For the artists who gather at the Pinstripe Legends show every year, the smell of enamel and the steady pull of a fine-haired paintbrush represent more than a hobby. For them, this is a livelihood and a culture that preserves and enhances the craft.
Pinstripe Legends is a group dedicated to preserving “pinstriping,” a form of hand-painted line art in an era when decals and digital wraps are becoming increasingly popular. Since its start in 2002, the event has become more of a “family reunion” for pinstripe artists – a place where 60 to 80 artists from across the nation gather to celebrate the craft and prove that the human hand still does it best.
“People have committed their lives to it and have stayed and persevered,” says Pinstripe Legends Board President Lance Knight.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Pinstripe Legends was founded by Ray Drea, Barry Quackenbush and Dave Jeffries back in the early 2000s. ”It was really his [Drea’s] idea and the other two guys really helped him push it and make it go to where it is today,” says Knight.
Drea began his pinstriping career in high school, painting murals on vans for DMC Vans in Brookfield. Eventually, Drea left this role and joined Harley-Davidson, where he designed graphics for the company, rising to the role of chief stylist around 1993.
This year’s event will continue to be held at the Milwaukee World of Wheels Show on Feb 20-22, located at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. The crowd is encouraged to engage with artists and watch as they create art in real time.
“It’s a great time and we’re very proud of that reputation and we try to uphold that in any way we can,” Knight says
The artists’ fine craftsmanship is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation. Since its start in 2002, the event has raised over a million dollars for the foundation, helping to support art therapy programs.
The show honors the artists within the field and the legacy that they carry. In order to preserve this honor, every year an artist is selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
This year, the recipient of this award is Jim Hetzler. Hetzler has spent 50 years as a full-time pinstriper and helps to keep the tradition going.
“We look for artists that are innovative in their style and doing something kind of against the grain,” Knight says.
Hetzler represents both “innovation and perpetuation,” the two pillars the group uses to measure a master. Hetzler is honored not only for his craft and dedication, but also for how he advances it for the next generation of artists.
“This is where the best art is created,” says Knight. “It’s about our family coming together.”
