“Bette” and Bill Clinton
Art doesn’t have to hang on a wall to be art. It can also roll, rev and rumble as a resplendent collection of motorcycles is proving at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Ark. The Center is presenting “Art of the Chopper,†an exhibition of 30 extraordinary examples of custom motorcycles created by the pre-eminent artists of the genre. The collection, which celebrated its world premiere late last fall at the Center, will be on view until Feb. 8.
The “chopper†is a uniquely American icon, a creation that combines both mechanical engineering expertise and a creative expression of artistry. The motorcycles in the collection, which have such names as “Unicorn from Hell†and “Easyrider,†have been dazzling visitors with their sublimely curving frames, glittering chrome and intricately airbrushed designs.
The exhibit is based on–and inspired by–the best-selling books, “Art of the Chopper,†and “Art of the Chopper II,†by noted photographer Tom Zimberoff. The exhibit also includes an extensive photo gallery of Zimberoff’s black-and-white and color portraits and candid photographs. Through Zimberoff’s photographs of the artists and their choppers, visitors are offered a glimpse of the people who create these functioning works of art.
“The Clinton Library is dedicated to displaying, interpreting and promoting our American heritage,†said Terri Garner, director of the Clinton Library. “From politics to pop culture, we look to weave all aspects of our culture together to provide a complete look at the events, people and places that shape our American experience.â€
The Center is located at 1200 President Clinton Ave. The exhibit is included with admission to the library, which is $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, $3 for children 6–17 and free for children under 6. Hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. on Sunday. Call (501) 374-4242 for details, or visit www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org. One bike on display is “Bette” built by Rick Fairless of Strokers Dallas shown above.
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