Automotive Fine Art Showcased at Famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance; Lincoln Continues Support of Popular Art Exhibit.

Automotive, Lifestyle & Consumer Writers

The most prestigious classic car event in the world will again feature a show and sale of works by the world's premier automotive fine artists. The Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) will hold its 17th annual exhibit during the 52nd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 18, 2002, in Carmel. Automotive enthusiasts and art connoisseurs from around the globe gather at this annual celebration to see the most glamorous, historically significant and beautiful cars ever produced and the spectacular works of art that commemorate them.

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been a significant factor in growing appreciation of automotive-themed works of art. The AFAS exhibit, held on the 18th hole of the famous Pebble Beach golf course, has become popular with celebrities, automotive industry leaders and Concours participants.

The AFAS was established in 1983 by a group of artists acknowledged by critics to be among the best in the world. Members work in mediums including oil, watercolors, acrylics, wood, gouache, pen & ink, clay and metal. AFAS artists participate in select concours events across the country including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and the Newport Coast Concours in Newport Beach, California. Membership in the AFAS is by invitation only, and currently stands at 29 active and emeritus members, including many well-known names in the art world along with pioneers in the specialized field of automotive fine art. Works by AFAS members are in museums, galleries and private collections around the world.

Lincoln, for the eighth year, is the presenting sponsor of the AFAS exhibit at Pebble Beach. "It would not be possible to have this wonderful show without the sponsorship of an enthusiastic patron like Lincoln," explained AFAS President Ken Eberts. "We are pleased to be partnering with Lincoln. This year's exhibit promises to be the most stunning to date."

Each year, awards are bestowed at the AFAS Exhibition to honor the achievements of pioneers in automotive fine art. Brian Kelley, President of Lincoln Mercury, will present the coveted "Lincoln Award" for the artist whose works are judged to best capture the vision of automotive design and passion.

"Lincoln is proud to be a supporter of automotive fine art," said Kelley. "Lincoln has a long and significant heritage so we feel right at home among all this beauty, style and automotive excellence. It's an honor for us to participate with the AFAS artists and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in such a significant way."

The Lincoln Gallery will again be a part of the AFAS exhibition and this year will feature the theme "A Lincoln Love Affair." AFAS artist Bill Neale of Dallas was commissioned to create a painting depicting that theme as the centerpiece of this year's Gallery. This original painting will be given away in a drawing at a private AFAS reception on Saturday night. The theme, and Neale's work, was inspired by two Californians who have each owned their classic 1941 Lincoln Continentals for 50 years. Their Continentals will be on display with the Lincoln Gallery.

Admission to the Automotive Fine Art Society's exhibit and sale is included with the purchase of a ticket to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. For information, call the Concours office at 831/659-0663.