Motorcycles and much more!
Joan Dunn

So what is this about motorcycles in a column dedicated to the arts, you may ask yourself. Of course, if you joined the Second Saturday Art Stroll you will have a firm understanding about Art and the Motorcycle which was the basis for the exhibit at the Kalmanson Gallery. Not only an inspiration for art work, the machines themselves can be works of art as seen in those displayed in the Gallery. They are colorful, functional, beautiful, even graceful sculptures made of metal and gleaming chrome. Those who came to see art were presented with a display of art in a different than expected context; those who came to see the motorcycles experienced art that they could relate to.

This exhibit was made possible by support from USRiderNews and Georgia Rural Economic Development Center at East Georgia College. Published in Swainsboro by Sylvia and Scott Cochran, USRiderNews is the largest and most widely distributed all brand public place magazine in the United States. Founded in 2000, the magazine was first known as Dixie Rider Motorcycle. Expanding readership called for the name change in 2005.

Sylvia Cochran persuaded acclaimed motorcycle artists from diverse regions of the country to display work in this amazing exhibit. Graphic artist Cristina Guzman put together a wonderful brochure. Motorcycles on display are on loan from Danny Godfrey, Mike Leathers and the Wheels Through Time Vintage Motorcycle collection in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Gallery Director Neil Kalmanson furnished hard work and enthusiasm. The Young Artists Gallery in the Kalmanson has an exhibit of winning entries by local art students for the USRiderNews contest to promote motorcycle awareness. Art & the Motorcycle remains on view until August 3 with a special closing reception hosted by USRiderNews on July 31 from 5:30-8:30 pm.

But there was more, much more to the July Art Stroll.

Gallery RFD is showing work by several artists exploring Art Movements Past and Present. Atlanta's Kelly Shannon has photographs at 114 West Main. Found and Collected art from the collections of Gallery RFD coo-directors Anthony Faris and Bryan Ghiloni is on view at Brantley's. Melissa Cartaya's exhibit at Jack's Java Cove is titled "Everything Must Go." Sadly for us, this talented local artist has gone to San Francisco. We wish her the best in her new home but we sure will miss her around here. Bobbie Daughtry had work at Fold's Photography. 200 South Main Street became an annex gallery during the stroll with additional motorcycle art.

And there was music! Despite the predicted bad weather, the show went on. With seating under the cover of the Boneyard Pavilion, we were able to stay dry as we experienced the music. The Industry really rocked as they performed mostly original music. It was good to have Rich Clarke and the band back on a stage in Swainsboro.

Two restaurants served food during the event; all the art venues, and the music, the Art Stroll is a very entertaining event--reason enough to be in Swainsboro on the second Saturday of each month and enjoy what we have happening here.--Joan Dunn is an artist, member of the Emanuel Arts Council Board of Directors and President of the Emanuel Artists Guild. She is interested in learning about creative arts efforts throughout the area. Contact her at joan-of-art@nctv.com.

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