Stay Tuned Chattanooga, Art Cars Are Coming!
SAVE the Date! On April 14th 2012, Chattanooga's Southside will come alive with this region’s first art car parade. Art 120 is organizing this high profile event as part of the HATCH Arts Festival which celebrates art, innovation, and provides a public venue for students to present their completed art cars alongside professional artists. We have been busy making preparations and will be releasing the full details and registration forms soon.
International High School's entry made from recycled materials was a Houston favorite last year.
What is an art car?
An art car is a vehicle (car, bike, or wheeled contraption) that has had its
appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression. Some of these works of art on wheels incorporate robotics, alternative fuel sources, painting, performance, and recycled materials.
Twenty-five years ago, the Houston parade began with just a few art cars and small crowd. Today, this event has grown into a celebration of art with over 250 art cars from across the country participating and 300,000 spectators coming out to see them.
Art cars and Awareness
This medium literally brings art into the streets. As an uncommon form of art, art cars encourage participation from people of all ages and socio-economic levels. This is especially true for people who have never stepped foot into an art gallery, a theatre center, or museum before. You do not have to be an artist to create an art car either, all you need is desire, a vehicle, and a plan. Many non-profit organizations have created art cars as therapy programs, as educational tools, for fundraising events, and to showcase their public programs.
Reaching out
Providing free access to art at public events connect Chattanooga residents and tourists with our vibrant arts culture while giving students a chance to receive positive recognition for their achievements. Our 2011 students have already this positive reinforcement first-hand while riding in events such as River Rocks, Mainx24, and on display at venues such as the IMAX 3D Movie Theater and The Creative Discovery Museum. This April they will have the opportunity to ride alongside professional artists during Chattanooga’s first art car weekend. This annual celebration as part of the HATCH Arts Festival will be a showstopper to promote artists, downtown businesses, and local organizations.
