Press Release: Art of the Chopper
William J. Clinton Presidential Center Debuts Exhibit-on-Wheels
‘ Art of the Chopper' Celebrates Craftsmanship and Engineering of an American Classic
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center will unveil its newest exhibit, "Art of the Chopper," Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Clinton Library.
Open to the public through Feb. 8, 2009, the exhibit will feature 30 extraordinary examples of custom motorcycles created by the pre-eminent artists of the genre. This is the first time this collection of hand-crafted motorcycles will be assembled and displayed together.
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 "chopper" is a uniquely American icon, a creation that combines both mechanical engineering expertise and a creative expression of artistry.
"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."
Zimberoff is a world-renowned photographer who is best known for his portrait photography, specifically portraits of musicians and performers. He began his rock ‘n roll photography career touring with The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones. The "Art of the Chopper" exhibit will also include an extensive photo gallery of Zimberoff black-and-white and color portraits and candid photographs. By integrating Zimberoff's photographs of the artists and their choppers, visitors are offered a glimpse of the people who create these functioning, rolling works of art.
"As indigenous to America as jazz, the improvised riffs of custom bike builders have been cross-culturally transformed throughout the world," said Zimberoff. "Their art balances the polarized dynamics of flamboyance and minimalism on two wheels, creating machines that are at once both garish and sublime - implausibly beguiling. What makes them ‘cool' is getting something wrong just right."
"Art of the Chopper" will be displayed throughout the Clinton Library including the Garden View Room and the Changing Exhibit Gallery.
"We are thrilled to host the world premiere of ‘Art of the Chopper,'" said Stephanie Streett, executive director of the William J. Clinton Foundation. "Whether traveling on two, four or 18 wheels, one can appreciate the spirit of adventure and freedom these choppers represent."
Bikes and builders included in this exhibit:
Mike Brown -- Holy Roller
Chica Chikazawa -- Unicorn from Hell
Dave Cook -- Cook Norton
Jerry Covington -- Psychodellic
Vince Doll -- Redneck Vincent, Curves
Christian Dotson -- Swingshot
Rick Fairless -- Coors and Bettie
Ron Finch -- Odin's Axle
Roger Goldammer -- BTR3
Jerry Graves II -- Mad Rat
Gard Hollinger -- II Pazzo
Matt Hotch -- El Guapo Jesse
Jurrens and Mike Prugh -- Penny Wise
Pat Kennedy -- Easyrider
Indian Larry -- Chain of Mystery
Billy Lane -- Money Shot
Arlen Ness -- Untitled
Armondo "Mondo" Porras -- Easyrider, 30th Anniversary
Mike Pugliese -- Knuckle Under
Trevelen Rabanal -- El Peligrosso
Roland Sands -- Moco Grande
Eddie Trotta -- Camel 02
Hank Young -- Flying Pan, Disk Drive
The "Art of the Chopper" exhibit grand opening on Sept. 20 is the centerpiece of the Clinton Presidential Center's First Annual American Classics Festival. Festival details including a non-profit partnership, live music performances, other events and activities will be announced in August.
The "Art of the Chopper" exhibit is included with admission to the Clinton Library.
Admissions:
Adults (18-61)$7
Senior citizens (62+) $5
College students with valid I.D. $5
Retired military $5
Group tours with reservations $5
Children (6-17) $3
Children under 6 Free
Active U.S. Military Free
Hours of operation:
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.
Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 1200 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, Ark. 72201 501.374.4242
