—alongside Andy Warhol. He continued exhibiting with legendary figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel, Keith Haring, Pat Steir, and Anselm Kiefer. In 1989, he moved to Los Angeles, joining forces with Manny Silverman Gallery, which represented giants like De Kooning, Rothko, Frankenthaler, and Rauschenberg.
In 1992, Quigley was invited by Ferran Cano and Ernst Beyeler to exhibit at Art Basel and paint for a year at the Miró Foundation in Mallorca. In 1991, he was on his way to paint with Joan Mitchell in Giverny before the residency was canceled due to her illness.
Skrapper’s Cultural & Charitable Legacy
Quigley’s work in Los Angeles extended to film, music, and performance, collaborating with Madonna, Prince, Tom Petty, Outkast, Paula Abdul, and directors such as David Fincher, Nigel Dick, and Eric Heimbold. He often sold his paintings to high-profile figures including Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Magic Johnson.
Back in New York in 1999, Quigley hosted art events and made introductions between now-legendary brands like Grey Goose, Red Bull, and Milk Studios. On his birthday, April 29, 1999, at an art show for over 100 guests, he casually poured what became the first-ever Grey Goose & Red Bull cocktail, marking a cultural moment.
Skrapper was officially born later that year after Quigley met director Eric Heimbold and Pete Francis of the band Dispatch. He began designing for the band, including their album Who Are We Living For (2000), and performing as his alter ego Mr. Wiggles. From 1999–2006, Quigley designed stages and visuals for Dispatch, which in 2007 became the only independent band to sell out Madison Square Garden, in a benefit concert for AIDS in Zimbabwe.
In 2005, Skrapper co-hosted the “Boarding for Breast Cancer” charity event at Milk Studios, named by Quigley and co-founded with Jeff Gaites. Over 110 artists, musicians, and models created custom Alva skateboards auctioned for the cause.
Collaborations & Recognition
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In 2004, Quigley helped edit and produce Michael Dweck’s celebrated book Montauk: The End with Skrapper partner Jeremy Miller.
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In 2007, VH1 Save the Music honored Quigley at Lincoln Center alongside President Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mariah Carey, Roger Waters, Jon Bon Jovi, and John Mayer.
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In 2016, he was invited to help revive the East Hampton Artists & Writers Charity Softball Game, a 75-year tradition started by Pollock, Krasner, and De Kooning, raising funds for local charities including Phoenix House, East End Hospice, The Retreat, and Eleanor Whitmore Childcare Center.
He’s painted Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama, and in 2006 created a portrait of Donald Trump, which was later purchased by Trump in 2013 at a charity event for Guild Hall and Soldier Ride.
The Mission Today
Skrapper remains committed to raising awareness and funds for education, healthcare, and veterans’ causes—while continuing to partner with forward-thinking brands and collaborate with creatives across disciplines.
Whether through limited-edition prints, apparel, or immersive events, Skrapper is not just a brand—it’s a cultural movement built on creativity, community, and conscience.
