The Luster VIP Opening Gala Momentum Unveiling

“Good evening. I’m Robert Maxhimer, the Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the National Corvette Museum, and I’d like to officially welcome you to Bowling Green’s newest fine art gallery.

As we gather in our Skydome surrounded by this incredible collection of Corvettes, it’s easy to be reminded how America’s Sports Car truly is a work of art.

From the flowing curves of the C3 to the aggressive lines of the C8, Corvettes have often set the standard for automotive elegance and visual excitement for more than 70 years.

It was that history of design that inspired us to bring LUSTER to the National Corvette Museum. What makes LUSTER a unique art exhibition is the use of hyperrealism to portray its subjects. Being a relatively new art movement dating back to 1973, hyperrealism’s approach to art is to accurately capture the subject while embracing the imperfections. Hyperrealism requires discipline, effort and skill, all of which can be seen in abundance through these pieces.

The chrome shines, paint sparkles and polished fenders reflect their surroundings, and, due to the level of skill these artists possess, the line between the paintbrush and reality can easily be blurred.
These paintings capture the beauty of the cars and motorcycles represented, reminding us that art can take many forms.

While I’m excited to pull that stanchion back and have you take-in the artistry of these paintings first hand, I wanted to point out the collection of cars curated to accompany them. Of American Picker’s fame, we have Mike Wolf’s 1941 Indian Scout, and Board Chair-Elect Mike LaRocca’s exquisite 1958 Corvette.

This is an exhibit where the cars and motorcycles are the stars, both on canvas and in real life. On the wall and on wheels. In fact, in some cases, it may be hard to tell the difference.

A successful fine art gallery is a sensual experience, all of your senses should be engaged, and when you walk through the threshold into our completely reimaged Limited Engagement Gallery, prepare to be immersed in a world of hyperrealism.

Highlights of the new space include refinished flooring, movable gallery walls, and directional LED lighting that creates a visual journey when viewing the art and artifacts. The outcome is an elevated space that reflects both the LUSTER exhibit and the direction the National Corvette Museum is taking as we evolve and enhance the guest experience.

As with every exhibit, it takes a team to make this happen, and LUSTER would not be possible without the help of so many. First, I’d like to thank Mike Wolf for his loan of the 1941 Indian Scout, Mike LaRocca for the loan of his 1958 Corvette, our colleagues at the Auburn Cord-Duesenberg Museum for the loan of the Cord 812, and General Motors for the loan of the 1957 Bel Air from the General Motors Heritage Collection.

I also want to recognize those whose support makes exhibits like this possible. To our board of directors, members, and volunteers, we thank you. To our donors including Spire Society, Duntov Society, and our Winner’s Circle Society, we absolutely could not do this work without you. Thank you for your continued and generous support.

To our local partners and our state and community leaders, we appreciate everything you do to make our museum successful. Special thanks DIGNITARIES ATTENDING.

I also want to recognize the team that put in countless hours reimaging our Limited Engagement Gallery. Since 2009, this gallery has featured rotating exhibits that connect with automotive enthusiasts, but never has it looked so incredible. Immense gratitude goes to Kaitlin Valentine who – as an intern – developed the first designs that illustrated what this space could be. And thanks to my Collections team colleagues (Ashlee James, Sharon Kinser and our curator Bryan Gable), along with our Facilities Team, who did much of the work, with special recognition to Jacob Foster for managing the renovation, and building the beautiful interactive table by hand.

Now, to offer a few words on the LUSTER exhibit, please welcome A.D. Cook, whose work is featured in the Exhibit, along with a special piece we will unveil for the first time once we get into the gallery.”

— Robert Maxhimer