Wherever you travel in the world, mention Indianapolis, Indiana and someone will say, "Oh, the 500." And even if a language barrier prevents that

Transcription

1 Wherever you travel in the world, mention Indianapolis, Indiana and someone will say, "Oh, the 500." And even if a language barrier prevents that response, expect a look of recognition and hands posed as if on a steering wheel. That s how completely our city and state is identified with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. Synonymous. And we wouldn t have it any other way. No matter where you live in Indiana, and no matter what you do, there is a drop of racing fuel in your veins. And no matter where you are when you hear "Back Home Again in Indiana, you look up, expecting to see a mass of colorful balloons rise into the blue Speedway sky. So, we took the hint from other cities and their successful street art exhibits. The 500 Festival invited artists from the city, state, region and nation to join us in a visual celebration of racing, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the joy we feel each year when April turns to May. Art In Motion was born. Within these pages, you will see what happened when imagination met the spirit of Indy. When cars streaking past the grandstand transcend sport to become art.

2 Greetings from the Chairman of the 500 Festival Mary Clare Broadbent It began with Spain s painted bulls several years ago. Painted fiberglass cows roamed the windy city, decorated pigs hogged the sidewalks in Cincinnati and colorful cod swam into Boston Harbor. Indianapolis had Art In Motion, a community-wide art project with a little extra horsepower. We were determined to race into the limelight. Was it all about art or was it all about racing? The 500 Festival, the art community and the business community decided it should be both. Art In Motion brought together corporations, organizations and artists from Indiana and the nation to celebrate the month of May in a uniquely Indianapolis way by populating the city with more than 80 painted race cars. For the sponsors, Art In Motion was an excellent way to promote their businesses and their commitment to the community and for artists some famous, some relatively unknown and some very young it was an excellent opportunity to exhibit their talents in a bustling public venue. For race fans young and old, local and from out of town, the "car-ismatic" vehicles offered a unique and memorable experience tied to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. This limited edition keepsake book contains photographs of each car, identifies the artists and sponsors, and provides a brief description of the artists intent, as they took a blank replica of a race car and created their own unique statement. We would like to thank all of our sponsors and artists of all ages who contributed to the success of Art In Motion. We would also like to thank our volunteers, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, committee members, arts organizations, city and state officials for working together to make the project a reality and a big success. For decades, the 500 Festival has helped to make the month of May a time to remember. From the Mini-Marathon to the Mayors Breakfast, Kids Day and Community Day, to the Memorial Service and the Parade, the 500 Festival strives to bring the community together in celebration. We hope Art In Motion made 2003 that much more memorable. We hope this book helps to keep it fresh in the years to come. Mary Clare Broadbent 2003 Chairman, 500 Festival 3

3 Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Whirling streaks of color - Art In Motion since 1909 It s difficult to describe the sensation of watching 33 race cars roar around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) toward the green flag. Thunderous, spine-tingling and heart-stopping only begin to capture what has come to be known as the start of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Then, for 200 laps, the drivers compete for a place in history. 4

4 From the country s largest half marathon at the beginning of the month to the world s largest sporting event at its end, the 31 days of May provide thrills for residents and visitors alike. In May, Indianapolis spiffs itself up, invites the world to its party and puts on an international racing festival like no other. Since 1957, the 500 Festival has united Indiana in celebration of community, tradition and patriotism. If you love car racing or if you wouldn t know a cam shaft from a carburetor, Indiana s celebration of auto racing spills over into events that appeal to everyone. At its heart, the Festival is all about having fun. A mission no less important in 2003 than in 1957 when the first 500 Festival encapsulated the city s spirit in a month of gala events. Fueled with the enthusiasm of an ever-growing band of volunteers, the 500 Festival started with, and still features, a massive parade. High school bands from across the country vie for a place in the line-up. Hollywood celebrities, national heroes, college bands and festive floats and balloons have dazzled and delighted for more than 45 years. Over the years, this not-for-profit civic organization has grown and changed to reflect the interests of the city s residents. Once, there was a golf tournament, a gin rummy tournament, a mechanic s banquet and circus. This year, the Festival s Mini- Marathon began its 27th year with another record breaking field of runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes. The race attracted 25,000 runners, continuing its dominance as the largest half-marathon and the 8th-largest timed road race in the country. As in 1957, the Queen and her court, a Memorial Service, and a Mayors Breakfast honoring chief executives from cities and towns throughout the state, continue to be a part of the month-long activities. Other events include Kids Day, the state s largest children s festival and Community Day, a full day of family fun at the track. And this year we added Art In Motion to our calendar of events which created pride for the art community and entertained the state s residents and visitors. It was indeed a unique touch to May s festivities. Events may change and so may expectations, but one thing is for certain--as long as there is a Memorial Day weekend in Indiana, there will be a 500-mile race. And as long as there is a race, there will be a 500 Festival keeping pace. 9

5 Back Home Again in Indiana Douglas David Sponsored by Goeke Dodge Chrysler Singer Jim Nabors clears his throat and a hush falls over the crowd. It is the singing of Back Home Again in Indiana before the start of each Indy 500 that makes Hoosiers swell up with pride and out-of-towners thrilled they ve made the trip. The first notes waver like tall grass on a clear, Indiana morning. Douglas David brings the lyrical beauty of the song to life and paints a piece of Indiana landscape. Rounding four and into the straightaway, longing for its Indiana home. 10

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