2010 Rallies & Events
70th Annual Sturgis Rally Part 4 – Michael Lichter Exhibit
Story and photos by Jack Cofano
An absolutely must see when attending the Sturgis rally is the Motorcycles as Art exhibition put on for the last ten years by world famous motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter. Held at the Legendary Buffalo Chip in the beautiful Lichter Exhibition Hall, this show is free to the public and has free parking at the site.
This year’s compilation was entitled Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind and featured 30 custom motorcycles from top builders from around the country paired up by Lichter to form an interesting display of motorcycle art. The list of custom motorcycle builders who have been paired together include: HYPERLINK “http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/301/5719/Motorcycle-Article/Arlen-Ness-Interview-at-the-V-Twin-Expo.aspx” 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, Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus, James & Dave Kaye, Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McGillroy, HYPERLINK “http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/294/4854/Motorcycle-Article/Custom-Builder-Ron-Finch-and-Captivator.aspx” Ron Finch & Ron Maurer, Ron & Hunter Simms, and Sugarbear & Count’s Kustoms. The interesting pairings had a lot to do with friendships, family ties, as well as the respect many of these builders have for each other.
Although the motorcycles as art were a true form of artistic sculpture and presented in a unique gallery display, I certainly do not want to overshadow the photography as art display of some of the best limited edition prints of photographs that Michael Lichter has taken throughout his career, many making their premier at the show. Lining the walls of the exhibition hall, it is a stroll through time going from one photo to another. You cannot help but admire these incredible photographs that depict the history of the motorcycle lifestyle like nothing else can. Lichter has been curator of this Sturgis exhibit for ten years. His first exhibit, called Biker Generation, featured 54 photos by Lichter and the now historic work of 13 custom bike builders, including Jesse James, who rode his bike into the museum and gallery during the reception. How cool is that?
The Motorcycles as Art exhibit is just one of the highlights of the Sturgis rally that you will hate yourself for if you miss it. There is nothing else like it anywhere. I want to personally thank Michael Lichter for his 30 years of covering the Sturgis rally and for a lifetime of presenting the motorcycle lifestyle as artistically and honestly as no one else has.