Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens 633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 www.polasek.org Exhibit Title: A Florida Exclusive “Life in the Fast Lane: The Art of David DeLong” Exhibit Runs: Tuesday, October 2, 2012 Sunday, April 14, 2013 (WINTER PARK, FL September 13, 2012) “Four wheels move the body. Two wheels move the soul.” ~Author Unknown Craving the wind in your hair? The desire for speed and a little danger is shared by racers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and passion-driven Americans. The Polasek Museum’s newest exhibition, “Life in the Fast Lane: The Art of David DeLong” will put you right into the action. Whether you’re a racer yourself, a fan, or just an art appreciator, you’ll be surprised and inspired by this realistic and honest portrayal of this much beloved sport and machine. So don’t forget to wear your helmet and be prepared for a change in direction. American Realist David DeLong (1930-2001) spent his life pursuing his two great passions: racing motorcycles and creating art. Although the two pastimes are seemingly unrelated, DeLong’s unique perspective allowed him to harmoniously meld them together and show the “insider view” as only a professional racer could. DeLong documented what it’s like to see the sunset at the famous Daytona Track, to witness the tight turns of racers in flight, and watch as a crew lovingly prepares the bikes. DeLong shares these intimate experiences with you, the viewer. The original works on display in the exhibit, Life in the Fast Lane, will include paintings, pen and ink drawings and etchings from the late 1950s to 2001, along with some of the artist’s personal racing memorabilia. The collection is on loan thanks to the generosity of David DeLong’s widow, Harriett DeLong. Visitors will also be treated to an up-close view of DeLong’s motorcycle that he raced in 2001- the stunning “RS 125 Honda,” courtesy of Kevin Iocovozzi. Over the course of five decades, DeLong produced a body of work remarkable for its breadth, variety and dexterity. His classical training from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is evident in his meticulous technical illustrations of parts and bikes. What sets him apart from other realist artists is the delicate and almost reverent depiction of the people watching on the sidelines; the pit crews, spectators, groupies, and other the colorful characters that have evolved into the massive fan base who follow the sport today. His portrayal is honest and full of sincerity because David DeLong considered himself one of them – part of the motorcycle racing culture. David DeLong has had his work featured in solo exhibitions across the country; in Washington D.C, Dallas, Savannah, and in New York City. With the excitement of Daytona’s International Speedway just an a hour away from the Polasek Museum in beautiful Winter Park, the upcoming race season and events act as the perfect backdrop for DeLong’s art; a fitting place to exhibit the artist’s work for the first time in Florida. The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens is proud to bring you this exclusive pleasure. So lose the kick stands, put on your leathers and helmets, twist the throttle and ride to the Polasek Museum to see “Life in the Fast Lane: The Art of David DeLong.”