For the 10th year, custom bikes built from the pure passion and love of the machine will be exhibited at the Buffalo Chip in August, free to the public, with legendary custom bike and lifestyle lensman Michael Lichter curating.
“The pure love of art and motorcycles will bring together a stunning collection of masterpieces for the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s 2018 ‘Motorcycles as Art’ exhibit,” says Buffalo Chip supremo Rod Woodruff.
The exhibit will feature the work of over 40 builders and artists who demonstrate incredible passion and have built motorcycles especially for this show. All support themselves by other means, yet they all are building professional-quality custom motorcycles outside of a professional workplace. Each bike will be lit with theater lights and displayed atop an elevated pedestal to better give guests an open view from every angle. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip will host the exhibit in a 7,000 sq. ft. dedicated gallery in its Event Center.
“Michael has once again brought together a group of incredible artists and builders, who all have a real passion for motorcycles. The fact that these people are creating these bikes, mostly in the evenings or at weekends, after a full work week, is amazing. We will clearly see their love for the work.”
The ‘Motorcycles as Art’ exhibition has become more than just a bike show in its 10-year residency at the Buffalo Chip. Industry professionals frequent these one-time collections to examine the new ideas and trends put on display by builders from all walks of life and geographic locations.
“We are looking for the best custom bikes these builders can produce, hopefully the best they have ever built, to show off how diverse the world of custom bike building is,” said exhibit curator Michael Lichter.
“It isn’t just a small handful of professionals who are driving this world and deciding where it is headed, nor has it ever been. Now, through new means of communication, these non-pros have a bigger voice than ever before.”
As a follow up to the 2017 ‘Old Iron – Young Blood’ exhibit, which focused on the work of builders under the age of 35, this exhibit broadens the diversity of the artists to include those passionate about custom building motorcycles even through retirement.
Most of those chosen for the 2018 exhibit must find the energy and passion to work on their projects after returning home from a full-time day job. Some, such as Harley-Davidson Motor Company Vice President of Styling & Design Brad Richards, work in the industry, but must still find personal time to fuel their passion for building.
In addition to the custom bikes and work of individual artists on the walls, the show will also include a display of ten hand-painted helmets, each from a different artist, provided by Biltwell Helmets, an exhibition sponsor.