Show will open up the world of motorcycles to Austin

If you’re looking for a different kind of art, then get your motors running, because Andy Hull is attempting to give you what you need.

From 2 to 8 p.m. on March 22 at the Old Bank Building, about 15 to 20 motorcycles will be on display for an art show that’s outside the norm. There will be plenty of other things to pique your interest, but it will be the bikes that will be taking center stage at the Build Art Bike Show.

“It’s not like the big outdoor shows,” Hull, who also has a motorcycle-themed podcast — Hold Fast Motors — said. “It’s more like an art show.”

The event is also a fundraiser for the Austin Artworks Center which is hoping to call the Bank Building home. While not required, a $5 donation is asked for at the door.

What sets this show apart from other shows is these bikes are hand-picked by Hull and Jeremy Pedersen, who owns Relic Kustoms, a pinstriping business. Pedersen, along with his brother, Nick, have been a big part in bringing this show together Hull said.

If you’re expecting to come down and see bikes in pristine, shining condition, then you’ll have to open your mind a little more. Bikes of all kind will be on display including vintage bikes and bikes that are still in process of being built or refurbished.

On top of that will be motorcycle-themed art on the walls as well as, if it works out, a projector upstairs that will play motorcycle movies. Also upstairs will be a show featuring minibikes.

The idea stemmed from a show Hull visited recently in Milwaukee, Wis., where the show was held in an old warehouse.

“I loved the way it felt,” Hull said. “It was invite-only and it was only the bikes the guy wanted to be there.”

The idea sat well with Hull who said he’s always wanted to do a show like this.

“It has a shop feel,” Hull said. “You’ll get to be up close and see the bikes, see the people who build them and ride them. It’s a human feeling.”

Hull admitted the whole project had to come together very quickly – about two weeks, and he gives The Austin Area Commission for the Arts executive director Jennie Knoebel credit for helping get this off the ground.

Not that it seemed real hard. Knoebel took to the idea quickly and she thinks people in Austin will as well.

“It’s going to be super cool,” Knoebel said. “It’s all motorcycles that either have been built or have custom paint jobs or custom leather works. It’s a whole new thing for the motorcycle community.

While none of the bikes will be for sale, Knoebel is excited about the future and what this event could hold.

“If the show goes well, we’re looking at doing something even bigger at either the end of summer or fall with it,” Knoebel said. “It’s a good place to build connections if you’re into something like that.”

Aside from the bikes Pedersen himself will have examples of his pinstriping work on display as well.

Ultimately, Hull is hoping to give Austin something new.

“I want to bring people into the show that have never been to something like this before,” he said. “It’s going to be fun either way.”