art car
Van Gogh never painted cars, but he very well might have were he a living artist today. Still, he’d have some stiff competition topping the talented artists who paint and decorate the art cars visiting Chattanooga from all over the country this weekend for the second annual Scenic City Art Car Weekend.
“Bonnie Blue will be back with her Be-You-ti-Ful ‘Women that Rock’ Car,” said Kate Warren executive director for Art 120. “Visionary artist Charles M. Laster will be cruising in his Inner Galactic Shack-a-llac and kids will enjoy ‘Wilber the Whirlybird,’ a helicopter complete with rotating propeller created from a vintage Isetta by Dave and Irene Major.”
The event-filled weekend could be dubbed ArtCarapalooza and will begin with an Art Car-a-van on Friday. On Saturday morning, the caravan continues with a tailgating party at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, followed by an afternoon parade down Main Street and finishing with the Art Car Ball at Miller Plaza that evening.
“Art car artist Viskar said it best, ‘More smiles per mile’,” Warren said. “Art car events celebrate the creative American spirit. By bringing art into the streets, these mobile masterpieces provide a free public art opportunity for everyone to enjoy.”
The tailgate party begins at 9 a.m. and features free family fun, according to Warren, including the opportunity to meet the creative artists behind the vehicles. Then watch the cars line up and vote for your favorite. The parade begins at noon and travels from 200 W. Main St. to 60 E. Main St.
Catch a glimpse of these mobile canvases as they wind their way through the Southside. After that, be ready to get down with live music provided by Ashley & the X’s, enjoy great food and see the cars light up the night.
All events are free and open to the public. To volunteer and help this event grow for Chattanooga, visit art120.org.