Art on the Road

Motor vehicles are more than a mere conveyance or a transporter of goods and a way to travel from point A to point B. They can also be a thing of beauty.  

That visual aspect which leads to some cars and trucks becoming classics is highlighted each year by the Marco Island Center for the Arts with its "Cars as Art" show. Held recently at the art center’s campus, the event featured about 50 classic vehicles, some that help to define bygone eras, and others reflect an artistry that points to tomorrow.  

“Cars as Art” is a fundraiser for the organization, held in collaboration with Island Automotive, which organizes the event. The event lives up to its name by placing an emphasis on a vehicle’s artistic merit, which is judged by an invited art professional based on the car, truck or van’s aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship. 

Hyla Crane, the Art Center’s Executive Director, said this year’s installment seemed to be the most popular one yet.  

“We've had so much praise for the show, and all of that goes to our friends at Island Automotive.,” she said. “(Island Automotive owner) Keith Pershing and his team have just done an incredible job. It's a beautiful day, and we are thrilled with the turnout and the support for Marco Island Center for the Arts.” 

The lawn was turned into a display where antiques, such as a 1906 Cadillac Model K, were joined by examples of the heyday of the muscle car and sleek, modern day cars, such as a 2019 Ford GT.  

Mo Bishop was one of the exhibitors. He was there with two cars that he’d restored and customized himself. Both were a 1935 Ford Victoria or, as they were known during that era, a “Vicky.”  

“I just love old cars,” explained the Marco resident, who’s been a car-hobbyist for four decades. Bishop cited several reasons for having taken part in “Cars as Art” for the last five years.  

“Number one, it's a good cause,” he said. “All the money that's collected here goes to the art museum, so it's wonderful for them. It's primarily local cars because of the size of the show. So, most of us know each other, and we just spend time enjoying the car show and the people, and especially the people that come to visit.” 

Chris and Catherine Natalie of New Jersey were among those visitors. The vacationers learned about the show from a flyer at their hotel. He confirmed that he’s a ‘car guy’ as they stood examining a beautiful red ‘59 Vette.  

“I love cars, these in particular,” he said, nodding towards the Corvette. “I'm an old muscle car lover, so this pulls at my heartstrings, especially the old Chevys and Fords. They’re just true old American muscle, you know?” 

Both he and his wife were impressed with the assembled examples of automotive history.  

“There’sdefinitely a wide variety of cars,” said Catherine Natalie. “It’s nice to see the old cars and to also see some of the newer, sportier cars like the McLaren.” 

Keith Pershing described the array of motor vehicles as representations of various eras in American and European history. The motivation for organizing “Cars as Art” each year is two-fold, he said.  

“Primarily, we do it for fun,” explained Pershing. “It's always good to get together with cool cars and great people, but the financial reason is supporting the local arts center here.” 

Where design is concerned, he described the array of motor vehicles as examples of what was popular in automotive architecture over the years. “It's always a beauty contest to make you buy a new car every year,” he added. “So, if you look at the patterns of cars, they represent all kinds of various times in American and European history.” 

Attendees were able to vote on which vehicles they thought were the most impressive, with the top three vote-getters receiving People’s Choice awards. Finishing first this year was Ray Coppola for his 1969 Ford Bronco. John Strobel received second place for his 2019 Ford GT, and third place went to Kevin Mitchell for his 1967 Chevrolet Camaro.  

Judging for best in show, design-wise, this year was handled by artist Garry Wheeler, the arts center’s new board president. Crane said his criteria were not based on automotive excellence, but rather “online balance, color, beauty, emotional impact and what artwork is judged upon.” 

Wheeler’s choice was David Lee Houghton’s for his 1936Auburn Boattail Speedster. 

Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive. For more information, please visit marcoislandart.org/. Island Automotive is located at 801 E. Elkcam Circle. For more information, please visit islandautomotiveinc.com.