The Ace Magazine
MAY 2013 Number 331
MAY 2013 Number 331
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Chuck's Stuff:ArtCenter
Art Center
October can be a fickle month for car shows. The traditional Southern California weather pattern tends to consist of couple of Santa Anas, then the first big rain followed by another Santa Ana. The reason I bring this up is the Art Center Show moved from the hottest time of the year to October last year. As the earth continues with its cooling trend and La Nina re-asserts itself, weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. Typically, La Nina should have caused drought conditions in the South West but last year was an exception. The date of that first big rain becomes a guessing game. Last year’s Art Center show wasn’t so lucky and it was a dampening experience. I’m hoping this time; the show will have fair weather for this is one event that one should not miss.
The Art Center show is one of the more eclectic gatherings as it is not just a car show but a celebration of design. It pulls in many older one-off show cars and motoring icons from owners that may have never thought of bringing them out for a Concours. These cars don’t fall into the regular categories found on most Concours application forms. Last year’s show also saw the unveiling of a new supercar as manufacturers use the event to test the market reaction prior to the upcoming LA Autoshow. Many well known and not so well known car stylists will be in attendance. The campus is open to tours and you might see a drawing or model that will evolve into to next year’s show car. Art Center does more than teach car design, it also teaches all forms of product design and art so don’t be surprised that every wall isn’t covered with studies in auto design. Unfortunately, the parking at the campus is limited so spectators have to be bussed in from the Rose Bowl parking lot. There is an exception for some car clubs as there will be reserved space for their members in the upper parking lot which adds vehicles that can be viewed (Check to see if your club is one of them as passes have to be issued). This unique show is one of highlights of Los Angeles car event calendar and is gaining international acclaim.
Chuck Forward
Editor
