Art on Display - Close to Home!

As you may already know, we have several dealers across North America that exhibit and sell Limited Edtion Prints, Artist Proofs with Remarque and the Gallery Edition Canvases, of Michael's automotive fine art. There has, however, not been anyone in the Niagara Region. But that just changed, this week!

We get calls and emails from admirers and collectors of Michael's work, about "stopping by to see the Studio and some more of his work." That'd be great, but, Michael's Studio is located in our near-century home. And with two kids and a home office as well, currently it isn't open to the public. Although that is one of our goals/dreams, it's down the road (collector car lined road, that is!). We'd actually like to have a Classic Car Showroom/Gallery/Studio ... how cool would THAT be!?!?!

That makes having a local gallery/frame shop showing his work, all that much more exciting. So right now, if you're in the area, you can now stop by Artscapes Gallery in St. Catharines and see a number of reproductions of Michael's art on display. Located on the west end of the city, Artscapes is easy to get to from the QEW — just take the Hwy 406 and exit at Fourth Avenue. (shown clockwise from the left: "Opens at Eight," "Mach Speed," "It's A Grand Sport")

Carol Gay, the owner of Artscapes, has been framing our prints and originals for about 10 years now. As an authorized dealer, even if she doesn't have the reproduction you're looking for, she can get it from us and frame it for you. Carol is really into customer service. With over 30 years of experience, she offers quality custom framing and superior workmanship. A couple of the unique services Carol makes available are, "home consultation" and a "try it before you buy it" program. (shown right: "Feeding Frenzy" in the window)

Artscapes Gallery
100 4th Ave
St Catharines, Ontario
L2S 3P2
905-685-1421
www.artscapesgallerycanada.com

Hershey ... mmmmm

Admittedly, when I first heard the word "Hershey" mentioned, I thought of those cute little Hershey Kisses. Our 9 year old daughter, a self proclaimed chocoholic, still does! But over the years, cars have taken over our lives (in a good way), and like gearheads the world over, "Hershey" congers up visions of classic automobiles rather than chocolaty little morsels. Due to scheduling and other commitments, sadly we've never had the opportunity to attend. We have, however, heard from clients and friends that have gone that it is simply amazing. And it looks as though we're about to find out for ourselves!!

October is a busy month for us. We usually have a new print release and this year is no exception. I'll be posting the New Release webpage for "Marauders of Woodward" later this week. Michael has completed the painting (featuring the 2003-2004 Mercury Marauders on the famous Woodward Ave in Detroit, Michigan, it looks amazing) and we're working on scheduling the print production, etc.

We also usually exhibit at one or two car events during the month. Last year you may have seen us at Fall Carlisle (set up across from the food court under the grandstand) or at the RM Fall Auction held at the International Centre in Toronto. Last time we were at an RM Auction was this past April. There, we released the first print in Michael's new Above Them All Series, "It's a Grand Sport" (shown below). This October we'll be set up at the Auction again, however have decided to pass on Fall Carlisle. Planning instead to attend the event in Hershey with the kids!

Because it is such a busy time, we're not positive yet that we can go ... but we're trying to make it happen. I'll keep you posted. In the mean time, however, if you're planning to go to Hershey, you can see Michael's work up close and personal. Our friend (and Authorized Representative) Jim McDermott will be set up in the green lot, featuring a few of Michael's pieces, including a couple of Gallery Edition Canvases. If you haven't seen these in person yet, it's worth stopping by just to have the chance — they are super cool. Jim will set up at GCC7-8. He'll also be at Fall Carlisle — you'll find him in Building 'T' at spaces 57 and 58.

If you're looking for a way to spend a fall weekend, end of the season deals or early Christmas presents, here are the show dates to mark on you calendar. I've included the websites too:

• Fall Carlisle: September 30 - October 4, 2009
  (http://www.carsatcarlisle.com/ce/events/fall-carlisle/)
  
• Hershey Fall Meet: October 7-10, 2009
  (http://hersheyaaca.org/)
  
• Classic Car Auction of Toronto (RM): October 23-25, 2009
  (http://www.rmauctions.com/)
  

Happy motoring! —Linda

Charlotte AutoFair 2009 - WOW!

