Pinstripers' JamboreeIt started two years ago as a chance for 'stripers from around the country to get together, show off their talents, and raise some money for a good cause. It has grown into a movement. We're talking about the Pinstripers' Jamboree. In 2004, the event drew about 15 artists to the Autorama. Last year, 90 participated. This year, 150 'stripers, sign painters, tattoo artists, and sculptors showed up. Some came with panels and canvases already completed. Hundreds more sheetmetal panels were transformed into art right before the eyes of spectators, who had the chance to bid on their favorite pieces.
All the money raised went to the Rainbow Connection, a Michigan charitable organization that grants wishes for children throughout the state of Michigan who have life-threatening and terminal illnesses.
In addition to the artists who contributed time and talent, the following companies provided support to the Pinstripers' Jamboree: Mack Brush, 1 Shot Sign Paint, Stamp H Factory, Rhino Paint, EC Mich Illinois, Sign Craft magazine, Crain Communications, Painters Supply, General Motors R* Works, TJ Ronan Sign Paint, House of Kolor, Graphic Things by Hancox, Trumm Photo & Imaging, Signs of the Times, X-Caliber, Auto Graphics, Auto Art magazine, Championship Auto Shows, Street Rodder magazine, and Custom Rodder magazine.
The Jamboree drew artists...
The Jamboree drew artists from all over the United States. Shaky, from Port Huron, finished some elaborate panels, and is one of many Michigan 'stripers who spent the weekend painting...
...It was a longer trip for...
...It was a longer trip for Travis Tuki Hess, who came up all the way from Martinsburg, West Virginia, to be part of the Jamboree.
The panels, cans, signs, canvases,...
The panels, cans, signs, canvases, ornaments, hubcaps, lamps, toilet seats, and other handpainted objects of art went up for auction several times during the course of the Autorama weekend. Auctioneer Michael Murray volunteered his time again this year, helping to draw top dollar for each piece.
This is the second Jamboree...
This is the second Jamboree for pinstriper Ty and Andrew Damon. Andrew is 11 and loves to ski using a special ski he received from the Rainbow Connection. He also loves going to the drag strip with his dad, who races a Camaro. Ty helped coordinate the involvement between Rainbow Connection and the Pinstripers' Jamboree
Ed Roth Lives Rod & Custom was proud to present the "Builder of the Year" display. This year's honoree was Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, represented by an impressive collection of 16 of his coolest rods and bikes, some crazy artwork, and a smattering of tribute cars. It was the largest single showing of Roth's customs, and the last time some of these cars will be displayed outside of a museum.
Tweedy Pie, unseen for years,...
Tweedy Pie, unseen for years, is now owned by Larry Tarantolo, had already been built before Roth came along and added his flair to the T-bucket, which is far more of a hot rod than his later fabricated customs.
The Beatnik Bandit may be...
The Beatnik Bandit may be the best known and best loved Roth creation, and his first bubbletop car. It was built in 1960, inspired by a Rod & Custom illustration by Joe Henning, and currently resides at the National Auto Museum in Reno, Nevada.
By 1966, show customs were...
By 1966, show customs were expected to look like things, such as phonebooths or bathtubs. Roth borrowed a fairy tale theme for the Dodge-powered Druid Princess, featured in our January '67 issue and now part of the Bengochea corral.