Utah, with its famed Bonneville Salt Flats, has a special connection to speed, and "Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile," a special exhibit at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, explores that connection with a display of rare and priceless racing automobiles open to the public June 2-Sept. 16, 2012.
The museum has scheduled a variety of programming focusing on speed and auto racing throughout the summer, including "Cars and Conversation With Jay Leno" at Kingsbury Hall July 14. Jay will take the stage with exhibition curator Ken Gross to talk about everything auto, including his car collection and his adventures as a pace car driver.
"Speed, The Art of the Performance Automobile"
June 2-Sept. 16, 2012
Utah Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Utah
410 Campus Center Drive in Salt Lake City
801-581-7332
Tickets $2-$18, UMFA members free
This special exhibit is not included with the Salt Lake Connect Pass
Special Events
- "Cars and Conversation With Jay Leno", Saturday, July 14, 8 p.m. Kingsbury Hall. Tickets $19.95-$59.95
- "Hoods Up" VIP reception with Jay Leno, includes tickets to "Speed" and "Cars and Conversation," Saturday, July 14, 6 p.m. at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets $200.
Workshops and Classes
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Speed! Artistic Auto Class for Kids
Session 1: July 2-6, 12:45-4 p.m. Tuition: $140
Session 2: July 17-20, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuition: $140
801-581-6964Kids will create hands-on projects inspired by the speed machines on display at the UMFA.
Lectures
All lectures are free and take place in the UMFA auditorium.
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"No Limits," Wednesday, June 27, 6 p.m., Janet Biggs
Janet Biggs will discuss her most recent project filmed inside an active volcano in Indonesia, and discuss her interest in remote sites and people who inhabit extreme environments. She will also talk about her video piece, Vanishing Point, which features motorcycle speed record holder Leslie Porterfield, and will be on view in the UMFA's second floor galleries during Speed.
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"Speed: The Art of the Performance Automobile," Sunday, July 15, 1 p.m., Ken Gross
Ken Gross, Speed Guest Curator and Automotive Historian, will take guests through a fascinating tour of the storied racers found in "Speed."
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"Bonneville: The Fastest Place on Earth," Sunday, Aug. 19, 1 p.m., "Landspeed Louise"
Hear riveting tales of the Bonneville Salt Flats as told by famous automotive historian, journalist, and author, "Landspeed Louise" Ann Noeth. Discover the mishaps and victories of those who "shoot the salt" in a quest to add their names to the list of land speed record holders. Landspeed Louise will pay special attention to Ab Jenkins and the "Mormon Meteor III."
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"Rebuilding the Mormon Meteor III," Sunday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m., Roger Brasier
In this lecture, industrial fabricator Roger Brasier will discuss how one of Bonneville's most famous race cars was brought back to life.
Free Film Series
All films are free and take place in the UMFA auditorium. Speed Film Series is co-sponsored by Utah Film Center.
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Le Mans, Wednesday, June 20, 7 p.m.
Steve McQueen stars an American driver at the 24-hour Le Mans Grand Prix who is locked in an intense grudge match with his German counterpart.
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Boys of Bonneville: Racing on a Ribbon of Salt, Wednesday, July 18, 7 p.m.
This film tells the story of an unsung hero and self-made man, David Abbott "Ab" Jenkins, who set out to break every existing land speed record on his beloved Bonneville Salt Flats. Seventy years later, many of "Ab's" records remain unbroken and the legacy lives on in his custom car, the "Mormon Meteor III."
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The Race, Saturday, July 28, 3 p.m.
With no money and only her fiery determination to build a go-kart in time to compete in a championship race, eleven-year-old Mary braves torment from her peers to dream beyond her poor community in Northern Ireland. Recommended for children 8 and older.
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Racing Dreams, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
From go-kart champs, NASCAR winners are bred - or so goes the thinking of the drivers involved in the World Karting Association's National Pavement Series.
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Senna, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.
This fast-paced documentary profiles Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula One racing, and a hero in his native Brazil.
In the Galleries
Free with exhibition admission
"Photo Finish" Exhibit - This group of photographs from the UMFA's collection showcases the diversity of ways artists have depicted and interpreted the automobile.
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"Speed" Audio Stops - Hear engaging stories and histories behind the Speed racers with free audio stops, accessible through your personal cell phone, iPods at the UMFA front desk, or the UMFA's website.
Family Gallery Guide - Kids and parents can have a blast exploring the "Speed" exhibition with a gallery guide created just for them.
Hands-on Exploration - "Speed" visitors of all ages will have a blast in the hands-on exploration gallery, complete with an auto-inspired art activity, a car texture and touch station, and Bonneville book nook.
