Huntington, NY – The Heckscher Museum of Art is pleased to present Car Culture: Art and the Automobile.  On view from April 27 through August 11, 2013, this exhibition explores artistic responses to the automobile in photographs, paintings, and sculptures that examine an aspect of our experience that is usually taken for granted.

In speaking about the exhibition, Lisa Chalif, Museum Curator, said “This exhibition examines the wide-ranging approaches artists have taken in exploring the phenomenon of the car in 20th century culture. Their subjects range from the automobile and oil industries to the roadside environment, accidents, and the junkyard.  Some artists create work from automobile parts or use the car itself as their canvas, as seen in the scale models of the BMW Art Cars painted by artists like Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Sandro Chia, David Hockney, and others.” 

Car Culture: Art and the Automobile explores artistic response to the automobile, which has transformed daily life in the 20th century, irrevocably changing the appearance of our environment and the experience of it. While some artists focus on images of the car itself, inspired by its alluring modernity or its status as an icon or expression of personal identity, others create art work from car parts such as scrap metal and tires. Later artists comment on the automobile’s ubiquitous presence in the landscape, seen in the roadside environment, the phenomenon of the road trip, and ultimately the damage caused to our environment.  

Also opening on April 27 and on view through August 4, 2013, is Scooters, Cranberry Pickers, and “Whirling Dervishes”: Hal B. Fullerton’s Long Island.  Hal B. Fullerton was a self-taught photographer whose works document the picturesque, agrarian charm of Long Island in the early years of the 20th century.

Car Culture Exhibition Related Programs:

Voices & Visions: Howard Kroplick: The Incredible Vanderbilt Cup Races of Long Island

Sunday, April 28 - 10:00 am Bagel Brunch followed by 11:00 am Lecture

 “Chain your dogs and lock up your fowls!” heralded posters throughout Long Island announcing the first international road race ever to be held in America.  From 1904 to 1910, six Vanderbilt Cup Races were held on Long Island. This program will relive auto racing’s earliest triumphs, including the development of the Long Island Motor Parkway—the first road built exclusively for the automobile. Howard Kroplick, Town Historian for North Hempstead, has extensively researched the races and written two books on the subject.  His presentation will feature photos from the private archives of William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., rare race films, and an assortment of “Vanderbilia.”   The 1909 Alco Black Beast, 1909 and 1910 Vanderbilt Cup Race Winner, will be on view throughout this weekend and during the program.  Members $10, Non-Members $15. Registration is recommended.

Voices & Visions: Cars and Art from Three Perspectives

Friday, May 10 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Join three artists—sculptor Jonathan Brand, painter Neill Slaughter, and photographer Joseph Szabo—whose work is included in The Heckscher Museum exhibition Car Culture: Art and the Automobile, as they explore the car as subject, as cultural icon, and as metaphor for the human condition. Artists’ reception with light refreshments will follow the program.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration is recommended.  This is a SPARKBOOM sponsored event.

Road Trip with Patricia Shih

Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Families with children ages 4 - 8 years

Take a road trip through your imagination with national award-winning singer/songwriter Patricia Shih and her rollicking accompanist Stephen Fricker.  To complement the Museum’s Car Culture exhibition, this performance celebrates all things “travel.” Using guitars and bass, sing-along and movement, Shih has everyone driving a car, riding a train and a spaceship, playing musical games, maybe even winning prizes, and much more!  Members $12, Non-Members $15 (Adult and Child)

Each additional Adult or Child $5.

Car pARTS: Still Life Drawing Workshop

Sunday, June 2 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Experience “car themed” still life drawing in the intimate setting of the Museum galleries under the direction of Museum educators. Inspired by the Museum’s Car Culture exhibition, this workshop will enhance your ability to render three-dimensional forms and develop your technical skills. A variety of dry media will be available.  For artists of all ages and abilities. Registration is recommended.  Space is limited.  Members and School District Members Free + $5 material fee, Non-Members Museum Admission + $5 material fee.