The Charlotte AutoFair held at the Lowes Motor Speedway in North Carolina was an incredible event. For us, it was the longest car show/event we have participated in, to date. Each trip took about 12 hours through some of the greenest and most beautiful countryside we've seen.

Although I did not get a chance to get out and walk around much (that's Michael's department - rough hey, having to look at cool cars and search for parts for our 71 Formula!), I did get to gaze upon some pretty awesome cars myself. During a quiet moment (the awards ceremony) on Sunday afternoon, I took the photo below from behind our desk, to show you what my view was for the weekend ... not too shabby!

The cars in this garage were there by invitation, so you can imagine the quality and pedigree before us. There was an assortment of classic cars, race cars, modern muscle cars and hotrods, presented by professional restoration shops as well as private collectors.

This was a unique set up for us. Usually we have our outdoor easy up tents to anchor the display (we even use them at indoor venues). However, this time round we couldn't do that, so had to set up a "free standing" display. The results ... just great! This photo was taken on Wednesday (setup day), just after we finished putting up the Gallery Edition Canvases and some framed Limited Edition Prints:

If you look closely at this next photo, you'll see our display down at the far end of the garage. Just to give you an idea of how big it was, I took the picture from about 1/2 way down the length of the building.

The show opened at 8:00 am daily, and shut down at exactly 6:00 pm. A big thanks to the organizers and security staff ... we really were in great hands. Getting out "early" meant we had time to explore local restaurants ... I tried gator and cactus for the first time ... wow!

We had a really fun weekend, once again meeting long time clients for the first time face to face. As well as, a whole new group of people, some of which had never seen Michael's work before ... very exciting! We also made some great new friends, and look forward to seeing them again very soon - thanks B&H for the fabulous dinner.

We are already looking forward to next year's events ... we might even make the trip out in spring of 2010! See you at the show!!! - Linda

See You At The Charlotte AutoFair

We are going to North Carolina to the Charlotte AutoFair held at the Lowe's Motor Speedway. Back in 1994, for the 30th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang, Michael, Jackie (a good friend of ours) and I made the trip to, what was then called, the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was the biggest show we attended that year and it was very exciting. Enthusiasts from all over the world made the trip. President Bill Clinton even took his Mustang out on the track! You could just feel the energy in the air.

So going back, brings back some really great memories. At the time,  Michael only had two prints available, "Evolution of a Legend", which he painted in tribute to the Mustang for the Anniversary, and "Desert Snakes", the first print in the now sold out, Reflections of Horsepower Series. That series really was the start to Michael's "signature style" - he is known for his incredible use of reflective surfaces. The show also inspired Michael to incorporate the Speedway in "Mach Speed" (shown above). The Limited Edition Prints and in some cases, Artist Proofs with Remarque are sold out, however, Gallery Edition Canvases are available in the series.

Since then, Michael's portfolio has really grown to include all years of the famous pony car as well as a collection of Pontiac, Chev and Mopar paintings. It should be a fun show. And we are really looking forward to visiting North Carolina again ... if memory serves, it's a beautiful state. I think our set up will be located in the Art Display area, which is in the garage with the feature cars. If you're down in that neck of the woods, stop by and see us.

See you at the Speedway! - Linda

Is Bigger Better?

Hard to believe the summer car show season is almost over.  Although we weren't sure we'd be able to do it, in August we made the trip to the Mopar Nationals in Hebron, Ohio - kids in tow! It definitely made for an interesting "juggle." Luckily we had our friend and dealer, Jim McDermott, there to help us keep everything running smoothly. It turned out to be a great show. And, the kids had a fabulous time at the Fort Rapids Waterpark in Columbus.

