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April 28, 2006

Art at the Color of Speed
Hickory Museum of Art's "NASCAR Inspired" Art Exhibit
By Dennis Michelsen

On April 29th a unique exhibition will go on display at the Hickory Museum of Art in Hickory, North Carolina. Maybe when you think "Art" you don't think "NASCAR" or even "Hickory," but a trip over to this fascinating exhibit will open your eyes to new possibilities of how art and NASCAR mix. Consider this your exclusive backstage pass to the "NASCAR Inspired" art exhibition at HMA. Just as a trip to Hickory Motor Speedway is a must for any racing junky, this is one of the birthplaces of the sport; a trip to the Hickory Museum of Art is also a distinct treat for the NASCAR fan or the art enthusiast. Now racing fans have our very own art exhibit we can call ours…powered by the color of speed!

The tapestry that is NASCAR represents a vibrant mixture of color and texture, just the ingredients to create wonderful art. Whether it is sculpture, pottery, traditional paintings, whimsical creations, photography or digital media; you will find every art form imaginable. Executive Director Lise Swensson got the inspiration for the exhibit while driving into Hickory from a sign stating this is the home of the famous Jarrett family. Registrar Gina Mitchell's husband is a big NASCAR fan and helped Swensson convince the board that "NASCAR Inspired" needed to hit the track running! Over 100 artists representing almost every state in the USA plus Canada and Great Britain submitted art for the show. The converted schoolhouse offers a distinct setting with over 9000 square feet of display space for the exhibit. A treasure to the local community, the NASCAR community is soon to discover that a unique art museum experience is right in the heart of NASCAR country right here in Hickory, North Carolina!

The "NASCAR Inspired" exhibit will be a unique experience for the folks at the Hickory Museum of Art. Art enthusiasts will be introduced to NASCAR, and NASCAR fans will be introduced to art! The exhibit will literally have something for everyone's tastes when it opens on Saturday April 29th. All modes of art will also be featured…from pottery to quilts, from digital media to photography, to sculpture to film. Some artists are well known such as Garry Hill and Jeannie Barnes while others are unknowns with incredible talent. Let's take a look at few of my favorite pieces I saw during my behind the scenes visit and meet the artists that prepared them for the exhibit.

Lori Munro
Inspired by the "Color of Speed," Lori's War Wagon cartoon-art is already well known among racing fans. Her digital media creations begin with an inspiration and a Sharpie marker...the rest is pure magic. Now this exhibit at the Hickory Museum of Art will introduce art fans to her amazing work also.

Preston Geter
This folk artist has prepared a "Sports Figure" totem poll that includes many sports including NASCAR. Just who is at the top of the totem? Dale Earnhardt sits prominently on the shoulders of "Big Mac," Mark McGuire. NASCAR fans will agree with that order!

Stacy Lambert
Stacy Lambert from Asheboro, NC creates folk art pottery in his spare time. Several of his pieces will be displayed at the show including his "NASCAR Logo Piggy Bank." This is one piece that will bring smiles to kids of all ages!

Shawn Hardegree
Certain art pieces are not only stunning visually but also move you emotionally. Shawn hails from Knoxville, TN and has produced some amazing oil paintings for that are on display at the exhibit. One piece shows the vibrant colors of the fans in the crowd. Another is a fascinating view of crashes in progress, including the wreck that claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt.

Daria Finn
A former short-track racer, Daria has presented an amazing collection of sound and color in the trailer for a film loosely based on her life. They film of the trailer for this upcoming production is on display at the exhibit in a special display. The sights and sounds of racing will be captured in "2Fast4U."

Ann Boyer LePere
When I read about this piece entitled "The Prince of Crew" I have to confess I chuckled. Imagine if you will a NASCAR Crew Chief looking like he just stepped out of the Renaissance Fair! But this oil on linen portrait is a stunning piece of art that makes you just stare at the detail and intricacies.

Jeanne Barnes
This well-known NASCAR artist dazzles us with incredible portraits of some of NASCAR's most famous stars. She catches the personality in the detail of the facial expressions. But my favorite piece on display is the "Alabama Gang Quilt." This is one piece that you do not want to miss during your visit.

Wes Hunting
An artist's inspiration and what he or she does with it always amazes me. Wes Hunting has produced some whimsical blown glass pieces for the show that are impossible to describe. These are definitely in the "See it to believe it" category.

Roy Nydorf
Hailing from Oak Ridge, NC, Nydorf produced two portraits of African-American race driver Wendell Scott. The portraits were done with help of Scott's daughters and truly catch the intensity of this NASCAR pioneer. One piece has very much a pop art feel to it with the other presentation more of a traditional portrait.

Laird Lanier
I have always been fascinated by kinetic sculptures. Combining the physics of motion with the beauty of art is not easy! Laird Lanier has produced pieces made out of car parts for the exhibit. Michael and Buffy Waltrip have several pieces in their own collection.

Ned Jarrett's Private Collection
One of the true gentlemen of NASCAR; Ned Jarrett from Hickory, NC has loaned HMA several pieces from his collection for the exhibit. My favorite piece was a portrait done by the man who drew the numbers on his car! This sign painter left us with a masterpiece of one of NASCAR's early champions.

From the "Lucky Dog" sculpture to the "Pole Cat" award, many unique offerings will be on display at "NASCAR Inspired" at the Hickory Museum of Art. In addition art from the kids at the Victory Junction Gang camp will be on shown. A special event during the "NASCAR Art Fest" on May 20th will feature car art from the Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby. Cars will be graded on artistic merit, not by speed!

There is literally something for everyone in the vast display called "NASCAR Inspired" at HMA. The show opens April 29th and runs through September 17th. As a special treat, the "NASCAR Art Fest" on May 20th will give race fans something fun to do on the day of the Nextel All Star Event at nearby Lowe's Motor Speedway. Ned Jarrett will be on hand along with a book signing for Pit Road Pets and many of the artists whose work is on display.

Hickory Museum of Art is located on the Salt Block in the right wing of the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley at 243 3rd Ave NE in Hickory, NC. For more information on "NASCAR Inspired" call HMA at 828-327-8576 or check their website below for directions.

http://www.hickorymuseumofart.org/home.php