“Entry”
William G. Davidson, grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the original founders of Harley-Davidson, has worked for the motorcycle company for almost 50 years. But he isn’t your typical gear head.
Willie G. oversees the company’s styling department, a 17-person team of artists and designers who are responsible for motorcycle aesthetics. At 78-years-old, Willie G. is an artist at heart. And though he still works full time, he finds ample time to paint. It’s a hobby Willie’s son Bill fondly remembers watching him do for as long as he can remember.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching him perform magic by creating paintings,” says Bill. “It’s so intriguing to see how he starts with white space and starts to develop a scene.”
To coincide with this Friday’s Gallery Night, the Harley-Davidson Museum will unveil Watercolors by Willie G., an exhibit of 40 watercolor paintings and drawings from Willie G.’s private collection. This is the first time this work will be shown to the public.
“Stump”
Bill Davidson currently serves as the VP of the Harley-Davidson Museum and says his father is very excited to show his work. The H-D Museum opened in 2008 and has never done an exhibit like this before. There have been various 3-D exhibits on the grounds, but never inside the museum. Even more significant – the exhibit will be installed in a gallery named after the artist – Willie G.
“The museum attracts people from all walks of life because this iconic, world famous brand is a part of American history,” says Bill. “It’s the ideal setting to display his masterpieces.”
Willie G. received his formal training at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where many designers from auto industry go. But the subject matter in Watercolors by Willie G. goes beyond motorcycles – it shows the rural landscapes of Door County to the Gulf Coast and still-lifes from his time spent exploring the countryside on his motorcycle over the past 50 years.
“When you are on a motorcycle, nature is exaggerated and you are really in tune with it. My dad has been so inspired by that and was able to capture it in his paintings,” says Bill. “My dad would always say: ‘Form follows function, both report to emotion.’ That also says a lot about his watercolor painting.”
The Museum (400 W. Canal St.) will host a talk with Willie G. entitled Untold Stories: Wanderings with Willie G. on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m., where he will discuss his painting, travels and passion for design. The exhibit will run through April 15. For more information on the event, exhibit and ticket prices, click here.
One More Not To Miss
Ninth Annual “Sculptures on Ice” Ice Sculpting Competition
Just because winter has finally arrived doesn’t mean we can’t still have some fun. As part of Winter Gallery Night, on Friday Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., watch local artists and sculptors transform five-foot blocks of ice into creative pieces of art in Catalano Square in the Third Ward. Catch the free Friday night “Gallery Night Xpress” shuttle as it loops from the Third Ward to East Town and back. There is also a second route to the Harley-Davidson museum if you are going to see the Willie G. exhibit. Board the shuttle at 225 E. Chicago St. anytime between 5-9 p.m. on Friday (stops approximately every 15 minutes). Click here for additional information.
