February 13, 2009

America On Wheels Puts Focus On Automotive Advertising Art

Allentown, PA - Combining a love of classic automobiles with a passion for art, Emmaus artist Molly Troxell will explain how the two are intertwined and embedded in American society during the February Community Program at the America on Wheels Museum (AOW).

Troxell's workshop will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the museum at Front and Hamilton streets in Allentown.

Troxell, an art instructor in the Bethlehem School District, said her workshop will describe the historic relationship between art and automotive advertising from the beginning of the 20th Century through the start of the new millennium.

"I will be stressing the classic hand-illustrated art of the early 20th Century, which allowed artists to stretch their talents and their imagination as they worked to lure customers to the manufacturers," Troxell said.

Troxell, who specializes in water color and professional portrait painting, earned her art degree at Kutztown University and studied in the United Kingdom but she brings the experiences of a lifelong affiliation with the classic automobile industry to her interactive lectures.

"Molly is an experienced presenter who believes in strong interaction with her audience, and we are looking forward to an informative and entertaining session," said AOW Executive Director Linda Merkel.

The elaborate galleries of the AOW feature the vehicles that put our national, literally, on the road to international leadership in automotive transportation. Exhibits range from the latest in personal transportation vehicles, such as scooters and Segways, to the grand Mack Trucks that help feed and supply a growing country. The "Legends of Speed" exhibit, which runs through April, features more than 30 short-track racers, a replication of the famous Allentown garage of Hiram Hillegas and a tribute to the Lehigh Valley's own Mario Andretti with several of the actual cars that Andretti races - including his Indianapolis 500 racers.

AOW also offers hands-on playtime exhibits and learning centers for the children and a souvenir shop for race fans and anyone with an affinity for our automotive legacy.

For More Information:
Linda Merkel - Executive Director
America On Wheels Museum
5 N. Front St. Allentown, PA
(610) 432-4200
director@americaonwheels.org
www.americaonwheels.org