The show, itself, was a lot of fun. Everyone that made it out seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The weather was perfect, even the forecasted rain managed to stay away. We're looking forward to 2010.

I wanted to post some show photos (we took so many this summer) and was looking through a bunch of them, when I came across this one. Although it was taken at the Mopar Nationals 2008, I just had to show it. It's set just outside of the National Trail Raceway, on the road leading to the main entrance. The images on the billboard are about 7 feet tall. It begs to ask the question, "is bigger, better?"

All I can say is, WOW ....  maybe! There's just something about seeing Michael's art that big and that high up!

It's been a busy summer that seems to have flown by. The kids are getting ready to start back to school next week and we're settling into our fall routines.

There are still a couple of shows coming up in October/November (like SEMA in Las Vegas) before winter hits, hopefully we'll see you there! - Linda

Chrysler Carlisle - What a Blast!

Spending the weekend at All-Chrysler Carlisle, we got to visit with so many collectors of Michael's car art prints, as well as meet new clients (and friends) collecting prints, artist proofs and canvases, that it felt like a great big reunion party! I can't remember the last time we had so many laughs. The 3 day show just flew by. Even the impending dark weather (there was a threat of a tornado at one point) did not dampen spirits. In fact, turns out we were very fortunate, as hail and other bad weather skirted around us.

From past experience (we took over $1100 damage last year at the MCA Show at the Ford Plant in Oakville during a flash downpour), we decided to take down the framed Limited Edition Prints, Gallery Edition Canvases, Artist Proofs and even "display only" prints we had up. And just in time, too ... within minutes of us wrapping them up and loading then in the old Grand Caravan, we were hit with a quick, heavy rain. Lucky for us, no damage at all!

As those of you who attended the show know, we had a great spot this year. With 30 feet of space, we were able to display all four Gallery Edition Canvases in Michael's "Reflections of Mopower Series." The series now consists of two verticals, "Six Pack Salute" and "Opens At Eight," and two horizontals, "B-Movie Night" and the NEW E-body Cuda painting, "Feeding Frenzy" (shown above, behind Michael and one of our clients). We were also able to display one of the last Canvases of the popular "They Came With The Farm" painting.

Michael and I are both looking forward to our next car show trek ... we'll be joining Jim at the Mopar Nationals in Hebron, Ohio. He'll have a 20' booth in the Manufacturers Midway (E18). Michael will be there on and off during the weekend. If you're in the area, stop by and say hi!

I hope that like us, you too, are enjoying the car show season this year! The cars are cool. The parts are plentiful. And the crowds are great! - Linda

Another Car Show Weekend

We're off again, this time to one of the largest Mopar shows in this end of the country, the All-Chrylser Nationals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. This time we are exhibiting Michael's work, as opposed to just having fun! Although I must admit, I generally have fun at a car show .... rain or shine, it's always an adventure. Plus, both Michael and I enjoy meeting our clientele face to face and there's never a shortage of "car stories" to share.

For those of you that came by to see us last year (our first time at the Nationals), please note that we have moved up, so to speak. We are now located at J93-95. It'll be the first time we show Michael's stunning new Cuda painting, "Feeding Frenzy." And stunning it is. Even after all these years (we've been together for almost 2 decades) I am still amazed by his talent and commitment to his craft. He's continually pushing himself to make each piece more challenging than it's predecessors.

What I'm sure will soon be coined the "perfect E-body Cuda painting," the colors in "Feeding Frenzy" are a true tribute to those wild Mopar/Plymouth colors of the 70s. As far as reflections go, well Michael's really outdone himself this time. Check out the chrome tanker truck! Fittingly, this is the 4th painting in his 'Reflections of Mopower Series.' (The series includes: Six Pack Salute, Opens At Eight, B-Movie Night).

If you're in the Carlisle, stop by and see us. In the mean time, here's a quote I came across ... I'd only add "and there's a car show within driving distance!" LOL.  Have a wonderful weekend. - Linda

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.  ~James Dent