Aviation art and history on display at RAM

[ecko_quote source=” Exhibition Curator Danielle Trynoski”]Mike Machat’s art and skills are beautifully showcased and his work provides a platform to discuss technology, engineering, math, history, and the evolution of industries.[/ecko_quote]

Riverside, CA – The Riverside Art Museum is proud to present SUPERSONIC PALETTE: The Art of Flight by Mike Machat, running May 21 – October 5, 2016. This exhibit will feature a diverse collection of art loaned by the artist and private collectors in multiple media, as well as the world premiere of new artwork from the artist. This unique collection will offer visitors the opportunity to view a variety of media all focused on one common theme: the art of taking to the sky in flight, exquisitely rendered by Mike Machat.

Machat is a master of capturing the image of all types of aircraft and his knowledge of the industry is rivaled by few. His career as an artist has included commercial concept art for airplane manufacturers, the recording of historic moments in aviation history, commissions from record-breaking pilots, and more. He extensively researches details by building models and creating multiple scale drawings to ensure that all of the aircraft are faithfully reproduced. He interviews pilots and flies the route in question during the same season and in similar weather conditions to view foliage and ground cover conditions. Several works in the exhibit will be accompanied by a selection of these research materials for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s process.

“This multi-faceted exhibit represents several different themes,” says exhibition curator Danielle Trynoski. “Mike Machat’s art and skills are beautifully showcased and his work provides a platform to discuss technology, engineering, math, history, and the evolution of industries. He documents the evolution of aviation science and accomplishments, which in a way parallels the changing role of technology in the art world. This is a fantastic dialogue to host at the Riverside Art Museum, known for unique exhibits with multiple perspectives.”

Machat’s work is prized by collectors and is included in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Soaring Museum, the U.S. Air Force and NASA Documentary Art Programs, and the National Museum of Naval Aviation. His awards are numerous, but the most recent honor was becoming the first artist to win the Combs Gates Award for Aviation History presented to Machat by the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Additionally, the exhibit will offer exciting opportunities for families, educators, school groups, and special interest groups. RAM will present supplementary activities and material highlighting the history, science, technology, and of course, artistic value of this exhibit. The exhibit will closely correspond with the release of Machat’s upcoming book that discusses aviation history in the United States. Programs will include family art programs, lectures, art workshops, and field trip days with guided exhibit tours.

“The Riverside Art Museum is an ideal location to host the first ever solo show featuring Mike Machat,” says Trynoski. “With Riverside’s deep ties to aviation history, this exhibit really highlights the 100-year old role of Riverside in this industry. Machat is deeply aware of that historical relevance, and the role of aviation in making Riverside into the city that exists today. In addition to enjoying the rich details in Machat’s artwork, I hope that visitors are intrigued and a little surprised about something they see!”

Opening Reception

Please join us and the artist on Friday, May 20, 2016, starting at 6:00 p.m. for the special opening reception of this high-flying exhibition. See fine art and aviation history intersect while you enjoy handcrafted distillery spirits from Stark Spirits, beer from Hangar 24, jazz music, and delectable hors d’oeuvres! The evening includes the unveiling of a new painting, 36”x60”, that captures Riverside’s unique contribution to aviation history, which the artist describes as his best yet. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on two 20-minute flights in Flabob’s open cockpit Marquart Charger biplane and lithographs of “Evening Star” (TWA airliner) and “First Re-Entry” (X-15 rocket plane). Tickets are available at www.riversideartmuseum.org/supersonic for $75/person.

Additional Programming

June 2: Join us during Artswalk, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., free, to ask artist Mike Machat to draw any aircraft that you can think of. Can you “Stump the Artist” who has made a career drawing planes?

June 9: Join Mike Machat for “Painting Aviation’s Legends”, a lecture and book signing. Starts with a no-host Happy Hour at 6 p.m., with the talk beginning at 6:30 p.m. Free with admission or membership.

July 21: Join Mike Machat at the Mission Inn for “Aviation Legacy in Riverside”. 6:30 p.m.

August 4: Join us between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. during Artswalk to show off your mad paper airplane-skills during our “Make It, Fly It, Improve It, Repeat!” paper airplane contest.

August 8 – August 12: Have a child/teen interested in art and aviation? We have a weeklong class called Aviation and Adventure that they are sure to love! Includes a field trip to Flabob Airport, guest speakers, and a meet-and-greet with artist Mike Machat.

September 29: Join Mike Machat, Lisa Tucker, and Miguel Tarango for “Technology and Art: An Inside Look”, No-host Happy Hour, 6 p.m., Talk, 6:30 p.m., free with admission or membership.

The Riverside Art Museum integrates art into the lives of people in a way that engages, inspires, and builds community by providing high quality exhibits and art education programs that instill a lifelong love of the arts. RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 60-plus-year-old, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle and AIA Gold Medal-winning architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. Find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/riversideartmuseum), Twitter (RAMRiverside), Instagram (@riversideartmuseum), and Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/ramarts).

Sponsored by: Johnson Construction Co., Bob Harris & Susan Rothermund, Dutton Motor Company, City of Riverside, Hub International, KH Metals & Supply, Jim Myer, Walter & Betty Parks, Steve & Cathy Morford, Gary & Kathy Christmas, Sam Lemon & Judy Davies, Citizens Business Bank