The Museum of Florida Art (Deland, FL): museumoffloridaart.com

“Chrome and Leather VI – Art on the Road of Good and Evil”

… a MOTORCYCLE as ART exhibit

Bike Week 2009 begins with an ‘artistic roar’ with the

6th Annual Art of Chrome & Leather VI, featuring

“Art on the Road of Good and Evil … a MOTORCYCLE as ART exhibit” curated by Josh Garrick of Millenia Fine Art in Orlando in association with renowned motorcycle artist, Chris Cruz.

The exhibit supports the Museum of Florida Art’s “Art for Kids” program.

“Myth” by Chris Cruz, owned by Ken Pisano

The Art of Chrome & Leather VI Bash (known as the “Leather and Lace Gala”) will be held Friday, February 27, 2009 from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Museum of Florida Art. This event not only “Opens” the exhibit, but serves as the one time each year when the “art crowd” gets to break out their “creative leather and black tie” and mix it up with the bikers who descend on Central Florida at this time each year.  Not only will attendees be the first to see the exhibit, but the ‘Bash’ will feature art by Perego, including an action mural painting and an organic light show with live models. The Bash will feature live rock music, biker fashion, food and drink in addition to a live auction.  Participants are encouraged to wear their best biker gear.

The Art on the Road of Good and Evil Exhibit, which runs from February 27 through March 22, 2009, will feature visual, interactive, performance and installation art.  Artists will include: Jacob Cordell (work shown at left), Doug Rhodehamel, Clifton Chandler, Bonnie Gillenwater, Perego, Donna Frank, Scharf, Glennis Siverson, Keith Theriot, Liz Kitchens, Lon Pettit, Joanne Mulrain, Ben Ohrman, Rick Abrams, Dan Colonna, David Langley, Andrew White, Barbara Perrotti, Brigan Gresh, Dawn Rosendahl, Cheryl Turner, Tony Blankenship, Toni Taylor, Russ Muller, Roland Pasqual, Robin Maria Pedrero, Kenneth Balser, John Wilton, Winnie Gustafson, Eliz. St. Hilaire Nelson, and Beryl Bayer (list in formation). There will also be a showcase of some of the country’s top bike builders painted by Florida’s airbrush genius Chris Cruz.  Exhibit curator Josh Garrick says, “The extraordinary variety of the works to be shown at the Museum truly respresent our country’s fascination with the ‘life on the road.’  I asked the artists to “have fun with the project” and have included everything from whimsy to that which is deeply personal. With the over-riding idea that this exhibit should be ‘fun to visit,’ viewers (and families) will find a surprise at every turn in the show.”  

That event is followed by a Celebrity Ride on Sunday, March 1 starting at 11 am leaving from Carl’s Speed Shop in Daytona Beach and ending at the Museum with a barbecue bash.  Participating celebrities include Dan Haggerty, known for his role as “Grizzly Adams,” Jessica Rafaalowsky, former Miss Florida, Carl Morrow, a world land-speed record holder (Monster Garage), and Doug Morrow, who continues to race and break land-speed records.  “As an artist, a father, and a supporter of youth programs nationwide, I stand behind the Museum in its promotion of ‘Art For Kids’ through classes, camps and tours,” says Haggerty. “I was very excited to learn about The Art of Chrome & Leather, as it combines my passions for the arts, motorcycles and my support of children’s programs, especially for our underserved and at-risk youth.”

Tickets are available from the Museum of Florida Art.  Bash tickets are $35 per person.  Ride tickets are $15 for general admission, including the post-ride barbecue bash, or $30 for VIP tickets, which allow you to ride up front with the celebrities.  Bundle tickets are available at $50, which includes the Friday evening bash and a Sunday VIP ticket.

Mr. Cruz and Mr. Garrick are available for interview and/or comment.

Since 1951, the DeLand Museum of Art, which is now the Museum of Florida Art, has served as the cultural cornerstone of the City of DeLand and Volusia County.  Dedicated to presenting and educating in the visual arts, the Museum integrates exhibitions, education, and outreach to engage young children, youth, adults, seniors and families in the experience of the visual arts.

The Museum of Florida Art is located in the Cultural Arts Center at 600 North Woodland Blvd. in DeLand, Florida.  Galleries are open Tues. - Sat.10 am-4 pm, Sun 1-4 pm.  Admission is only $3.00.  Children under 12, Museum Members and Sunday’s are Free.  Visit our Website for more information: MuseumofFloridaArt.com

The Museum of Florida Art offers a venue where: creativity is fostered, appreciation of art is nurtured, all people are welcomed. The mission of the Museum of Florida Art is to promote and showcase Florida Art and emerging and established Florida Artists through exhibitions and educational and interpretive programming made available to a diverse statewide audience of all ages; to collect and preserve works of art for this purpose; to publish books and other materials concerning the foregoing; and to make such resources available for the public.

 “Night Light” by Jacob Cordell    

Chrome and Leather Bash (exhibition opening): Friday, February 27, 2009

Josh Garrick is the Florida Arts Editor for Wandering Educators.