Ed "Big Daddy" Roth - The Original Rat Fink Exhibit
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is pleased to present the art, cars, and automobilia of legendary Kustom Kulture artist Ed "Big Daddy" Roth in a new exhibit that runs October 28th, 2006, through June 3rd, 2007. The exhibit, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth...The Original Rat Fink, will explore the artistic accomplishments of the Southern California designer who defined a counterculture movement and fueled the hot rod trend of the early 1960s. A childhood icon for the Baby Boomer generation, Roth's revolutionary work has left a lasting impact on millions who grew up building scale models of unique vehicles, drawing his famous monsters, and collecting his revolutionary creations.
Creator of the infamous Rat Fink cartoon character, modeled as the alter-ego of Mickey Mouse and the mascot of the '60s counterculture revolution, Roth was the creative driving force behind an era of alternative art. A slew of other "Roth Monsters" followed suit and were emblazoned on everything from patches and clothing to vehicles, leaving a lasting impression on pop culture.
Various cars and memorabilia will be on display, chronicling the life of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth: Outlaw- Roth's first effort in automotive design; Rotar (flying car), Beatnik Bandit, Mysterion, and more vehicles; various rare and valuable Rat Fink memorabilia; Roth- designed posters, magazines, and flyers; and infamous "Weirdo" T-shirts featuring the Roth Monsters.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax), Los Angeles, CA, 90036.
America On Wheels
America On Wheels, the long-awaited transportation museum in the heart of Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, announced that the final phase of construction for the $17 million project has begun, signaling the pending completion of the project and the first major step in the development of Lehigh Landing and increased public access to the Lehigh River in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The estimated 17-month construction effort began in October 2006 on the foundation of a building designed to draw interest from thousands of visitors as much for its architecture as for the exhibits contained inside. More than 55,000 visitors are expected during the inaugural year.
America On Wheels will be more than just a car collection. Visitors to the 43,000-square-foot building will enjoy interactive exhibits; unique vehicles from the past and present; concept vehicles of the future; a theater; and programs designed to inform and educate visitors about the past and future of over-the-road transportation. "Our museum will tell the story of the development of over-the-road transportation, focusing on three main themes: America's romance with mobility, the development of truck transportation, and racing," said Jack Curcio, President of America On Wheels' Board of Directors.
America On Wheels will also be the official home of the Mack Trucks Historical Collection, with vintage restored vehicles and memorabilia on display illustrating the long history of the world-famous Allentown-based truck maker. The museum will house the official Mack Company archives, an invaluable resource for truck enthusiasts around the world. Another focus of the planned displays is the story of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, America's first superhighway, and the impact it has had on American transportation. Displays will include bicycles, motorcycles, carriages, trucks and automobiles, as well as related memorabilia. The exhibits within the museum will be a balanced mix of highly interactive exhibits and magnificent vehicles. Educational programs for school children will be based on age-appropriate learning activities.
To contribute, buy a brick, volunteer or otherwise provide support for the museum, call 610-432-4200.