Information about Louisville Art Cars

If you're driving down the road in Louisville and see a car covered with action figures, chances are it's not just a comic book fanatic. The driver and car are probably part of the artistic movement and hobby known as Art Cars. There is a growing interest in turning Louisville automobiles into Art Cars.

Art Cars are just what they sound like. Anything goes with art cars, and artists find all types of every day items to transform their vehicles into mobile pieces of art. Some may be painted while others have items attached to them in an artistic arrangement. This isn't just a Louisville automobile movement. It is a national hobby that is gaining popularity.

For the past six years, Louisville has hosted the Kentucky Art Car Weekend. This means that there will be an array of interesting pieces of art from all over the country rolling around on Louisville streets. On Friday, the artists from all over the country will meet with Louisville automobile artists in the 700 block of W. Main street near the Kentucky Museum for Art and Craft, coinciding with the gallery hop that occurs every month. Artists will be able to speak with visitors and sell original works of art. On Saturday morning, a workshop will be given in front of the Museum before a parade ensues, leading the Louisville automobile artists and national artists down Bardstown Road. Thanks to sponsors, meals are free for participating artists, and the art car weekend website states that gas money is offered to visiting artists on a first come, first served basis.

There are many events for art cars all over the country that Louisville automobile artists can visit with their creations. There are also websites and books available to get you started on your own art car, including Wild Wheels by Harrod Blank, which was named best book for young adults in 1993 by the American Library Association . If you'll be transforming a Louisville automobile, you can join the Kentuckiana Art Car Club, to meet with others who have made and drive art cars.

Teachers can ask for an "Art Car Suitcase" that is a traveling bit of curriculum aid that helps teachers to present art cars to their students. Each suitcase includes books, magazines, videos, web resources, and information on art cars and how to make mini art cars.

For more information on the Kentucky Art Cars Weekend or about transforming Louisville automobiles into art cars, you can visit their website at www.kentuckyartcarweekend.com. There is information for the press, directions and a map, merchandise for sale, how to get started, and information on the Kentuckiana Art Car Club

Art cars capture the attention and imagination of viewers, and show that art does not have to be a stationary hobby. If you decide to transform a Louisville automobile, you'll find that your art can really take you places.