WHAT the heck is an ARTCAR?
What is an ARTCAR?
An art car is a vehicle that has had its appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression. Art cars are often driven and owned by their creators, who are sometimes referred to as "Cartists."
When did the ARTCAR phenomenon get started?
Some trace the ARTCAR movement to the hippie-themed VW’s of the late 1960’s, the “low-rider” and decorated school buses. The late 1960’s/early 1970’s counterculture featured many painted VW buses, many times with a peace symbol.Singer Janis Joplin owned a psychedelically-painted Porsche 356. John Lennon had a paisley Rolls Royce. It is likely that the ARTCARS seen today are reminiscent of several influences. Once strongest in Texas and the Southeast, the trend has expanded throughout the United States.
What does an ARTCAR have to do with Folk Art?
As most “Cartists” and enthusiasts are ordinary people with no artistic training and are largely self-taught and self-funded, they operate exactly like folk artists. Many use their ARTCARS as their primary mode of transportation and to transport their art to outdoor festivals and exhibitions. The creation and operation of an ARTCAR is considered its own reward.
Where can I see more ARTCARS?
Keep your eyes open! ARTCARS are everywhere! There is an ARTCAR community, which began to cohere in the 1990s, inspired by movies and books with a wide underground following. This and the development of innovative art display venues such as Burning Man have created a favorable environment for passionate "Cartists". See them particularly at Folk Art exhibitions or look for online postings of ARTCAR happenings on sites such as www.artcarnation.com.
Does the Quinlan have an ARTCAR?
The Quinlan does have its very own ARTCAR! Summer of 2015, Gainesville resident, car enthusiast and all-around great guy Allen McClure came into possession of an interesting vehicle from his friend Ralph Love. Part of the car is a 1973 Pontiac Ventura that following some extensive body damage had a truck bed Frankenstein-ed onto the back end. McClure saw the potential and loaned it to the Quinlan to become art. It was installed for the duration of the HOMEFOLK exhibition AND as an evolving art piece that the students at Summer Art Camp (Folk Art Funky Town) could use for artistic expression. It serves as a temporary art exhibition as well as to raise awareness about the Summer Art Camp program at the center and the HOMEFOLK art exhibition.
An art car is a vehicle that has had its appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression. Art cars are often driven and owned by their creators, who are sometimes referred to as "Cartists."
When did the ARTCAR phenomenon get started?
Some trace the ARTCAR movement to the hippie-themed VW’s of the late 1960’s, the “low-rider” and decorated school buses. The late 1960’s/early 1970’s counterculture featured many painted VW buses, many times with a peace symbol.Singer Janis Joplin owned a psychedelically-painted Porsche 356. John Lennon had a paisley Rolls Royce. It is likely that the ARTCARS seen today are reminiscent of several influences. Once strongest in Texas and the Southeast, the trend has expanded throughout the United States.
What does an ARTCAR have to do with Folk Art?
As most “Cartists” and enthusiasts are ordinary people with no artistic training and are largely self-taught and self-funded, they operate exactly like folk artists. Many use their ARTCARS as their primary mode of transportation and to transport their art to outdoor festivals and exhibitions. The creation and operation of an ARTCAR is considered its own reward.
Where can I see more ARTCARS?
Keep your eyes open! ARTCARS are everywhere! There is an ARTCAR community, which began to cohere in the 1990s, inspired by movies and books with a wide underground following. This and the development of innovative art display venues such as Burning Man have created a favorable environment for passionate "Cartists". See them particularly at Folk Art exhibitions or look for online postings of ARTCAR happenings on sites such as www.artcarnation.com.
Does the Quinlan have an ARTCAR?
The Quinlan does have its very own ARTCAR! Summer of 2015, Gainesville resident, car enthusiast and all-around great guy Allen McClure came into possession of an interesting vehicle from his friend Ralph Love. Part of the car is a 1973 Pontiac Ventura that following some extensive body damage had a truck bed Frankenstein-ed onto the back end. McClure saw the potential and loaned it to the Quinlan to become art. It was installed for the duration of the HOMEFOLK exhibition AND as an evolving art piece that the students at Summer Art Camp (Folk Art Funky Town) could use for artistic expression. It serves as a temporary art exhibition as well as to raise awareness about the Summer Art Camp program at the center and the HOMEFOLK art exhibition.