Every year, thousands of journalists – and hundreds of thousands of attendees – descend on Detroit to cover the North American International Auto Show. So what better time to show off the works of some of the world’s most renowned automotive artists?
That’s the thinking of two Michigan promoters, who are hoping to build on the success of the first ever Detroit Knows Cars exhibit earlier this year.
In an exclusive interview with TheDetroitBureau.com, co-promoter Steve Purdy said the aesthetics of the automobile have always fascinated him. It’s not just about the cars, it’s also about the places and the people you meet there that the car can take you to.
“It’s those three elements – the cars, the places and the people,” Purdy said.
Add to that the art.
Purdy and partner Mark Ducker are hoping to expand the show by obtaining sponsorships and cash prize awards for the artists.
The pair want to up the ante for artists to show by offering cash prizes. They’re envisioning three $5,000 Awards of Excellence, three honorable mentions of $500 each and a People’s Choice Award for $2,000.
Purdy is hoping to line up a trio of judges including a fine artist, an automotive artist and a well-known “car guy.” Hey Tim Allen, Kid Rock or Eminem, any of you guys reading this?
The first show was at the Chase Tower Building in downtown Detroit Jan. 6-28, coinciding with the Detroit auto show. Purdy and Ducker are still scouting potential locations for next year’s show, but one thing is certain: It will be in Detroit, since it is called Detroit Knows Cars. Next year’s show will again coincide with the auto show, which is Jan. 14-27. The show will open with a artists reception and award presentation.
At this year’s show, 12 artists displayed 50 pieces. The show featured eight painters, two sculptors and two photographers. Artists included Tom Hale, Jay Koka, Charlie Maher, Michael Goettner, Jim Haefner, and Alex Buchan, along with Purdy who specializes in photography of classic hood ornaments.
Purdy said that to pull together the kind of show he’s hoping to do next year, he and Ducker needs to line up major sponsors by sometime in July.
Contact Purdy at (517) 881-8564 or stevepurdy3@gmail.com or Ducker at (307) 321-7690 or mark@detroitknowscars.com.
Click here to visit the Detroit Knows Cars website.