"Eternal Combustion - 30 in the Wind"
Maverick - Aug 13, 2010

Michael Lichter presented his internationally renowned and highly anticipated 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit, at the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip, during the Sturgis Rally.  

Thousands of rally goers visited Michael Lichter’s Art Exhibit, which focused on the explosion of interest and the passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. This year's display posed the question, "How is this passion passed on through time?"

Thirty custom motorcycles recently built by 15 pairs of builders tied together by family, respect, friendship or apprenticeship were on display at the impressive Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

Builder teams highlighted within the show include: Arlen Ness & Paul Yaffe, Carl & Matt Olsen, Dave & Jody Perewitz, Donnie Smith & Brian Klock, Eddie Trotta & Todd Silicato, Kevin Baas & his Kennedy High School Chopper Class, and Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus.  

Donnie Smith's "Lola"

Brian Klock's "Kwik Silver"

Gary Maurer's "No Reservation"

Teams also included: Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McElroy, Ron Finch & Gary Maurer, Sugar Bear & Counts Kustoms, Laura Klock and Athena Ransom as well as recent additions Dave Cook & Warren Heir, Jr. and Paul Wideman and Nichole Grodski.

 

In addition, the 6,500 square foot venue constructed primarily to house Lichter's extraordinary exhibitions, will for the first time, be adorned with Michael's photography.

 

To celebrate his 30th bike week in Sturgis, Lichter will have the largest show of his work ever mounted with over 100 prints on display from his archive of limited edition prints, some being premiered for the first time while others are over 30 years old.

"This exhibition has been a total labor of love for me as they have been for nine years," explains Lichter. "Working with these builders to pair them up, occasionally into a seemingly unlikely pairing at their own request, has been great.  I love this work and I love this industry. Everyone who has came out to see this exhibit will be able to sense the passion felt by all those involved." 

Especially Michael! Behind each print is a story that reflects his passion and quest to create images that motorcyclists can relate to.

Michael explains the stories behind the prints... 

Lichter has been a staple in the motorcycle community for over thirty years, with his name ingrained in the minds and collections of enthusiasts around the world.

This is Lichter's tenth year as curator for the premier Sturgis exhibition. Since 2000, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition has been home to an ever-changing collection of motorcycles, artwork and memorabilia that is nothing like you have ever seen before. By melding art and motorcycles together in a way that bikers can genuinely appreciate, Lichter has been able to repeatedly capture the essence of the motorcycle genre. Both fans and enthusiasts readily look forward to Lichter's annual display as it has been heralded as some of the finest industry collections ever assembled.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff states: "we're so enthusiastic for this year's show. Michael Lichter is truly a gifted artist and photographer and we have been delighted to have his yearly exhibit at the Lichter Exhibition Hall here at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip."

Sponsors for this year's exhibit include Hot Leathers, Interstate Batteries, Progressive Insurance, and Spectro Oil.